The highest-ranked recruit in program history is staying home. Kansas State football earned a commitment July 1 from five-star Linkon Cure, the nation’s No. 2 ranked tight end.

K-State was the first program to offer the Goodland, Kansas native before his stock soared nationwide. Ranking as 247sports’ No. 26 player in the Class of 2025, Cure chooses K-State over Oregon, Texas A&M and Kansas as potential suitors. 

Cure becomes the first five-star to enter the Little Apple in modern recruiting history, placing ahead of 2001’s Marvin Simmons. 

Cure’s commitment was aided by quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards, the No. 1 and No. 2 in-state recruits in the Class of 2023 — which saw seven players in the Top 12 commit to K-State.

let’s do it @CureLinkon pic.twitter.com/puCP5Gcq1Z

— Avery Johnson (@avery2johnson) June 23, 2024

Throughout high school, Cure excelled in football alongside basketball and track and field, showcasing his talents as a versatile athlete at the tight end position.

Among potential suitors, K-State was the only school with a tight end drafted to the NFL within the last five years following Ben Sinnott’s second-round selection in April. 

Sinnott entered Manhattan as a walk-on, suggesting that Cure’s ceiling could be even higher. This year, Sinnott set single-season records of catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns at the position. 

Tight ends coach Brian Lepak played a key role in Cure’s recruitment, alongside recruitment director Taylor Braet, head coach Chris Klieman, offensive coordinator Conor Riley, Co-OC Matt Wells and many more. 

Recruitment to Manhattan has excelled during the Klieman era in conjunction with conference realignment and playoff expansion, presenting the Wildcats with a great opportunity to compete among the best in the country.