2025 Kansas State recruiting update: Defensive end

On the Kansas State roster: Jordan Allen (redshirt freshman), Ryan Davis (redshirt freshman), Chiddi Obiazor (redshirt freshman), Travis Bates (sophomore), Donovan Rieman (sophomore), Tobi Osunanmi (sophomore), Cody Stufflebean (senior), Brendan Mott (super senior)
Needs: 2
Relevant K-State targets/commits: Kade Pietrzak, Triston Abram

Kansas State defensive end style preference

Kansas State is undergoing a bit of a shift in defensive end style preference. After having an under-sized position group a year ago, the Wildcats have changed that approach and looked to tack on a bit more size.

K-State is now targeting heavier defensive ends to hold up better in the 3-3-5 scheme. Length is also an extremely important tool for Kansas State defensive ends, but that is true for just about every spot on the field anymore.

Of course, another main trait is the ability to rush the passer. After all, that is one of the main responsibilities.

Roster outlook

It may be the healthiest position group for K-State in 2024, and that can be said without hyperbole. There is a combination of older players with experience and younger players with promise.

Brendan Mott is a returning contributor and one of the eldest. The Iowa native has started 23 games over the last two seasons. He tallied 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, two pass break-ups and two forced fumbles a season ago.

Cody Stufflebean had a bit of a breakout campaign in 2023. The McPherson, Kansas resident almost didn’t come back for another season. He played in all 13 games last year with 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.

Travis Bates has been one of the more talked about players on the Kansas State roster since arriving in Manhattan from Austin Peay. He hit the ground running after transferring in and is expected to be a major contributor for the Wildcats.

In his one season for the Governors, Bates recorded 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two pass break-ups and blocked a kick.

K-State believes they hit three home runs in the 2023 class with Chiddi Obiazor, Ryan Davis and Jordan Allen. All three were highlighted as players standing out in the Spring. It would not be a shock to see at least two of the three play a major role in the fall.

Former linebacker Tobi Osunsanmi is one of the more intriguing players on the roster. He has made the move to the edge. He has a lot of speed and could use it in his new home to get to the passer. Donovan Rieman is in his third season.

Recruiting update

What began as two main targets for Kansas State at the beginning of the month has grown to four. We knew about Kade Pietrzak of West Fargo and Triston Abram from St. Louis. Tacked on were Dalton Knapp of the Dallas area and Abu Tarawallie from Minneapolis.

Abram has already took his official visit to Manhattan. Pietrzak is supposed to be on campus this month, in addition to Nebraska and Wisconsin. Tarawallie is scheduled for June 21 and will also see Michigan State and Minnesota. Knapp visits this weekend.

For Pietrzak, it appears to be a battle between K-State and Nebraska for his services. With Abram, he hasn’t held an offer from the Wildcats for long but is a long-time target. Though he’s already made his official visit, he still wants to see the other schools on his list, such as Indiana and Boston College.

The other two are a little less known. Knapp was just offered by Kansas State at a satellite camp in the Lone Start State. So, for him to already set up a visit and schedule it for the very next weekend, that is a sign he is very serious about the Wildcats and it could come together fast.

In the case of Tarawallie, it seems like K-State is fighting a bit of an uphill battle.

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