Sudden shake-up: K-State’s strength coach bolts for USC

Kansas State didn’t waste time filling a key position on its football staff.

The Wildcats promoted associate strength and conditioning coach Ray Thomas to lead the program after Trumain Carroll left to take the same role at USC, the school announced Wednesday.

New title, same mission ⚒️@CoachRayThomas promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning pic.twitter.com/3PZo5qsqLc
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) May 7, 2025

“We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” head coach Chris Klieman said in a statement. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit seamlessly with our team as we move into summer workouts and prepare for the season.”

Carroll spent five years in Manhattan, helping build a foundation of toughness that fueled the Wildcats’ recent success. During his tenure, K-State went 36–17, won three bowl games and captured a Big 12 title in 2022. Before arriving at Kansas State, Carroll had stops at South Florida and Arkansas.

Thomas has served on the Wildcats' strength staff for the past four seasons and was promoted to associate head in 2023. His résumé includes prior stints at Colorado State, Arkansas, and South Florida.

“I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity this new role presents,” Thomas told KStateSports.com. “I look forward to continuing to lead these young men with Coach Klieman’s vision. It’s time to get to work.”

Kansas State finished 9–4 in 2024, including a 5–4 mark in Big 12 play. The Wildcats capped their season with a 44–41 win over Rutgers in the Dec. 26 bowl game.