As the recruiting calendar inches forward and most programs navigate the quiet of a dead period, one program has managed to generate real noise. Kansas State has once again dipped into the future and strengthened its foundation, adding another key piece to its 2027 recruiting class. Even with in-person visits and traditional recruiting activity temporarily paused, the Wildcats have shown they can still close the deal when it matters most.
This latest addition comes out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where highly regarded defensive lineman has officially pledged his commitment to Kansas State. The timing may have caught some off guard, given the recruiting dead period, but this is now the second time the Wildcats have secured a commitment under such circumstances. Just weeks earlier, Florida cornerback Nazir Pitchford also chose K-State, proving the staff’s ability to maintain momentum regardless of calendar restrictions.
Dawayne Jones’ recruitment unfolded differently than Pitchford’s. Rather than a quick rise and decision, his process developed steadily over time. Kansas State had been tracking Jones since the earlier years of Chris Klieman’s tenure in Manhattan. Even as coaching responsibilities shifted and new voices took on expanded roles within the program, Jones remained firmly on the Wildcats’ radar.
When Collin Klein stepped into his role and adjustments were made within the defensive staff, Kansas State did not waver in its pursuit. Instead, the new-look staff reaffirmed its interest. During the January contact period, tight ends coach Brian Lepak extended another offer to Jones, reinforcing just how serious the Wildcats were about bringing him to Manhattan.
Jones was far from an under-the-radar prospect. Before announcing his commitment, he had collected an impressive list of scholarship offers from across the country. Programs such as Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Missouri, LSU, Arizona, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Iowa State, Nebraska, Arizona State, Wisconsin, and California had all extended opportunities. Among that group, Missouri appeared to be Kansas State’s strongest competition.
The Tigers’ involvement made sense on a personal level. Jones’ father played at Missouri, and his parents met while attending school in Columbia, giving the program deep family ties. Yet, Kansas State had meaningful connections of its own.
Jones’ brother, Wayne Jones, previously suited up for the Wildcats. His time in Manhattan overlapped with Collin Klein’s tenure as offensive coordinator, creating familiarity and comfort within the program. That family history, combined with Jones’ relationship with Klein and defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt, ultimately tipped the scales.
In the end, those bonds and Kansas State’s long-standing commitment to his recruitment proved decisive. Even during a recruiting dead period, the Wildcats demonstrated that relationships, persistence, and timing can outweigh circumstance — securing Dawayne Jones’ verbal commitment and adding another promising piece to their 2027 class.