As Kansas State begins a new era under head coach Collin Klein, the Wildcats are already laying the groundwork for the program’s future. While much of the early attention surrounding Klein’s tenure has centered on roster management and transfer portal additions, the staff has now shifted its gaze toward long-term development. That vision took a meaningful step forward with Kansas State securing another top commitment in the 2027 recruiting class. The pledge comes from versatile Florida prospect , a two-way standout whose athletic profile and competitive mindset signal an important early win for Klein and his revamped coaching staff.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete from Palmetto, Florida, has built his reputation on both sides of the ball. At Palmetto High School, he lines up at wide receiver and cornerback, showcasing his ability to impact games in multiple phases. His skill set attracted scholarship offers from programs including Kansas, UCF, and Kansas State, among others, underscoring the regional and national interest in his development.
During his junior campaign, he appeared in seven games and delivered strong production offensively. He recorded 22 receptions for 344 yards and found the end zone seven times, proving to be a reliable and explosive target. Defensively, he contributed six tackles and a pass breakup, flashing the instincts and athleticism that project well at cornerback. He also made his presence felt on special teams, blocking a punt and demonstrating the kind of all-around value that college programs covet.
As of February 7, 2026, Pitchford remains unranked across major recruiting platforms. On3 and Rivals categorize him as an athlete, while 247Sports lists him primarily as a cornerback. Despite the absence of a national ranking at this stage, Kansas State clearly sees significant upside in the Florida standout.
Nazir Pitchford officially announced his commitment to the Wildcats on February 6, 2026, sharing the news through his X account. He committed to Kansas State as a cornerback, signaling where the staff envisions him contributing at the collegiate level.
Following his decision, Pitchford spoke with Kansas State on SI via X and detailed the factors that led him to Manhattan. When asked what separated Kansas State from the other programs recruiting him, his response was simple but telling: “The way they pour into me.” That answer reflects the personal approach Klein and his staff have emphasized as they transition from transfer portal success to building the 2027 class from the ground up.
Pitchford did not hesitate when asked which coach played the biggest role in his commitment. “Coach Woodson!” he exclaimed. Woodson, who joined the Wildcats this season as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, has already begun to leave his mark on the recruiting trail. His influence appears to have been pivotal in securing Pitchford’s pledge.
Looking ahead, Pitchford mentioned two teammates he would like to see join him in Manhattan: Ace Luther and Jok Harris, both members of the 2027 class at Palmetto High School. As of early February 2026, neither prospect holds an offer from Kansas State, but Pitchford’s commitment could help spark further connections.
He closed his interview with a message aimed directly at Wildcat fans: “Ya’ll getting a dog and always #EMAW.” With that statement, Pitchford embraced the program’s culture and signaled his readiness to compete as Kansas State builds toward the future under Klein’s leadership.