Kansas State has made it clear that reshaping its offensive foundation is a major priority heading into the future, and the Wildcats have taken an aggressive approach to doing so through the transfer portal. As the program looks ahead to the 2026 season, the coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on building quality depth and competition in the backfield. That strategy has already started to take shape, with multiple portal additions arriving in Manhattan this month to strengthen a position group that plays a central role in the Wildcats’ offensive identity.
Running back, in particular, has been a focal point of that effort. Kansas State has now secured commitments from three transfer running backs, all of whom are expected to complement returning starter Joe Jackson and provide flexibility and insurance at the position next season.
The most recent addition is Makari Bodiford, a 5 foot 11, 222 pound running back who transfers in from Memphis. Bodiford spent two seasons with the Tigers and showed flashes of productivity in limited opportunities. As a freshman, he recorded 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, with his standout performance coming against Charlotte, where he totaled 73 yards and found the end zone. During his sophomore campaign, Bodiford appeared in four games, adding 64 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 22 carries.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Bodiford is expected to provide depth and physicality in the Kansas State backfield. He joins fellow transfer additions Rodney Fields from Oklahoma State and Jay Harris from Oregon, giving the Wildcats a deeper and more competitive running back room heading into the 2026 season.
K-State football transfer tracker
Incoming (27)
Charlie Adams, offensive lineman from Cal Poly
Koy Beasley, defensive back from Miami of Ohio
Makari Bodiford, running back from Memphis
Jayden Bryant, defensive end from Coastal Carolina
Kamari Burns, defensive lineman from Cincinnati
Dylan Davidson, punter from Emporia State
Chase Duarte, offensive lineman from San Diego State
Jaxson Duffield, long snapper from Oklahoma State
Rodney Fields, running back from Oklahoma State
Wendell Gregory, defensive end from Oklahoma State
Robert Hammond, kicker from Toledo
Jay Harris, running back from Oregon
De’Arieun Hicks, defensive lineman from Gardner Webb
Elijah Hill, defensive end from Kennesaw State
Tyler Johnson, offensive lineman from Auburn
Keiton Jones, offensive lineman from Missouri
Adrian Maddox, defensive back from Georgia
Joshua Manning, wide receiver from Missouri
Mekhi Mason, linebacker from Louisiana Tech
Tanner Morley, offensive lineman from Colorado State
Delvin Morris, offensive lineman from Akron
Jacobi Oliphant, linebacker from Oklahoma State
Kaleb Patterson, defensive back from Illinois
Ja’Son Prevard, defensive back from Virginia
Austin Ramsey, defensive tackle from Kentucky
Brandon White, wide receiver from Hawaii
Izaiah Williams, wide receiver from Texas A&M
Outgoing (31 listed so far)
Malcolm Alcorn Crowder, defensive line, to SMU
Callen Barta, wide receiver, to Emporia State
Jayce Brown, wide receiver, to LSU
Teagan Cobb, punter, to Southeast Missouri State