Growing up, Isaac Koch went to every Kansas State football game as their family had season tickets. His passion for the Wildcats began with his dad, Randy Koch, who played football for the Wildcats from 1986-1988.

When Isaac was a kid, he enjoyed listening to stories of his dad’s playing days, and their talks about football and the future were constant. Isaac still enjoys talking to his dad today, but their conversations have changed since Isaac began his playing career.

“My dad and I don’t talk much about football if I’m being honest,” Koch said. “He would tell you, first and foremost, he is there to be my dad, not my football coach, and I appreciate that. When I go home it’s nice to know I won’t get grilled with football stuff, so I appreciate him for that.”

Randy Koch, during his time at K-State, played some strong safety and also was a special teams player and punt returner for the Wildcats. Isaac Koch is also a special teams player, but recently has seen reps at wide receiver for K-State.

Randy and Isaac, as you may notice, played two different sides of the football. While we may never know if Randy could tackle his son, Isaac is confident he could get by his dad.

“No. He could not tackle me,” Koch said. “We are both competitive, he would say he could tackle me, I would say he can’t. But we will never find out.”

Isaac grew up in Olathe, Kansas and attended Rockhurst High School, which was just across the border in Missouri. Being a Kansas kid, Isaac knew his dream from a young age was to play for the purple and white. 

While he grew up a fan of the Wildcats, there were other reasons Isaac knew that K-State was the right place for him.

“The storied tradition is the big thing that sticks out to me [about K-State],” Koch said. “I realize how lucky I am to be at Kansas State now and it’s such a blessing.”

If you know anything about K-State football, you know how important special teams are to football. While it may not be the flashiest, a good special teams unit can change the game and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Over the years, plenty of players have made their name through special teams by giving an extra effort. Koch is the latest example of showing how great hustle and effort through special teams can expand your role.

“You can outplay someone just by your pure effort, even if the plays are not schemed up perfectly how you want it,” Koch said. “VJ Payne’s first snaps were on special teams, a lot of big named guys started their careers on special teams. I hope it continues to be a tradition here and something that isn’t overlooked.” 

Koch, due to his effort and hustle on special teams, has seen an expanded role, which has led to him getting reps at wide receiver. 

While he realizes how important special teams is to a game, playing on offense and getting to run routes puts a smile to his face. 

“I will play in whatever capacity I am asked to play in,” Koch said. “I take pride in playing special teams, but playing receiver in a bigger role is a ton of fun, and being out there is something I love, especially with the guys I’m with.”

While Isaac is seeing a larger role on the field, his parents are enjoying watching him from the stands as he continues to play more throughout the season.

Koch’s parents have not missed a single game of his, home or away since he began playing at K-State. Their dedication to attend every game and support him means a lot to him.

Catch Koch and his teammates in action as they take on Texas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.