The stakes are high for Kansas State this Monday, when 6-foot-7 forward Jalen Montonati, a Top-25 recruit, arrives for his first official visit. It’s a visit that could define the Wildcats’ next path forward.
Head Coach Jerome Tang and the Kansas State staff are working hard to build momentum in the 2026 recruiting class, and landing Montonati would be a major boost.
Montonati, who plays at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, is ranked No. 1 in his state and No. 22 nationally in the 247Sports Composite. The Wildcats offered him a scholarship back in March 2023.
2026 Top-25 recruit Jalen Montonati will begin an official visit to Kansas State on Monday, he tells @On3Recruits.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 28, 2025
It’ll be the 6-7 small forward’s first official visit. https://t.co/YwdJlWQKMM pic.twitter.com/vz38H4K0LA
“I’ll look at the fit, but, I want to go into a really good culture and to a program that has really good development. A place that can get me ready for the NBA. I want to play with a bunch of guys who like playing with each other, and a good locker room," Montonati told the recruiting website On3. "Those are the key things, a family-atmosphere on the court and in the locker room are really the big things.”
Known for his smooth shooting stroke, high IQ and two-way versatility, the rising junior has drawn major interest from major Power 4 programs.
Montonati told On3 he’s added seven pounds since the end of his high school season and has focused on improving his ball-handling and playmaking over the past six months.
Jalen Montonati put on a show at EYBL Session 3 in Kansas City, showcasing his elite shotmaking and poise. Mokan remains undefeated as one of the top teams on the circuit. #RevoReels pic.twitter.com/fbhaeBPmls
— Revocruit (@Revocruit) May 26, 2025
In addition to Kansas State, he holds offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, and Texas, among others.
The Wildcats are entering a rebuilding year after back-to-back seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance.
They return only three scholarship players — point guard David Castillo and forwards Mobi Ikegwuruka and Taj Manning — and added key transfers like MAC Player of the Year Nate Johnson from Akron and Memphis standout and second team All-American PJ Haggerty.
Kansas State finished last season 16–17 overall and 9–11 in Big 12 play, tied for ninth place.
As Montonati takes his first official visit, Kansas State hopes it’s the start of a recruiting momentum that carries them back to prominence.