Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night, extending the Wildcats' streak of five consecutive years with at least one player drafted.
Parrish, a native of Olathe, Kansas, showcased his blazing speed at the NFL Combine with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, marking the fourth-fastest time among cornerbacks this year. His performance helped elevate his draft stock after a strong finish to the 2023 season.
A dynamic and versatile defensive back, Parrish earned 2024 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors after starting all 12 games for Kansas State last season. The junior finished with 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and eight passes defended, solidifying his reputation as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference.
With the 84th pick in the 2025 @NFL Draft, the @Buccaneers select Jacob Parrish from @KStateFB pic.twitter.com/bxdgAnCrde
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) April 26, 2025
According to ESPN’s post-draft analysis, the Buccaneers ranked 26th in the NFL in interceptions last season, despite seeing the second-most passing attempts. Parrish, who totaled four interceptions in 2023, could help improve Tampa Bay's secondary, as noted by ESPN's Steve Muench.
"Parrish runs with receivers in press, recovers well when out of position, and has the ability to close quickly on the ball," Muench said in his pre-draft evaluation. "His speed allows him to change direction and mirror receivers as they break in and out of routes. He’s capable of handling both outside coverage and slot duties, making him a versatile piece for the Bucs."
An ESPN mock draft had pegged Parrish as the first Wildcat to be taken, projecting him to go 87th overall to the Green Bay Packers. Instead, Parrish became the first Kansas State player selected in the 2025 draft, going 84th overall to Tampa Bay.
Kansas State’s draft streak dates back to 2021 when defensive end Wyatt Hubert was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, marking the start of head coach Chris Klieman’s tenure. Since then, 11 Wildcats have been drafted, with at least one player selected every year.
Looking ahead, running back D.J. Giddens and safety Marques Sigle are among the top Kansas State prospects expected still to be drafted this year.
Kansas State finished the 2024 season with a 9–4 record, including a 5–4 mark in Big 12 play, and capped the year with a 44–41 win over Rutgers in the bowl game.
The Wildcats are set to open the 2025 season against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
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