Five things: Value of new Kansas State cornerback Jordan Dunbar

1.) A late move in the transfer portal cycle saw Kansas State land Rice transfer cornerback Jordan Dunbar. He was originally an Ohio commit that also saw hot pursuits from Marshall and Western Kentucky. So, he didn’t have much Power Four attention after hitting transfer portal following a year where he didn’t play for the Owls. He received a late call from K-State and was convinced to visit Manhattan. He passed the test, got the opportunity and quickly picked the Wildcats.

2.) Why did he not play last season? I’m told it was not due to injury. Dunbar and the coaching staff at Rice did not get on the same page and a disconnect grew so much that it resulted in him not seeing snaps and choosing to exit the program. Kansas State was aware of it and had conversations with plenty before accepting him, and he has told folks that he admittedly didn’t handle the situation well and is learning from that experience.

3.) It is a move that made sense for K-State. They had just two or three spots remaining, at most, and the pool of talent had dried up to this point for the most part. Why not take a lottery pick on a proven commodity, even if it was a couple of seasons ago? It gives the Wildcats some added depth at a position that probably needed a little more of it, especially since Kanijal Thomas has been unavailable for much of the offseason. Tyler Nelome and Darell Jones have yet to see the field and Donovan McIntosh is still very young, too. Dunbar could give them a fourth/fifth cornerback that can be counted on this year once it gets past Keenan Garber, Jacob Parrish and Justice James.

4.) I understand that it was two seasons ago, but Dunbar was an All-Conference USA selection. Yes, Rice is now in the AAC but they were a member of Conference USA at the time of his honor. He had 25 tackles and pass deflections that season. Dunbar had 29 tackles and seven pass deflections the prior year. Interestingly enough, he has never recorded an interception.

5.) What can we expect of Dunbar at Kansas State? I’ve seen some toss around the idea of him being a starter. I’m not sure I’d go that far. I imagine there will be a bit of an acclimation period. He didn’t play last season and wasn’t around for spring ball. That’s no small thing, plus Garber and Parrish can play. I think he’s a key reserve, just like James, but can compete for a starting spot in 2025 as he does have two years of eligibility remaining.

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