Former K-State head coach Jerome Tang is officially finalizing a deal to rejoin Scott Drew’s coaching staff at Baylor University.
On the latest episode of 3MAW, hosts John Kurtz and Cole Manbeck process the inevitable news and what it means for K-State fans.
While the “Baylor family” reunion is no surprise given Tang’s tight relationship with Drew, it opens a fascinating door: Tang could be back on the sideline at Bramlage Coliseum as an opposing coach as early as next season.
How will the K-State faithful, who once packed the Octagon of Doom with “Tang Time” energy, react to his return?
Also on this episode:
Roster Fallout and NIL Fatigue: The hosts discuss the financial reality of Tang’s departure, highlighting the donor “fatigue” caused by significant NIL investments that didn’t yield long-term results. How will this affect new head coach Casey Alexander’s ability to build his first roster?
The Buyout Battle: An update from the Manhattan Mercury reveals that K-State has received a draft copy of a lawsuit from Tang’s legal team regarding his $18.7 million buyout clause. Cole and John break down whether this is a legitimate legal threat or a strategic “leverage pull” to force a quicker settlement.
Inside the 2026 Football Recruiting Class
Shift gears to the gridiron, where K-State football continues to make aggressive moves in high school recruiting. The top storyline of the week features a complex “cost-benefit analysis” of the most critical position on the field: Quarterback.
Pivoting at QB: After missing out on top target Jake Nawrot (who committed to Kentucky), K-State landed a commitment from Cameron Cruse, a developmental piece with a familiar “Skyler Thompson” vibe.
The NIL Dilemma: Cole asks the key question: Is it smarter to spend seven figures to land a top-tier high school quarterback who needs years to develop (and might transfer), or save that money to secure an established, “plug-and-play” quarterback from the transfer portal when needed?