Kansas State had a season filled with both notable successes and disappointing moments, as they were expected to perform better in 2024. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Klieman and first-year full-time starter Avery Johnson, the Wildcats concluded the season with a 9-4 record, capped off by a victory in the Rate Bowl against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Now that the season is over and Klieman and his team look ahead to the 2025 season, players not returning and focusing on their NFL dreams are preparing for the next phase of their careers.
This week, invitations for the NFL Combine were sent out, and three Kansas State Wildcats received invites to this prestigious event.
What is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine is a four-day, invitation-only event that highlights the top draft-eligible college football players from across the country. It takes place annually at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 27 to March 2 this year.
Not every draft-eligible player attends the NFL Combine, as only about 300 players are invited each year. The NFL’s Player Selection Committee, composed of personnel from NFL teams, evaluates players and votes on whether they should receive an invitation. Players who garner enough votes are invited to showcase their skills at the Combine.
The Kansas State players invited to the 2025 NFL Combine are:
- DJ Giddens (Running Back)
- Jacob Parrish (Defensive Back)
- Marques Sigle (Defensive Back)
In addition to testing football abilities, the Combine also evaluates players’ mental strength and medical status.
Which Kansas State Wildcats Received an Invitation for the 2025 NFL Combine?
The three Kansas State Wildcats invited to the 2025 NFL Combine are running back DJ Giddens, defensive back Jacob Parrish, and defensive back Marques Sigle.
Giddens was a standout for Kansas State this season, leading the backfield in what could be considered a shared role with Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards. Despite not being the biggest running back, Giddens ranks highly in a deep running back class after an impressive season, rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He also contributed in the passing game, with 258 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
Both Parrish and Sigle were key contributors to Kansas State’s secondary and leave significant gaps for Klieman to address. Sigle, following a strong 2023 season, saw a slight dip in his numbers this year but still recorded 60 tackles, three passes defended, and three interceptions.
Parrish had his best season as a junior, with 50 tackles, seven passes defended, and one interception. He had four interceptions in 2023 and even registered half a sack. Both Parrish and Sigle are likely to be selected in the later rounds of the draft but could make an impact on any team they join.
