Kansas State’s recent visit has fans excited — the Wildcats are chasing big-time recruits

One of the top defensive linemen in the 2026 class made a stop in Manhattan — and left with an offer in hand.

Valdin Sone, a four-star DL from Dyke, Virginia, and a Top 50 national prospect, announced Sunday that he received a scholarship offer from Kansas State following a visit to campus.

“After a great conversation with @CoachBuddyWyatt, I’m blessed to say I have received an offer from @KStateFB,” Sone posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman is rated .9276 in the 247Sports Composite and ranks No. 6 in Virginia and No. 23 among defensive linemen nationally. He was a Navy All-American Bowl selection and earned First-Team All-State honors last season.

Sone combines rare size with explosive hands and quickness off the ball, making him a disruptive force on the interior and a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

His recruitment reads like a who's who of college football: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, and Florida have all extended offers.

For Kansas State, landing Sone would be a major coup — and a long shot. But the Wildcats are staying aggressive.

Coming off a strong 2024 season, K-State enters the fall with momentum, checking in at No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason rankings and No. 16 according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.

Veterans like linebacker Austin Romaine and safety V.J. Payne anchor the defense, while the staff continues to load up on young talent.

Recent commits include 3-star safety Nick McClellan (MO), athlete Hannibal Carter Navies (GA), 2026 CB Garrick Dixon, and 3-star DT Kingston Hall — one of Oklahoma’s top interior prospects.

Adding a player of Sone’s caliber would take K-State’s recruiting efforts to another level. Even if the odds aren’t in their favor, the Wildcats are putting themselves in the conversation — which could pay off down the road in the age of NIL and the transfer portal.