Kansas State added a familiar name to its 2026 recruiting class Tuesday night as Lawson McGraw, a two-way athlete from Blue Valley West (Kan.), announced his commitment to the Wildcats.
McGraw, the son of former K-State and NFL safety Jon McGraw, made the news public on social media.
“Beyond blessed to announce my commitment to K-State! Can’t wait to join the family and be a Cat!” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Beyond blessed to announce my commitment to K-State! Can’t wait to join the family and be a Cat! #EMAW @BVWFOOTBALL @spedbraet @KStateFB @KStateRecruits pic.twitter.com/t1pKDUWkN4
— Lawson McGraw (@lawson_mcgraw) June 18, 2025
McGraw brings positional versatility and a Power 5 frame. He has the tools to play either side of the ball, with a long, athletic build and solid closing speed that could make him a fit at linebacker or tight end — or potentially as an edge defender down the line.
BV West OLB @lawson_mcgraw getting reps in with former KU DB coach @CoachCash_DBs this weekend
— Joseph Potts (@TopSpeedLLC) May 19, 2025
Coach Cash has worked with guys like Isaiah Simmons (Packers), Jacob Parrish Bucaneers), Ekow Boye-Doe (Cardinals), Keenan Garber (Vikings) and many more in recent years. pic.twitter.com/ecRxMKjN5L
McGraw, 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, plays outside linebacker and tight end.
He chose K-State over offers from Rice, Air Force, and Arkansas State. He picked up a scholarship offer after a strong showing at a recent K-State camp. He is currently unrated by 247Sports.
As a junior, McGraw recorded 45 tackles, including five for loss, while also contributing 10 receptions and three touchdowns on offense.
He becomes the second in-state commit in Kansas State’s 2026 class, joining Lamarcus Barber (Mill Valley). Overall, McGraw is the 15th commitment in a group that continues to grow under head coach Chris Klieman.
Jon McGraw walked on at Kansas State and played under Bill Snyder from 1997 to 2001. He went on to a 10-year NFL career, spending time with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas State is coming off a strong 2024 season and enters 2025 ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason poll and No. 16 by Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt. Returning defensive leaders Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne headline a unit expected to take another step forward.