Brandon Ford No Longer Locked in with Kansas State

Ford’s decision is particularly notable given his connection to the K‑State staff; he especially praised the relationship with Van Malone during his visits, calling the coach “highly respected” and someone who stayed in contact regularly.

That bond helped convince him earlier this summer that Manhattan was a fit, but the change signals that Ford may be weighing competing offers more seriously now.

For Kansas State, this reversal is a setback, though not an uncommon one. Commitments, even early ones, can shift as players mature, compare programs, and assess fit. K-State coach Chris Klieman and staff will need to bolster the class, especially in the secondary, by targeting new cornerback prospects or flipping current commitments.

For Ford, the reopened recruitment suggests ambition: he may believe a better opportunity awaits elsewhere, whether for immediate playing time, defensive scheme fit, or the NIL marketplace. The coming weeks will reveal whether he chooses another Power Four school or reassesses his relationship with the Wildcats.

This development continues the push and pull of modern recruiting. Kansas State will need to hit the camp circuit hard and reinforce its secondary offerings as it works to stabilize its 2026 class ahead of fall practice and the early signing period. Fans should monitor Ford’s recruitment as a key test of K‑State’s resilience in the transfer and commitment era.