Kansas State missed out on landing Nebraska transfer wide receiver Jaidyn Doss, but the Wildcats aren’t sounding any alarms.
Despite the Missouri native committing to in-state rival Kansas on Monday, K-State remains confident in its depth at wide receiver and defensive back — two areas most impacted by offseason departures.
Doss, who played on both sides of the ball during his two seasons with the Huskers, was expected to add support to a Wildcats receiving unit in transition.
Kansas State came up short in its pursuit of Nebraska transfer wide receiver Jaidyn Doss, but the Wildcats remain poised heading into the 2025 season.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Missouri native committed to rival Kansas on Monday, adding another blow to K-State’s recent recruiting efforts. A former three-star recruit, Doss ranked No. 14 in Missouri per the 247Sports Composite and held 15 Power Five offers out of high school. However, he’s logged just two catches for 20 yards during his college career.
Still, Doss was seen as a potential contributor for a K-State receiver room undergoing major changes. The Wildcats lost key playmakers Keagan Johnson, Tre Spivey III, and Dante Cephus this offseason but have retooled with transfers Jerand Bradley (Texas Tech), Caleb Medford (New Mexico), and Jaron Tibbs (Purdue).
They’ll join returning standout Jayce Brown, last season’s leading receiver, along with a deep tight end group that includes Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson, Brayden Loftin, and promising freshman Linkon Cure.
While Doss’ decision stings, especially given the rising momentum in Lawrence, Kansas State’s biggest recruiting frustrations are closer to home. KU has secured commitments from seven of the top 15 in-state prospects in the 2026 class, including four-star defensive back J.J. Dunnigan (Manhattan), four-star offensive tackle Kaeden Snyder, and three-star edge rusher Hunter Higgins. Meanwhile, top uncommitted targets like offensive tackle Maxwell Robinson (Derby) and linebacker Johnmichael Fountain are trending away from K-State.
As momentum shifts, the Wildcats have already begun turning attention toward the 2027 cycle.
Even with recent setbacks, expectations in Manhattan remain sky-high. Kansas State checks in at No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s post-spring rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — the highest Big 12 team on the list.
Quarterback Avery Johnson returns after a breakout season to lead an offense loaded with speed and versatility, including dynamic backs Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson alongside Brown. On defense, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne headline a seasoned unit.
The Wildcats will open their 2025 campaign in unique fashion — squaring off against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, Aug. 23.
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