Spring football practices have concluded at Kansas State, signaling the time for Chris Klieman to have tough discussions with certain players as he makes his first roster cuts as head coach of the Wildcats. Next season, college football rosters are expected to be limited to 105 players, assuming the House vs. NCAA settlement is approved and the revenue-sharing era begins.
This presents a challenge for a program like K-State, which has a strong tradition of walk-on success. While the Wildcats have previously been restricted to 85 scholarship players, they’ve often welcomed dozens of additional student-athletes to contribute in various ways behind the scenes, with some of these unsung contributors eventually becoming standout players.
Entering the spring, K-State’s roster had nearly 125 players. With that in mind, Klieman acknowledged that the April practices would serve as a kind of tryout for those on the bubble. However, he expressed reluctance at the prospect of making cuts. “I’m not in favor of this at all,” Klieman said earlier this month. “We have a lot of kids who want to be in the program but won’t be able to stay.” Now, the Wildcats are facing the reality of parting ways with nearly two dozen players. The process has been emotional.
“It’s a tragedy,” said K-State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman on Wednesday. “It’s terrible and awful to tell these kids, especially those who truly want to be here, that they can’t be part of the program. Kansas State is a place where players want to be; it’s not just a stop along the way. It’s unique in that way. To tell a kid who wants to be part of our development — mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually — that they can’t be here is awful. Coach Klieman has had some very difficult meetings in recent days. He would probably say this is one of the lowest points of his career.”
Some players affected by the roster limits have publicly entered the transfer portal to find new opportunities. There is still a possibility that some of these players could be allowed to return to Manhattan. In an unexpected development, the judge overseeing the House vs. NCAA settlement stated on Wednesday afternoon that she would not approve the settlement unless the roster limit policy is adjusted. She proposed “grandfathering in” current athletes and allowing teams to gradually reduce their rosters to 105.
It remains uncertain how the NCAA will respond to this request. For now, here’s a look at the K-State football players who have entered the transfer portal this month. Some are scholarship players seeking other opportunities, while others were informed they were being cut.
