Hadley Panzer is one of the few college football players who knows exactly what his future holds. The transfer portal and NFL Draft are not on his radar now that his successful four-year tenure with the Kansas State Wildcats has ended.
He has another career path in mind. “I’m going home to farm,” Panzer said after helping K-State secure a 44-41 victory over Rutgers at the Rate Bowl in Phoenix.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 310 pounds, Panzer hails from Lakin, a small town in western Kansas with just over 2,200 residents. He became a key player on K-State’s offensive line from the moment he arrived on campus. As a freshman, he appeared in nine games and helped the Wildcats reach a bowl game.
He then earned a starting role as a sophomore and never looked back. The Rate Bowl marked his 39th consecutive start on the interior of K-State’s offensive line. Throughout his career, he played a significant role in the 2022 team that won a Big 12 championship and the 2023/2024 teams that both finished with nine wins.
His college football career ended on a high note as he helped lead an offense that scored 44 points and totaled 542 yards in a thrilling comeback win over the Scarlet Knights. It was such a memorable game that he’s content to call it his final one.
“I’m hanging the cleats up and walking out with a win,” Panzer said. “I’m proud of my career and what I’ve accomplished. I’m thankful for the K-State fans, coaches, and everyone. But I’m at peace with it.
I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. This is home, and it will always be home.” Panzer has petitioned the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility, but the request is considered a long shot.
He has played in at least nine games every season without injury, leaving little reason for the NCAA to grant him more time. Panzer understands that the likelihood of another year at K-State is slim, so he is prepared to move on from football and pursue a career outside of sports.
