The Kansas State football team will be welcoming a new strength and conditioning coach next season. Trumain Carroll, who has earned great respect for his work and helped the Wildcats win 36 games over the past four years, is leaving head coach Chris Klieman’s staff to take on a similar role with the USC Trojans.
Carroll, hired ahead of the 2021 season, was tasked with making the Wildcats stronger, faster, and more physical—and he succeeded in that mission. His contributions were pivotal in K-State’s turnaround after a tough 2020 season, as the team made four straight bowl appearances and won a Big 12 championship under his guidance. Carroll’s departure leaves a significant void, as players consistently spoke highly of his impact in the weight room. Prior to his time at K-State, Carroll worked at Oklahoma State, SMU, and USF.
However, Klieman already has a replacement lined up. Ray Thomas, who has worked alongside Carroll on K-State’s strength and conditioning staff for the past four years, will step up as the new director of strength and conditioning. “We are pleased to elevate Ray to lead our strength and conditioning program,” Klieman stated. “Our players and coaches have the utmost respect for him, and his style and leadership will fit in seamlessly as we move into the summer training months and the season.”
Thomas’ promotion comes after his significant contributions to the Wildcats’ success. This offseason, he helped the team collectively gain 700 pounds of muscle, and several players—like Dylan Edwards, Avery Johnson, Donovan McIntosh, and VJ Payne—topped speeds of 23 mph in practice. Thomas joined K-State as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2021 and was elevated to associate coach before the 2023 season.
His prior experience includes stints at Colorado State, Arkansas, and USF. Expressing his gratitude, Thomas said, “I am blessed and thankful for the opportunity this new role presents. I look forward to helping continue to lead these young men with Coach Klieman’s vision in mind. It’s time to get to work and begin preparations for summer workouts and the 2025 season.”
