The transfer portal has worked wonders for Kansas State football in the past, and it's no exception ahead of the 2026 college football season. With a number of names making exits to other Power Four Programs, the Wildcats made some solid investments in their new roster.
Three best Kansas State football transfers worth the NIL price tag
Kennesaw State transfer and former three-star recruit Elijah Hill tops the list this season for the Wildcats. After just one season in Conference USA, Hill already boasts some impressive accolades.
Kennesaw State star edge Elijah Hill (@2official_e3) has entered the transfer portal with a do not contact tag, @mzenitz and I have learned for @CBSSports.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) January 13, 2026
Hill had 22 tackles, 11.5 TFLs and 9 sacks this season as a true freshman. https://t.co/8Rfk094PHe pic.twitter.com/AOqtqYBzZj
In 14 games, he logged 22 tackles, 11.5 tacklets for loss and nine sacks. Those numbers were enough to earn him All-Conference USA First Team and Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors.
According to his bio, Hill played 299 total defensive snaps and a career-high 2.5 sacks against the UTEP Miners. He also recorded multi-sack games against Merrimack, Jacksonville State and on the road at New Mexico.
Even though he doesn't boast high-major bowl experience or a College Football Playoff appearance, he's someone to watch out for in the first few games ahead of Big 12 conference play. Should he rest of the defensive line shape out, it'll be a dangerous core for the Wildcats.
Adrian Maddox, Safety
Adrian Maddox wasn't a player on many teams' radars when he entered the transfer portal this offseason from the University of Georgia. That said, it doesn't mean he's any less capable of greatness at Kansas State.
Maddox appeared in just four games last season with the Bulldogs, one of which came in the College Football Playoff against Ole Miss. Prior to that, he also played at Alabama Birmingham in 2024 and Alabama State from 2022-23.
Maddox quickly emerged as one of the more productive young defensive backs in the SWAC, totaling 49 tackles and six tackles for loss his senior season with Hornets. He's carried a special level of stamina with him through the ranks, highlighted by a 99-yard touchdown return against Rice in 2024.
Should he see the field early, it's likely Maddox is a quick solution to the Wildcats' loss of VJ Payne to the New York Jets. The only caveat: he has to get reps.
Izaiah Williams, Wide Receiver
Not many players followed first-year head coach Collin Klein to Kansas State from Texas A&M, but redshirt sophomore Izaiah Williams is an exception. Entering his third season of eligibility, he's no strange to Power Four competition.
Kansas State has signed Missouri offensive line transfer Keiton Jones and Texas A&M wide receiver transfer Izaiah Williams, @chris_hummer and I have learned.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 5, 2026
Jones was a Class of 2025 four-star recruit. Williams is also a former four-star recruit. Had seven catches this season. pic.twitter.com/goHSL9U6M3
During the 2025 season with the Aggies, Williams appeared in 12 games, making seven catches for 64 yards. Four of them came against Samford, with three more added against South Carolina.
His tenure also featured both seasons under Klein as an offensive coordinator, a system that Williams is likely already familiar with. Should everything shape up, he's likely on the cusp of a breakout season in the Big 12.
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