Kansas State’s football program received a boost this week as head coach Collin Klein announced the addition of Laron Baker, a 5‑foot‑11, 170‑pound wide receiver from East St. Louis, Illinois, to the Wildcats’ inaugural 2027 recruiting class.
Baker, a three‑star prospect, chose K‑State over a slate of offers that included Cincinnati, Missouri, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, among others, after a recruiting visit to Manhattan that left a strong impression of the campus and coaching staff.
A Commitment That Signals Momentum
The pledge brings the Wildcats’ 2027 class to 25 commitments and positions the group among the top 30 nationally according to recruiting services, underscoring the program’s growing influence in a competitive landscape.
Baker’s speed and route‑running ability are expected to add depth to the offense when he arrives on campus in 2027, giving the Wildcats a versatile weapon as they look to rebuild around a young core.
Coach Klein highlighted the recruit’s work ethic and football IQ, noting that Baker’s decision reflects the staff’s ability to compete with traditional powerhouses and to attract talent from the Midwest’s talent‑rich corridors.
The commitment also reverberates beyond the field, reinforcing Kansas State’s brand as a program that values development and community, a narrative that resonates with fans and alumni eager for a resurgence in the Big 12.