Kansas State adds defensive end Brad Stanyer

Kansas State has just landed a significant addition to their 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of defensive end Brad Stanyer from Grapevine, Texas. This announcement comes on the heels of Stanyer’s official visit to K-State for the season opener against UT-Martin, where he was accompanied by Nebraska linebacker Darien Whitaker and high-profile 2026 prospects Ian Premer, Braden Wilmes, and Tyren Parker. The visit was pivotal, as it provided Stanyer with an in-depth look at what Kansas State has to offer, and it seems to have made a lasting impression.

Stanyer’s recruitment story has been one of rapid progression. The Wildcats extended an offer after evaluating him during a summer camp, a move that catapulted them to the forefront of his recruitment. The swift momentum led to an official visit being scheduled for the season opener, which proved to be the final piece in sealing his commitment to K-State. Prior to choosing the Wildcats, Stanyer had garnered interest from several institutions, including Air Force, Army, Cornell, Montana, Texas State, and Yale, showcasing his wide appeal across different programs and academic institutions.

Kansas State’s recruitment efforts in Texas have historically yielded fruitful results, and the 2025 class is no exception. Stanyer’s commitment marks the third Texan recruit for the Wildcats in this class, following defensive end Dalton Knapp and linebacker Weston Polk. Notably, Grapevine, Texas, has been particularly generous to K-State, with Knapp hailing from the same city and current K-State offensive lineman Drake Bequeaith also being a Grapevine native. This connection to Grapevine highlights a strong pipeline that K-State has established in the region, which has proven beneficial for their recruiting strategy.

The addition of Stanyer is particularly significant given the recent changes in Kansas State’s defensive line lineup. The Wildcats had previously missed out on recruits Kade Pietrzak and Shawn Hammerbeck, making Stanyer’s commitment a crucial fill for their defensive end position. In their 3-3-5 defensive scheme, Stanyer is expected to play a role similar to that of Chiddi Obiazor and Travis Bates, bringing a more robust physical presence to the defensive front. This complements the lighter, more agile profile of Knapp, providing K-State with a well-rounded defensive line setup.

With Stanyer’s commitment, Kansas State now boasts 18 recruits in their 2025 class. This group is shaping up to be a diverse and talented cohort, featuring players like Dillon Duff, Weston Polk, Will Kemna, Martel Jackson, Adonis Moise, Dalton Knapp, Sawyer Schilke, JoJo Scott, Maguire Richman, Dominic Mitchell, Brock Heath, Linkon Cure, RJ Collins, Monterrio Elston, Ashton Moore, Noah King, and Logan Bartley. Each of these recruits brings unique skills and attributes to the table, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic class that will undoubtedly strengthen the Wildcats’ roster for the upcoming seasons.

Brad Stanyer’s decision to join Kansas State underscores the Wildcats’ growing influence and appeal in recruiting circles. His commitment not only adds depth and talent to the defensive line but also highlights K-State’s continued success in securing high-caliber prospects from competitive recruiting grounds like Texas. As the Wildcats continue to build and refine their roster, Stanyer’s addition is a testament to their effective recruiting strategies and the promising future of the program.