SPORTZONE27

Kansas State football is clearly making running back a priority in shaping its 2026 transfer class, signaling a commitment to strengthening one of the most critical positions in the Wildcats’ offense. Over the past month, K-State has successfully added three dynamic ball-carriers through the transfer portal, moves that will provide immediate impact and depth to a backfield already led by returning starter Joe Jackson. These additions reflect the program’s proactive approach under its coaching staff, targeting versatile athletes capable of changing the game both on the ground and through the air.

The crown jewel of this recent wave of transfers is Makari Bodiford, a 5-foot-11, 222-pound powerhouse who spent the past two seasons with the Memphis Tigers. Bodiford demonstrated flashes of explosive playmaking ability as a freshman, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries. His standout performance came against Charlotte, where he rumbled for 73 yards and found the end zone, giving a glimpse of the big-play potential he brings to Kansas State. During his sophomore season, Bodiford continued to make his mark, recording 64 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries across four appearances. With three years of eligibility remaining, he is poised to make an immediate contribution while developing into a key offensive weapon for the Wildcats.

Bodiford will join a backfield bolstered by fellow incoming transfers Rodney Fields from Oklahoma State and Jay Harris from Oregon. Fields and Harris bring their own unique strengths and experiences from major Power Five programs, providing K-State with a potent mix of speed, power, and versatility in the running game. Together, these transfers give the Wildcats the depth and playmaking ability needed to keep defenses off balance, while also creating healthy competition that can elevate the performance of every player in the backfield.

Kansas State’s transfer strategy isn’t limited to running backs; the Wildcats have been active across all areas of the roster in building a 2026 class designed for immediate impact. The program has already secured commitments from 27 incoming transfers, including offensive linemen to anchor the trenches, defensive backs to tighten the secondary, and skill-position players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. Some notable additions include offensive linemen Charlie Adams (Cal Poly) and Tyler Johnson (Auburn), defensive end Jayden Bryant (Coastal Carolina), and wide receivers Joshua Manning (Missouri) and Brandon White (Hawaii). Each transfer brings a proven track record at the collegiate level, ensuring that Kansas State is not just filling roster spots, but adding talent capable of elevating the program.

At the same time, the Wildcats have seen a wave of departures, with 31 players moving on to new opportunities. Among those leaving are running backs Dylan Edwards (Kansas) and DeVon Rice (Hawaii), as well as several key contributors at defensive line, wide receiver, and the offensive front. While every roster turnover presents challenges, Kansas State’s coaching staff has approached the transfer portal with precision, targeting players who can seamlessly integrate into their schemes while providing an immediate boost.

The addition of Bodiford, Fields, and Harris positions Kansas State to enter the 2026 season with one of the most talented and versatile backfields in the Big 12. By combining proven experience, depth, and dynamic playmaking ability, the Wildcats are laying the foundation for a potent rushing attack that can complement their passing game and keep opponents on their heels. For fans and analysts alike, the message is clear: Kansas State is not simply replenishing its roster — it is strategically building a team capable of competing at the highest level and making a statement in 2026.

K-State 2026 Transfer Tracker

Incoming (27)

• Charlie Adams, OL, Cal Poly

• Koy Beasley, DB, Miami of Ohio

• Makari Bodiford, RB, Memphis

• Jayden Bryant, DE, Coastal Carolina

• Kamari Burns, DL, Cincinnati

• Dylan Davidson, P, Emporia State

• Chase Duarte, OL, San Diego State

• Jaxson Duffield, LS, Oklahoma State

• Rodney Fields, RB, Oklahoma State

• Wendell Gregory, DE, Oklahoma State

• Robert Hammond, K, Toledo

• Jay Harris, RB, Oregon

• De’Arieun Hicks, DL, Gardner-Webb

• Elijah Hill, DE, Kennesaw State

• Tyler Johnson, OL, Auburn

• Keiton Jones, OL, Missouri

• Adrian Maddox, DB, Georgia

• Joshua Manning, WR, Missouri

• Mekhi Mason, LB, Louisiana Tech

• Tanner Morley, OL, Colorado State

• Delvin Morris, OL, Akron

• Jacobi Oliphant, LB, Oklahoma State

• Kaleb Patterson, DB, Illinois

• Ja’Son Prevard, DB, Virginia

• Austin Ramsey, DT, Kentucky

• Brandon White, WR, Hawaii

• Izaiah Williams, WR, Texas A&M

Outgoing (31)

• Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, DL → SMU

• Callen Barta, WR → Emporia State

• Jayce Brown, WR → LSU

• Teagan Cobb, P → Southeast Missouri State

• Daniel Cobbs, DB → Baylor

• Ryan Davis, DE → Baylor

• Dylan Edwards, RB → Kansas

• Amarion Fortenberry, DB → USF

• Truman Griffith, DE → North Dakota State

• Garrett Harstad, WR

• Hudson Hutcheson, QB

• Will Kemna, OL → Missouri

• Brayden Loftin, TE → UCLA

• Antonio Martin, RB

• Kaedin Massey, OL → James Madison

• Colby McAlister, DE → Baylor

• Andrew Metzger, TE → Ohio

• Qua Moss, DB → Tennessee

• Chiddi Obiazor, DE → Indiana

• Ralph Ortiz, LB → Tennessee Tech

• Tobi Osunsanmi, DE → Indiana

• JB Price, RB

• DeVon Rice, RB → Hawaii

• Maguire Richman, LB → Northwest Missouri State

• Austin Romaine, LB → Texas Tech

• Jayden Rowe, DB → Baylor

• Jacques Spradley-Demps, RB

• Amos Talalele, OL

• Kanijal Thomas, DB → Oklahoma State

• Asher Tomaszewski, DL → South Dakota

• Devin Vass, OL → West Virginia