Former Kansas State center Sam Hecht became the second player with Kansas State football ties to earn a spot with the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ahead of next season, he'll join the same team as another rookie who transferred away from the Wildcats.
Former Wildcats C Sam Hecht hears name called in 2026 NFL Draft
It took five rounds and four other names at his position, but former Kansas State center Sam Hecht is finally off the board. He was the second offensive lineman off the board in the fifth round.
Sam Hecht is the first K-State Wildcat off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 'Cats center is heading to the Carolina Panthers with the 144th pick.
— Jason Kinander (@WIBWJason) April 25, 2026
A classic K-State story. Walk-on turned stud starter heading to the NFL.
In his time at Kansas State, Hecht played in 42 games and started in each of the last 25 between his junior and senior seasons. Hecht has earned a plethora of All-Big 12 Honors, including first and second team mentions and Academic All-Big 12 spots.
Now with the Panthers, Hecht has a chance to do more than just stand out. He'll look to earn a spot on an already-struggling offensive line.
Despite ending the year 5-12 in the regular season, the Panthers offensive line still ranked among the NFL's best behind the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. Their best-ranked player in the trenches, Damien Lewis, was named the 6th best player in the league at his position.
Where Hecht realistically fits Panthers scheme
Like most rookie offensive linemen, Hecht is unlikely to see significant regular-season action right away. A preseason role is realistic, but fourth-round centers rarely step in as day one starters.
Still, his college resume stands out. Those 25 games he started consecutively between 2024 and 2025, they carry weight. That combination of durability, production, and leadership gives him a clear foundation to develop into a starting-caliber player down the line.
Early on, his path runs through backup duties, scout team work, and simply earning reps wherever he finds them. But the bigger picture is clear: if he can handle the mental side of the position and hold up against NFL interior strength, he becomes the kind of player coaches trust more over time than any draft pick number can project.
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