K-State Returns Key Playmakers on Defense for Big 12 Run in 2025

The Kansas State Wildcats‘ defense was a solid unit in the Big 12 last season, but they’re hoping for more improvement in 2025.

Here was how the Kansas State defense ranked last season in FBS:

Points allowed per game: 23.4 (No. 50)

Rushing yards allowed per game: 118.7 (No. 28)

Passing yards allowed per game: 224.7 (No. 77)

Total yards allowed per game: 343.3 (No. 43).

Kansas State has some quality players coming back from last year’s team, and with the help of some key transfers, the Wildcats could be a Big 12 contender again in 2025.

Here are three defensive players to keep an eye on for the Kansas State Wildcats.

LB Austin Romaine

There is a good reason why he’s considered one of the top returning defensive players in the Big 12 Conference for 2025.

Last season, he was an all-Big 12 second-team selection after he had his best season with the Wildcats. He led K-State with 96 tackles, and he also had 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and two pass breakups as he played nearly every snap.

Among Big 12 players, he was tied for fifth in forced fumbles and ninth in tackles. Plus, his 96 tackles were the most in a season for a Wildcats defender since Jayd Kirby had 99 in 2017.

What does he do for an encore? Perhaps a 100-tackle season and all-Big 12 first-team honors.

S VJ Payne

The secondary technically only has one returning starter, in part because two of last year’s stars were drafted by NFL teams. Thankfully, it’s Payne, who was K-State’s second-leading tackler last season.

He was an all-Big 12 honorable mention selection last season after he had 64 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and six passes defended. He played the third-most snaps on the defense.

He’s one of the most experienced defenders for K-State. He has played in just about every game of his three-year career in Manhattan — including 30 starts. He’s started every game each of the last two seasons.

There is no better defender to lead this secondary than Payne.

DE Cody Stufflebean

Stufflebean started every game last year, and he’s a unique figure in defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman’s 3-3-5 formation. The 6-4, 252-pounder is expected to be the speed rusher on the ground.

Last year, he had 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 442 snaps. He was also a team captain.

Like many of K-State’s returning players, he has a ton of experience to draw on. But the Wildcats are counting on him to have a career year as a senior.