Wendell Gregory and Jordan Allen are two guys on the K-State defense who look like they could have a serious impact for the Wildcats in 2026. Gregory showed his potential at Oklahoma State , being named the Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. Allen played sparingly last season, but he showed in games against Oklahoma State and Utah that he could be a big-time player moving forward.
The pass rush was a concern heading into the off-season, as the Wildcats lost significant talent from last year's team. Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi both announced during the off-season that they would transfer to Indiana to play for the defending national champions.
During a press conference on Monday, Collin Klein was asked about these two players, and the coach thinks they have a chance to be special.
"Their ability to rush the passer is real. They have really, really good hands," Klein said. "They have good twitch and ability to bend, and both of them have been extremely diligent in the weight room this offseason."
Both showed potential last year, but no one could have envisioned that these two would be the potential starting edge duo at K-State . However, having the talent is one thing, but it is the dedication and the improvement off the field that has Klein believing in these two players.
"Not that they were sitting in a bad place, but Coach (Jeremy) Jacobs, the weight program, and credit to their effort - they've done a heck of a job preparing themselves for the season," Klein said. "That shows up on tape. They're both high-motor guys, and they show up around the football a lot."
It was a tough year for the Cowboys last season, but Gregory , put together an outstanding freshman season. He finished with 27 tackles and four sacks, proving in the process to be one of the best young defensive players in the country. There were many schools in the country after him, including Texas Tech, Texas, and Missouri among many others.
Klein and his staff quickly developed a relationship with Gregory and secured one of the biggest players in the offseason. If he can take the next step, then he has a chance to contend for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
When he was on the field, Allen made plays and got after the quarterback. His role is expected to increase significantly this year, and he is another guy who has the talent to become a force in the Big 12. At 6-foot-4, 263 pounds, the Olathe native is a rare combination of size and speed. Not only is he good against the pass, but the talent is there to be big in stopping the run as well.
K-State is always among the best schools in the country at developing talent, and Allen has a chance to be the latest example of that.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/kstate as Wendell Gregory and Jordan Allen in Line to be the Next Great Pass Rush Duo at K-State .
