A Revamped Front Seven
Kansas State football is entering the 2026 season with a completely revamped defensive line, a direct result of graduations and transfer portal departures that left the unit depleted.
The interior of the line remains the biggest question mark, as newcomers like Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill are expected to anchor the unit and inject fresh pass‑rush energy.
Gregory, a transfer from Oklahoma State, arrives as the program’s most highly touted offseason addition, having earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors after a 2025 campaign that included 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks and 32 pressures.
Elijah Hill, who led college football freshmen in sacks last season with nine, brings a 21.4% win rate against blockers and was second among edge rushers his age in pass‑rush productivity, though his versatility across multiple positions will be tested.
Returning pieces such as Travis Bates and Kamari Burns provide continuity and leadership, with Burns earning the second‑best PFF pass‑rush grade among interior linemen on the roster.
Depth options including Austin Ramsey, De’Arieun Hicks, Holden Bass, Eli Jackson, Kingston Hall and Carnell Jackson Jr. add further competition, aiming to shore up a run defense that allowed 163.8 yards per game last year and ranked tenth in the Big 12.
The revamped front seven will be pivotal as the Wildcats look to improve their defensive identity and contend more effectively within the Big 12 conference in 2026.