Arizona Flips In-Conference Commit from Kansas State

Kansas State just took a hit on the recruiting trail. 2026 safety Hannibal Navies has flipped his commitment from the Wildcats to Arizona, announcing the change after a visit to Tucson. It’s a late-cycle switch that stings for Chris Klieman and company, especially coming from a program that’s still trying to prove it belongs in the Big 12.

Navies, a three-star out of Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, had been committed to Kansas State since June. He looked like a solid developmental take, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with the range and quickness to play centerfield at the next level. K-State liked what they saw early and locked him up before the summer even hit full stride. Now they’re back to square one at that spot.

Arizona, on the other hand, played the long game. They hosted Navies on a visit for the BYU game in October and clearly made an impression. Credit where it’s due, they closed the deal. Navies pulled the trigger on Wednesday and publicly flipped to the Wildcats. It’s a recruiting win for Arizona, and a Big 12 punch in the mouth that Kansas State didn’t see coming.

Losing a safety isn’t the end of the world, but it’s the kind of move that leaves a mark. Especially when it’s this late in the process and at a position where depth always matters. K-State’s class has been steady, not flashy, and a guy like Navies was exactly the type of prospect they pride themselves on developing. Now they’ll have to pivot, and quickly.

For Arizona, this is a signal that they’re not just collecting leftovers. They’re going after Big 12 commits and flipping them outright. That matters in a league that’s still finding its identity post-realignment. The Wildcats are trying to make it known they’re not here to be an afterthought, and getting a guy like Navies from a proven staff like Kansas State only helps that case.

It’s one flip, and there will be more before signing day. But these are the kinds of moves that shift perception. If Arizona keeps landing guys who were supposed to be heading to more established Big 12 programs, people are going to start paying closer attention.