Throughout college sports, there are always players that enthusiasts look out for when checking game scores and statistics. Even though Kansas State has produced a number of elite players like Cooper Beebe, Tyler Lockett, Ben Sinnott, D.J. Reed and Marques Sigle, among many others, there are names on this 2025 roster to keep an eye on.
While any K-State fan probably knows the popular football names like Avery Johnson, Austin Romaine and Dylan Edwards, there are other names to keep an eye on.
WR Jerand Bradley
Starting with one of the Wildcats’ new transfers from 2025, wide receiver Jerand Bradley could be a name to keep on the lookout for. The 6-foot-5, 223-pound senior is from Desoto, Texas. Bradley came from Boston College last season but was previously in the Big 12 at Texas Tech University.
During his freshman year at TTU, he was one of the top freshman receivers in the country and was a Freshman All-American by The Athletic (second team) and College Football News (honorable mention). Bradley also picked up All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades from the league’s coaches. Once he transferred from TTU to Boston College, Bradley played in nine games with two starts. He produced six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
When Dylan Edwards got injured during the K-State vs. Iowa State game in Dublin, Ireland, it was Bradley who stepped in to be a team contributor. In the fourth quarter, Bradley received a 65-yard pass from quarterback Avery Johnson, trying to make a comeback for the ‘Cats. During that game, Bradley had 25.0 yards per reception, giving him a lead way into the season.
S Gunner Maldonado
Another Wildcat with Big 12 experience is senior safety Gunner Maldonado. The 5-foot-11 athlete from Chandler, Ariz., comes to K-State after transferring from Northwestern University after a year and then playing at the University of Arizona for the last four seasons.
Maldonado had an impressive stat season in 2023 when he started 12 of 13 games played, producing 81 tackles, a tackle for loss, two interceptions, three total passes defended, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Last season, Maldonado would have seen more playing time, but he suffered a season-ending injury, which led to him starting and playing only the first four games of the year.
Due to a season-ending injury last year, Maldonado only started and played in the first four games. He tied for 15th nationally among players with six career forced fumbles despite limited playing time. Since coming off an injury, Maldonado looks to have a successful season and add to the ‘Cats talent.
S Qua Moss
Junior Qua Moss will be another addition to this purple lineup. The 5-foot-11 safety from West Point, Ga., is looking to contribute his skills in the Big 12. Moss attended Dodge City Community College in 2023, where he had one tackle on the year; then he transferred to the University of West Georgia last season. Moss was putting up the stats for the Wolves as he started all 11 games, totaling 56 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. He also returned seven punts for 107 yards throughout the 2024 season.
Moss started the K-State vs Iowa State game, producing four tackles, three of which were solo tackles with one assisted tackle. One of his four tackles included a sack for a 10-yard loss. Even though Moss didn’t have the most stats against Iowa State, more playing time and Big 12 experience should lead to more.
TE Garrett Oakley
Returning for his third season as a Wildcat, 248-pound tight end Garrett Oakley is ready to contribute to the team once again. The 6-foot-5 junior was active in 13 games last season with nine starts. Oakley made 22 interceptions for 226 yards and five touchdowns over 464 offensive snaps.
He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors from the league’s coaches. With his five touchdowns, Oakley tied for second in school history by a tight end and third in school history by a sophomore. He was also part of helping the K-State tight end section to a nation-best 13 touchdowns.
Starting against Iowa State, Oakley had five receptions for 62 yards, with his longest reception at 24 yards. Despite losing to Iowa State, Oakley is confident in the team’s ability to bounce back.
“I think it just showed how electric we can be as an offense and to score fast and with the playmakers we have,” Oakley said in an interview with 247Sports.
TE Linkon Cure
While this tight end is a true freshman from Goodland, Kan., the skill set he demonstrated will only increase with practice time with the Wildcats. Linkon Cure is a 6-foot-5, 245-pound graduate from Goodland High School.
According to 247Sports, he was the best tight end prospect in the class and the 30th-best player overall in the Class of 2025. On3, 247Sports and ESPN rank him as the second-best overall prospect in the state of Kansas.
During his junior year of high school, Cure recorded 42 catches for 946 yards and 14 touchdowns. Throughout his senior year, he produced 1,049 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 208 yards with another six scores. Cure’s athleticism makes him a ‘Cat to watch out for among many other gifted athletes.
