The Kansas State Wildcats’ football program saw both encouraging and challenging developments on the transfer front Friday, highlighting the fluid nature of college football rosters in the modern era.
A Sophomore Defensive Back Chooses to Stay
In a major boost for new head coach Collin Klein and his staff, Donovan McIntosh, a 6-foot-3, 194-pound sophomore defensive back from St. Louis, has decided to remain at Kansas State after initially entering the transfer portal earlier this month. McIntosh, who had explored opportunities elsewhere, announced that he would “stay home” to continue his career with the Wildcats.
The decision comes after K-State finalized the hiring of Jordan Peterson as the team’s defensive coordinator, a move McIntosh indicated played a role in his choice to remain in Manhattan. McIntosh’s decision is expected to strengthen the Wildcats’ secondary, as he brings both experience and talent to a unit that will be adapting to a new defensive scheme under Peterson. Last season, McIntosh made 33 tackles and recorded one interception, demonstrating his ability to make an impact on the field.
Departures Continue for K-State
On the other side of the transfer ledger, Kansas State will see the departure of several players, including defensive end Chiddi Obiazor. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman announced through his agents that he intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2. Obiazor contributed 28 tackles, including two sacks, in the 2025 season and was a key figure on the Wildcats’ defensive front.
Obiazor will join defensive lineman Malcom Alcorn-Crowder, who recently confirmed his own plans to transfer, leaving K-State’s defensive line with notable gaps. Additionally, defensive back Daniel Cobbs, who made 39 tackles last season, also plans to transfer. In total, nearly 20 Wildcats have entered the transfer portal in the past month, reflecting a period of significant roster turnover for the program.
Impact on the Team
The combination of McIntosh’s decision to stay and the multiple departures presents both opportunities and challenges for K-State. Retaining McIntosh ensures continuity in the secondary and provides a leadership presence for younger defensive backs, while the loss of players like Obiazor and Alcorn-Crowder highlights the need for depth and potential adjustments in recruiting and player development.
Recent Wildcats Transfers:
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Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder (Defensive Line)
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Callen Barta (Wide Receiver)
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Jayce Brown (Wide Receiver)
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Teagan Cobb (Defensive End)
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Daniel Cobbs (Defensive Back)
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Ryan Davis (Defensive End)
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Dylan Edwards (Running Back)
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Amarion Fortenberry (Defensive Back)
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Truman Griffith (Defensive End)
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Bryden Loftin (Tight End)
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Colby McAlister (Defensive End)
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Andrew Metzger (Tight End)
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Qua Moss (Defensive Back)
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Chiddi Obiazor (Defensive End)
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Ralph Ortiz (Linebacker)
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Tobi Osunsanmi (Defensive End)
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JB Price (Running Back)
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Austin Romaine (Linebacker)
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Jacques Spradley-Demps (Running Back)
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Kanijal Thomas (Defensive Back)
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Devin Vass (Offensive Line)
Looking Ahead
With new coaching staff in place and several roster spots opening due to transfers, Kansas State will face an important offseason in terms of player development, recruiting, and integrating transfers. The Wildcats’ ability to retain key contributors like McIntosh while managing departures will play a crucial role in the team’s competitiveness in the Big 12 during the 2026 season.
K-State fans can take some solace in McIntosh’s decision to stay, which signals confidence in the program’s direction and the new coaching staff, even as the team navigates a changing roster landscape.
