In this episode of Verbal Commitment, Ryan Wallace sits down with Lee’s Summit standout offensive tackle Will Seiler.

The 6’6”, 305-pound junior reflects on his team’s incredible 2026 state championship comeback and his evolution from a “tall, skinny kid” to a dominant force in the trenches. Siler discusses his upcoming camp circuit—including planned stops at K-State, Minnesota, and Oklahoma State—and his desire to study engineering while playing at the next level.

The show also breaks down a historic recruiting “heater” for Collin Klein and the Kansas State Wildcats, who have already secured 11 commitments for the 2027 class.

Additionally, Wallace highlights a major milestone for Kansas high school sports: the official sanctioning of Girls Flag Football by KSHSAA.

With the sport set to debut in the 2028 Olympics, Kansas joins 17 other states in elevating flag football to a varsity level, offering a new, inclusive athletic path for girls across the Sunflower State.

In this insightful interview, Coach Jeff Piggie reflects on his first year leading the Huskies and the remarkable journey from a sub-.500 record to the 6A State Championship game.

After serving as an assistant the previous year, Piggie describes the transition to head coach as one of “managing the whole picture”—handling the administrative duties and delegating to his staff’s strengths to keep the focus on the court.

The Huskies faced one of the most brutal schedules in Kansas, starting the year with a series of close losses against elite competition on both sides of the state line. Coach Piggie emphasizes that these early-season “lumps” were the forge that hardened the team for their postseason run. The turning point came in the sub-state tournament, where the Huskies knocked off high seeds, including a spectacular victory over Wichita Heights, led by senior star Regan Becker.

Becker, a standout who averaged 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, is praised by Piggie for her “underrated” passing and three-level scoring. Her leadership, alongside a resilient group of seniors, ensured that the team never folded during a rocky January.

The Huskies entered the state tournament with the motto “We Will Win,” ultimately falling just short in a high-intensity final against Shawnee Mission South.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule-Hardened: Despite entering the postseason with a losing record, the Huskies’ experience against top-tier 6A and Missouri competition prepared them to upset higher-ranked opponents in March.

• The Power of Delegation: Coach Piggie credits his success as a first-year head coach to empowering his assistant coaches and trusting his seniors to lead their peers, creating a “player-led” environment.

• Historic Run: This season marked the first time in Blue Valley Northwest history that the girls’ basketball program reached the Final Four and the State Championship game.

This episode of The Verbal Commitment on the Kansas City Sports Network covers everything from high-stakes 2027 recruiting alerts to a deep dive into the local prospects preparing for the NFL Draft.

Ryan huddles up with KCSN’s Kent Swanson to bridge the gap between high school stardom and professional potential.

Commitment Alert: Manhattan’s Absolute Heater

Kansas State is on a roll, securing its fifth commitment for the Class of 2027: Colton McComb out of Edmond Memorial (OK).

• The Profile: A 6’2”, 210 lb “tackling machine” with nearly 200 varsity tackles.

• The Athlete: Beyond his defensive prowess, McComb ran a sub-11 100m dash and averaged six yards per carry as a tailback.

• The Legacy: Younger brother of former KU QB David McComb and son of a collegiate O-lineman, Colton brings an elite athletic pedigree to Manhattan.

Prospect Profile: Brayden Shin (Olathe West)

• The Player: A 6’3”, 275 lb offensive lineman who is currently one of the most under-recruited seniors in the Metro.

• The Multi-Sport Edge: A state runner-up in wrestling with 100+ wins and a top-five state finisher in discus.

• The Upside: His lateral mobility and agility are “off the charts” for his size. Coaches are encouraged to flip on the tape of this honorable mention All-State lineman before he’s snapped up.

The NFL Draft Bridge: Featuring Kent Swanson

KCSN’s Kent Swanson joins the show to discuss the 2026 KCSN Draft Guide and local prospects.

• Local First-Round Buzz: Adarius Hayes (Rockhurst/Texas A&M) is highlighted as a potential first-round talent with elite speed-rusher skills, though his short arm length remains a talking point.

• The “JMG” Hype: Swanson admits to being “JMG pilled,” praising John Michael Gillenborg (Rockhurst/Wyoming) for his exceptional movement skills and weight-dropping ability at the tight end position.

• 2027 Way-Too-Early Watch: Looking ahead to next year’s NFL Draft, three local names are already generating buzz: Andrew Sprague (Michigan), Marcus Neal Jr. (Penn State), and Cayden Green (Missouri).

Get ready to huddle up for an explosive episode of The Verbal Commitment.

Host Ryan Wallace breaks down a massive commitment for K-State as they snag Georgia standout Julian Elsey—a hard-hitting safety who brings “no false steps” to Manhattan. We also go under the hood with Raytown’s De’Abryon Porche, a defensive line powerhouse with a 560-lb squat and a motor that mimics NFL great James Harrison.

The heart of the show features an exclusive sit-down with Missouri State’s new head coach, Casey Woods. With the Bears making the leap to the FBS, Woods reveals his aggressive “boots on the ground” strategy to hit every high school in Missouri. From his coaching pedigree under Gus Malzahn to his vision for Springfield as a “G5 sleeping giant,” Woods explains why the era of Missouri State being overlooked is officially over.

Finally, we close with a massive update on the home front: the “secret is out” regarding former co-host Kevin Flaherty.

Wallace explores what Flaherty’s new role as KU’s Director of High School and Junior College Relations means for the Jayhawks’ ability to dominate the local recruiting trail and tap back into the fertile JUCO markets.

Top 3 Takeaways

• Missouri State’s FBS Ambitions: Coach Casey Woods is leveraging a unique recruiting footprint to turn the Bears into a premier G5 destination, focusing on a 419-school “in-state” saturation plan.

• K-State’s Georgia Connection: The Wildcats continue to build an elite secondary, securing Julian Elsey over offers from SEC and ACC powerhouses like Auburn and Miami.

• The KU “Dream Marriage”: Kevin Flaherty’s move to Kansas football signals a strategic shift for Lance Leipold, prioritizing deep-rooted local relationships and a renewed focus on the Jayhawk Conference (JUCO) gems.

In this week’s episode of Verbal Commitment, Ryan Wallace takes the reins solo to navigate a busy stretch in Midwest recruiting.

The show headlines with an exclusive interview with Lee’s Summit North (MO) linebacker Caleb Green. Fresh off earning MVP honors at the Under Armour Next camp in St. Louis, Green discusses his physical transformation under coach Elijah Lee and the “new standard” at North under head coach Jamal Cross.

While the Missouri Tigers remain a major player for the 2027 standout, Green reveals he is taking a patient approach with upcoming visits to Iowa State and an official visit locked in for Liberty.

On the Kansas side, the “First Down” segment highlights a massive scheduling update for Great Bend’s Cooper Ohnmacht.

The consensus #1 player in the state for 2027 has finalized official visit dates with the two in-state powers: Kansas (June 5–7) and Kansas State (June 19–21). Wallace also profiles Lawrence High’s Ethan Curry, an explosive athlete drawing comparisons to former Free State star Bryce Tornaden.

Finally, the show dives into the political arena, discussing the recent stripping of a controversial high school practice ban from a Kansas Senate bill—a topic that remains on the radar for KSHSAA’s board next month.

In the latest episode of the Verbal Commitment podcast, hosts Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace dive deep into the surging local recruiting scene.

The “commitment alarm” was firing for Missouri this week, as the Tigers secured a “double dose” of talent for the Class of 2027: East St. Louis safety Jabari Loftton and Cincinnati offensive tackle Lual Aleu. Ryan breaks down why Loftton’s “vicious” playstyle and Aleu’s basketball-bred footwork make them perfect fits for the Mizzou system.

The guys also turn their attention to local “sleepers” who are quickly waking up college scouts. Ryan highlights Andale linebacker Drayton Danzel, a “heat-seeking missile” with elite bloodlines, while Kevin spotlights Warrensburg’s Treyven Murphy, a versatile defensive standout on track to break school tackle records.

The show concludes with an exclusive look at 2028 athlete Jackson Parker from Olathe North. Standing at 6’4” with top-tier track speed, Parker is already drawing comparisons to former local legends like JJ Duffin. With a father who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and USC, Parker has the pedigree and the physical tools to become a national recruit before his junior year.

Top Three Takeaways

1. Missouri’s 2027 Class is Gaining Serious Steam: By landing Jabari Loftton and Lual Aleu in the same week, Eli Drinkwitz’s staff has solidified its secondary and offensive line with high-ceiling athletes from key regional pipelines.

2. Jackson Parker is the “Next One” in Kansas: The 2028 Olathe North standout is already a 6’4” track star with Power 4 offers. His combination of length, speed, and NFL bloodlines makes him a candidate for the top overall spot in the state for his class.

3. Local “Sleepers” Are Primed for a Breakout Summer: Both Drayton Danzel (Andale) and Treyven Murphy (Warrensburg) are highlighted as high-motor defenders whose senior film and upcoming camp performances will likely spark a late-cycle recruiting frenzy.

In the latest episode of Hoops KC, host Mark Kern sits down with Blue Valley North guard CJ Duson as the Mustangs prepare for a high-stakes state tournament run.

Duson reflects on his personal evolution from a “passive” sophomore to a dominant senior leader, attributing his success to a shift in mentality and the confidence instilled by legendary coach Ryan Pfeiffer.

The conversation dives deep into North’s resilient season. After navigating a “brutal” early-season schedule that saw them sitting at 2-4, the Mustangs locked in, eventually going undefeated in the powerhouse Eastern Kansas League (EKL). Duson highlights the seamless integration of newcomer Colton Nichols and the essential contributions of “unsung heroes” like Jackson Reis and Elijah Pendergrass.

As a former Ohio native, Duson also shares his perspective on the underrated talent in Kansas City basketball and the competitive fire forged in summer AAU battles.

With a “One Mission” mantra and a first-round rematch against Mill Valley looming … Duson makes it clear: the Mustangs aren’t just happy to be at State—they are there to finish the job.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Mentality is the Difference Maker: Duson’s transition from a hesitant sophomore to a dominant senior was fueled by playing “freely” and embracing aggression over perfection.

2. Iron Sharpens Iron: Blue Valley North’s 2-4 start against elite competition wasn’t a setback; it was the catalyst for a 10-game winning streak and an undefeated run through the EKL.

3. The “One Mission” Mantra: The team has a singular focus on the state title, prioritizing unselfish play and “staying in the routine” despite the increased pressure of the postseason.

In the latest episode of the Verbal Commitment podcast on the Kansas City Sports Network, hosts Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace break down a massive shift in the local recruiting landscape.

Following the latest 247 Sports update, the duo analyzes the meteoric rise of local prospects and the differing philosophies between national scouts and regional evaluators.

The show features an in-depth interview with Brody Pfannenstiel, a 2027 edge rusher from Hoisington whose recruitment has “blown up” this spring. From his “WWE-style” upbringing with three older brothers to his explosive tape that has Power Four coaches salivating, Pfannenstiel discusses his rapid ascent and his upcoming official visits to Kansas, Kansas State, and Texas Tech.

The hosts also spotlight “under-the-radar” talents like Staley’s Toa Ofahulu and Topeka West’s Prince Lassiter, emphasizing that while stars matter, the “floor” and technical development are what truly build winning college programs.

Top Takeaways

• Rankings Divergence: The hosts spark a heated debate over 247 Sports’ new rankings, specifically the rise of Elijah Shaw (No. 2 in KS) and Prince Goldsby (No. 2 in MO). Ryan Wallace argues that national services are increasingly hyper-fixated on NFL “traits” while overlooking consistent high-school production.

• The Hoisington Hurricane: Brody Pfannenstiel is officially a national recruit. With a decision expected by June, the explosive edge rusher is prioritizing coaching relationships and team culture as he prepares for a busy summer of official visits.

• Diamonds in the Rough: Keep an eye on Staley’s Toa Ofahulu. At just 16 years old with a 6’4”, 285-pound frame and a wrestling background, he represents the high-upside developmental prospect that often becomes a foundational piece at the next level.

In the latest episode of the Verbal Commitment Podcast on the KCSN Varsity channel, Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace are joined by a true Kansas coaching icon: Derby’s Brandon Clark.

Fresh off his sixth state title, Clark discusses the “unbreakable culture” that transformed an 0-9 program into a perennial powerhouse. The conversation moves from the philosophy of his book, Culture Champion, to his deep ties with Kansas State and his excitement for the future under head coach Avery Johnson and the newly minted K-State leadership.

Beyond the sidelines, the show dives into a massive week for local talent at the NFL Scouting Combine. With a heavy hitting list of prospects like Cashes Howell (Rockhurst/Texas A&M), Dominique Orange (North KC/Iowa State), and small-town hero Miles Kitselman (Lyndon/Alabama), the hosts explore why the Kansas City area is finally shedding its “under-recruited” label.

From the trenches in Derby to the bright lights of Indianapolis, this episode celebrates the grit that defines Kansas and Missouri football.

Key Takeaways for the Recruiting Enthusiast

• The Derby Way: Coach Clark emphasizes that “culture isn’t sunshine and rainbows”—it’s about toughness, accountability, and 6:30 AM workouts that create “ownership” among players.

• NFL Dreams from Small Towns: Miles Kitselman’s journey from Lyndon (population 1,000) to the Combine serves as a powerful testimony that elite talent can be found in any Kansas zip code.

• The “Dogs” of Kansas City: Dominique Orange highlights the “Kansas City grit,” noting that local players have to earn every star and every offer compared to those in traditional hotbeds like Texas.

• K-State’s New Edge: Clark, a former Wildcat, shares his fire for the Avery Johnson era and the “passion” he sees in the current coaching staff.

• Prospects to Watch: Keep an eye on Derby’s “next men up,” including sophomore linebackers Brody Hopper and Tayen Washington, who are already catching the eyes of East Coast recruiters.

The debut episode of Hoops KC arrives at the perfect moment, catching Kansas City high school basketball on the brink of the postseason. Host Mark Kern sits down with Olathe North standout Cam Love to discuss the evolution of the Eagles’ program and Love’s personal journey from an “under-recruited” prospect to a D1-offered talent at UMKC.

The conversation centers on the high-stakes reality of senior year. Love, known for his relentless defensive pressure and transition play, describes his “kill or be killed” mentality as the playoffs approach. He credits his development to the tough-love coaching of Olathe North’s Coach Olrich and a team culture that balances elite AAU skill with a “blue-collar” work ethic.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Kern and Love highlight the growing reputation of Kansas City as a premier basketball hub.

From the dominance of local stars to the emergence of hometown recruiting at the collegiate level, the episode serves as a professional deep dive into why the metro area is no longer being overlooked.

The first true 2027 rankings for Kansas City, Missouri are officially live — and the arguments are just getting started.

On this episode of Verbal Commitment, Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace break down their individual Top 10s before unveiling the KCSN consensus rankings for the metro. Is Prince Goldsby the clear No. 1 after his massive stock jump? Does Kobe Rhymes’ athletic profile make him the safest bet in the class?

The guys also dig into one of the most intriguing position groups in the city: wide receiver. From Chris Harris Jr.’s polish to Deng Tong’s legitimate 4.3 speed and Blake Thomas’ Friday-night versatility, there’s no shortage of talent — just plenty of debate.

Plus, don’t miss the deep cuts. Grain Valley’s Maui Sua and Lamar’s Terren Williams are two trench prospects turning heads, and there are more under-the-radar names poised to explode this offseason.

If you care about local recruiting — and want to know these names before everyone else does — this is the episode to watch.

National Signing Day always brings headlines—but the real story lives beneath the surface. On this episode of Verbal Commitment, hosts Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace sit down with new Kansas State Director of Recruiting Greg Svarczkopf for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about what recruiting really looks like inside the Vanier Complex.

Schwarzoff opens up about the humbling experience of working for Colin Klein, what makes Kansas State’s culture so personal, and why trust and relationships sit at the core of every decision the Wildcats make.

The group dives deep into K-State’s latest recruiting and transfer classes, highlighting why the secondary stood out, how the staff balanced immediate needs with long-term roster stability, and which in-state prospects could become foundational pieces in Manhattan.

The conversation also pulls back the curtain on modern recruiting—from retaining current players to evaluating preferred walk-ons—and offers practical advice for high school prospects navigating the process.

If you’re a Kansas State fan, a recruiting junkie, or someone who wants to understand how programs are built beyond star ratings, this episode delivers insight you won’t find anywhere else.

With the early signing period in December, universities ink their incoming freshmen for the most part then. That was Dec. 3-5, 2025, this year. This was done years ago to make way for kids to enroll early for the collegiate spring practices, if they so choose to.

That said, Feb. 4 marked the beginning of the traditional signing period, and now is the time when programs fill their final roster spots, with some signings still trickling in. Teams can also still use the transfer portal to round out their classes, which has changed how February is viewed across the sport.

Even with fewer headlines and fewer announcements than in years past, this window still offers a useful snapshot of the high school football landscape in Missouri and Kansas. Whether it is elite prospects choosing to stay close to home, powerhouse programs sending multiple players to the same destination, or a clear gap between the top of the class and the rest of the field, both of this year’s signing periods revealed a few notable trends worth examining.

Here are three takeaways from the 2026 high school recruiting cycle across the region.

Local prospects staying home

One of the clearest trends of this recruiting cycle was top-end local prospects opting to stay close to home. In an era defined by constant roster turnover and aggressive portal use, regional programs have placed a renewed emphasis on building trust pipelines within their own borders, and the results have shown.

Collegiate coaches will tell you, over and over again, the importance of keeping local athletes home. Nothing hurts worse than a prospect in your own backyard leaving to find success elsewhere around the country, if you can avoid it.

Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri all did a solid job of this. According to 247, the Jayhawks brought home the top recruit from Salina Central, offensive tackle Kaden Snyder (four stars).

They did not stop there, though. They kept three-star recruits such as Hunter Higgins (edge out of Wichita), Josh Galbreath (linebacker, Lawrence), Nate Sims (wide receiver, Ottawa), Tyren Parker (wide receiver, Shawnee Heights), and Jaylen Mason (quarterback out of Wichita), in-state. They also brought tight ends Kevin Sullivan and Jack Utz from Rockhurst and Platte County, respectively, over from the Missouri side.

Speaking of flipping outgoing seniors from the Missouri side, the Wildcats captured three of them. Three stars Bennett Fraser (offensive line, Kirksville), Nick McClellan (safety, CBC), and Garrick Dixon (cornerback, Fort Zumwalt West) are all headed to Manhattan.

New head coach Collin Klein also kept three of the top 20 prospects in the Sunflower state. Four-star athlete Lawson McGraw (Blue Valley) and three stars Arley Morrell (tight end, Pratt) and Lamarcus Barber (offensive line, Mill Valley) all stayed put.

The Tigers did not manage to swap any prospects with the state of Kansas, but they did land eight of the top 30 recruits in the state of Missouri. All eight are three-star prospects: Bryalon Ellison (offensive line, Booneville), Keenan Harris (safety, St. Louis), Brysen Wessell (offensive line, Jackson), Trashundon Neal (safety, Liberty North), Jacques Felix (defensive line, St. Louis), Preston Hatfield (running back, Lees Summit), Karsten Fiene (wide receiver, Lees Summit) and Graham Faust (safety, St. Louis).

Platte County

Few high school programs in the region had a signing period as impactful as Platte County. Fresh off multiple state championships, the Pirates capped off a dominant run by sending four players from this year’s senior class who were three-star or better, a rare feat at the high school level and a testament to the program’s consistency.

This is a special class for many reasons. They left school having not lost since Nov. 10, 2023, for one. They went 28-0 over their junior and senior seasons, capping it off with an overtime thriller against Carthage to seal off back-to-back state championships.

Quarterback Rocco Marriott headlines the class as one of UCF’s top signees, the third-highest-rated prospect in Missouri and the 22nd-ranked quarterback nationally. Head coach Scott Frost found a gem from the Midwest with Marriott’s more than 10,000 yards and 160 career touchdowns for the Pirates.

The Knights also snagged one of Platte County’s highly touted tight ends, with three-star recruit Brooks Hall. The other piece of the duo in the Pirates’ two-tight end sets, Jack Utz, stayed local. Lance Leipold landed Kansas’ 16th-best recruit and the 63rd nationally ranked tight end.

The area’s Otis Taylor award winner, recognizing the best pass catcher in Kansas City, Braiden Stevens, will be heading up north. His 64 receptions for 1,189 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns earned him an opportunity to play Big Ten football with Minnesota.

Aside from those four reaching unseen heights from a school like Platte County, the Pirates also sent defensive end Cale Buntz to South Dakota State and Adam Gisler to Northwest Missouri State.

Missouri vs. Kansas

While Missouri produced a deeper overall recruiting class, Kansas stood out for its concentration of elite talent at the top. The state’s highest-rated prospects commanded national attention, with several drawing interest and commitments from major programs outside the region.

That list starts with none other than the number one tight end in the country, Great Bend’s Ian Premer. After a highly sought-after recruitment process, Premer latched on to Notre Dame’s 2026 class, with Kansas and Kansas State as runner-ups, along with Iowa State.

The top of Kansas’ class rounds out with JJ Dunnigan (safety, Manhattan), Snyder, and Maxwell Robinson (offensive linemen, Derby), along with McGraw: all four stars who signed with Miami, Kansas, Georgia State, and Kansas State, respectively.

This is going to happen with two major cities in Missouri, but Missouri’s advantage lies in volume, with a broader pool of college-capable players spread across multiple talent levels and programs.

Missouri has 45 consensus three-star prospects, compared to Kansas’ 21. Missouri still has plenty of talent at the top, including Nixa’s five-star offensive tackle, Jackson Cantwell, who is going to Miami. On the Kansas City side, Ray Pec’s running back, DeZephen Walker, a four-star, is heading to Norman to play for Oklahoma. Ronelle Johnson, a Blue Springs edge rusher, is heading to Indiana to play for the national champs.

Other Kansas City Metro prospects heading to power five programs include Braden Wilmes to Clemson (offensive line, Lawrence), Drake DeBaun to Iowa State (tight end, Shawnee Mission South), Trace Rudd to Oklahoma (kicker, Blue Valley Northwest), and Jacob Miller to Northwest (offensive line, Hamilton).

Even in a quieter February window, this year’s signing period underscored the strength of high school football across the region, from elite talent at the top to programs building sustained success year after year.

What does Kansas football actually look for when recruiting? Not just stars, speed, or offers — but habits, discipline, and belief.

On this special National Signing Day episode of Verbal Commitment on KCSN, hosts Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace break down KU’s latest recruiting and transfer classes before sitting down with Kansas Director of Scouting Billy Bonneau for an in-depth conversation on how the Jayhawks are building their program from the inside out.

Bonneau offers rare insight into Lance Leipold’s recruiting philosophy, explaining why showing up early, doing the small things right, and competing every day matter just as much as raw talent. The discussion digs into KU’s emphasis on protecting its backyard, evaluating local prospects early, and building genuine relationships that last — even when initial recruiting battles don’t go Kansas’ way.

The episode also explores KU’s work in the trenches, the calculated risk and upside of adding Dylan Edwards, the growing importance of preferred walk-ons, and how Andy Kotelnicki’s creativity helps shape roster construction on offense.

If you want to understand why Kansas is recruiting the way it is — and how those decisions fit a long-term vision — this episode delivers real context straight from the source.

The future of Kansas high school football takes center stage in this episode of Verbal Commitment on the KC Sports Network, as Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace unveil their updated rankings for the top prospects in the Class of 2027.

After a full season of junior film, winter evaluations, and countless hours on tape, the duo expands their list from a summer top five to a full top 10—revealing how dramatically the landscape has shifted.

At the top is a new name that has rocketed into the conversation: Andover offensive lineman Tyson Ross. With rare upside, impressive mobility, and a background that includes tennis and basketball, Ross has quickly emerged as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the state. The show dives deep into what separates him from other elite talents like Gus Corsair and Cooper Ohnmacht, and why his ceiling may be unmatched.

Beyond the top tier, the episode explores intriguing risers, high-upside projections, tough omissions, and under-the-radar prospects from across Kansas—from metro powerhouses to six-man standouts in western Kansas. The conversation blends film breakdown, recruiting context, and honest debate, capped by an in-depth interview with Ross himself.

If you want to understand where Kansas recruiting is headed—and who could define it over the next few years—this is a must-watch.

In this episode of Verbal Commitment on KCSN Varsity, Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace dive into the latest local recruiting news across Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri before sitting down with Mill Valley standout Blake Jay following his commitment to Kansas State as a preferred walk-on.

The show opens with recruiting “alarms,” breaking down Missouri’s addition of Cardinal Ritter defensive lineman Jock Felix and Kansas State’s pickup of big-bodied Oklahoma wide receiver Julius Wilson, highlighting both players’ traits, development paths, and long-term upside.

The hosts also analyze Kansas State’s recent preferred walk-on additions, focusing on Blake Jay and Junction City defensive end Jackson Holly. Wallace offers detailed evaluations, projecting Jay as a high-upside defensive back with special teams value and drawing comparisons to past K-State walk-on success stories, while noting Holly’s raw physical tools and Big 12 potential with continued development.

The episode then shifts to a broader discussion of the transfer portal, comparing Missouri, Kansas State, and Kansas classes while unpacking the differences between transfer rankings and roster-building philosophies.

The show concludes with an in-depth interview with Jay, who discusses choosing football over baseball, his versatility across multiple positions, the influence of Mill Valley’s program, and why Kansas State felt like the right fit.

The transfer portal opening up this week has been crazy, even mass chaos around the country, and it has been no different for the collegiate athletes coming from the Kansas City metro area.

Coffeyville native and offensive lineman Keiton Jones and former Lee’s Summit wide receiver Joshua Manning both transferred from Missouri to Kansas State, ultimately staying local.

Former Wichita East and K-State edge rusher, Tobi Osunsanmi, is joining the current number one team in the country, the Indiana Hoosiers.

There have been several developments surrounding local products and the Iowa State program following the news that head coach Matt Campbell is leaving to become Penn State’s Head Coach. At least four of our locals have left the program, with Raytown South’s Marcus Neal following Campbell to the Nittony Lions to play defense for him.

Jimmy Rogers, who spent the last year as Washington State’s head coach, took over for Campbell, and he has brought Eisenhower High School’s Carter Pabst and Liberty’s Trevor Bindel with him to the Cyclones. Rogers also added locals such as Lansing’s Caden Crawford, who is making the jump from FCS’s South Dakota State, and Blue Springs’ Dalesean Staley, who is coming east from San Diego State.

Crawford is not the only local making the jump from FCS to the Power 4 or Group of 5. Larenzo Fenner, out of Fort Osage, is joining Cincinnati, while Eli Ozick, from Liberty, will be sitting up for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Pembroke Hill’s Darin Conley is moving from Ball State to Washington, and Olathe North’s Devan Lowe is climbing from Georgia Southern to Memphis as well.

Two of the local schools saw Mill Valley’s Tuman Griffith leave Kansas State for North Dakota State and Eudora’s Jaden Hamm leave Kansas for Arkansas State.

Other highlights include Lawrence’s Banks Bowen going from Oklahoma State to North Alabama, Bishop Carroll’s Hank Purvis from Purdue to South Carolina, Park Hill South’s James Williams from Florida State to Oklahoma State, and Highland Park’s Tre Richardson from Vanderbilt to Louisville.

There are still a plethora of KC Metro athletes hanging in the balance of the portal, though, so be sure to follow KCSN Varsity’s Verball Committments for more updates.