Elite G5 Linebacker Schedules Visit to Kansas State

Collin Klein and the Kansas State Wildcats are fighting with some big-time programs in the recruitment of one of the best linebackers at the Group of Five level.

Southern Miss transfer Chris Jones has been an incredibly hot name in the transfer portal, hearing from more than 16 programs. That group includes Kansas State, Alabama, Houston, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Florida State, Arkansas, and more. Two of those schools have official visits scheduled for Jones, Ole Miss, and Kansas State, and Florida State has been mentioned as a major possibility as well.

Jones was named an All-American in the G5 this past season and racked up 133 total tackles, which put him sixth in the entire country. He added 3.5 sacks, forced a fumble, picked off a pass, and haunted opposing offenses all year long. He’s one of the most productive defenders in the country, and he’s due for a jump in conference.

For Kansas State, it makes perfect sense. They just lost Austin Romaine to the portal, who looks destined to become a Red Raider, and they need a proven guy to slide in. If they can land Chris Jones, that’s an instant answer and potentially an upgrade for Jordan Peterson’s defense.

Now, it’s not going to be easy by any means. Florida State and Ole Miss are both going to be aggressive, and you’d expect some other big-name schools to come sniffing around. Still, Kansas State has been in these battles before, and with Collin Klein now at the helm, the Wildcats are punching up in their recruiting weight class.

The veteran linebacker brings experience, production, and a little bit of an edge to a defense that’s looking for leadership and toughness right now. If the Wildcats can get this one across the finish line on January 7th, it might end up being one of the best under-the-radar pickups of the portal cycle.