Two Kansas State Transfers Reveal a Growing Rivalry Problem in College Sports

The modern landscape of college sports isn't just changing, it's unraveling. In the transfer portal era, even the biggest rivalries aren't immune. Players aren't just leaving, they're crossing into enemy territory.

Dylan Edwards, Abdi Bashir transfer portal moves highlight changing rivalry landscape

A high school commitment doesn't carry the same weight it once did. What started as a four-year investment with a full-ride scholarship is now fluid, with some athletes jumping ship after just one season.

Before the NIL era reshaped the sport, there was a clear sense of identity. Players, programs and passionate fanbases were connected by more than just money. Now, retention looks more like overhaul as rosters nearly reset after every season.

The Dillons Sunflower Showdown isn't immune to that shift, either. Following the 2025 college football season, Kansas State fans experienced it firsthand when former Wildcats running back Dylan Edwards entered the transfer portal, and ended up with the Kansas Jayhawks.

News of his intent was first reported by On3, and later speculation showed early interest from the Kansas Jayhawks. Following a not-so-storybook ending to the season, Edwards took an official visit to Kansas, and announced his transfer decision in mid-January.

And Edwards wasn't the only one. Former Wildcats guard Abdi Bashir Jr. has also been in contact with Kansas, meeting with the Jayhawks over Zoom while continuing to explore his options. Nothing is finalized, but even the possibility shows right where things stand.

Other factors influencing transfers

In Bashir's case, there's more than meets the eye. It's not a matter of considering a rival school, but rather part of a domino effect following Kansas State's decision to part ways with former head coach Jerome Tang. Coaching turnovers, NIL opportunities and roster uncertainty all factor into these decisions, and they're becoming more common by the season.

With Tang now gone, you wouldn't expect many of his recruits, if any to stick around. That might have been the case for one player, but not Bashir. When coaching changes happen, they bring a whole new wave of commitments, recruits, staff hires, etc. When that happens, it's a culture shift.

And recruiting from other schools, it's just part of the process. The Jayhawks aren't the only school Bashir has met with, either. Later reports also indicated that he met in a similar capacity with NC State, likely just exploring other opportunities.

The shifting feel of NCAA rivalry contests

Fifteen to twenty years ago, switching sides in any rivalry, let alone the Sunflower Showdown was unthinkable. Programs were defined by identity, not just the brand. Now, it's not just possible but part of the normal cycle of college rivalries.

It's a shift that doesn't just change the tone, but also the meaning. There's still an edge, and fans will continue leaning one way or the other, but in a different capacity. Instead of a game rooted in hatred for the other side, it's about the short-term benefits.

And for programs like Kansas State, where longevity and continuity have been central to the identity, it's a reality that hits different. The rivalry still matters. It just doesn't look the same.

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