WICHITA, Kan. (August 29, 2025)—Five Wichita Wind Surge pitchers combine for the team’s 11th shutout of the year in a 3-0 win for the team over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. 

The win marked the fourth straight for the Wind Surge, who remain in third place of the Texas League North, two games back of Tulsa for a playoff spot.&nbsp;

After neither team could put anything up on the scoreboard for the first three frames, Jake Rucker lined a three-run home run onto the berm in left field to give Wichita a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

C.J. Culpepper threw five innings of three-hit baseball with two walks and four strikeouts in his 13th start of the season. That would be enough for his second consecutive win of the season to improve to a 2-1 record.&nbsp;

Michael Martinez, John Stankiewicz, Hunter Hoopes, and Kade Bragg all threw an inning each after Culpepper’s night wrapped up. Martinez gave up the last Travelers hit all night in the top of the sixth, as the latter three allowed just one man to reach the rest of the evening. 

Bragg struck out Jared Sundstrom for the final out in the top of the ninth, earning his third Double-A save.&nbsp;

Wichita continues the series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 30 at 6:05 PM on SpongeBob Squarepants Night. The first 1,500 fans will receive a SpongeBob-themed bucket hat! SpongeBob will be in attendance for the game, and the Wind Surge will also wear special themed uniforms that will be auctioned off after the game. You can listen to Wind Surge games on&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

WICHITA, Kan. (August 29, 2025)—Five Wichita Wind Surge pitchers combine for the team’s 11th shutout of the year in a 3-0 win for the team over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. The win marked the fourth straight for the Wind Surge, who remain in third place of the Texas League North, two games back of Tulsa for a playoff spot.&nbsp;After neither team could put anything up on the scoreboard for the first three frames, Jake Rucker lined a three-run home run onto the berm in left field to give Wichita a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;C.J. Culpepper threw five innings of three-hit baseball with two walks and four strikeouts in his 13th start of the season. That would be enough for his second consecutive win of the season to improve to a 2-1 record.&nbsp;Michael Martinez, John Stankiewicz, Hunter Hoopes, and Kade Bragg all threw an inning each after Culpepper’s night wrapped up. Martinez gave up the last Travelers hit all night in the top of the sixth, as the latter three allowed just one man to reach the rest of the evening. Bragg struck out Jared Sundstrom for the final out in the top of the ninth, earning his third Double-A save.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>The shutout was the 11th on the season for the Wind Surge.&nbsp;</li><li>Wichita wins their fourth game in a row.&nbsp;</li><li>Jake Rucker hits his sixth home run of 2025.</li><li>Wind Surge relievers retired 12 of the final 13 Arkansas hitters on the night.</li><li>Tomorrow night is SpongeBob Night at Equity Bank Park.</li>
 </ul>Wichita continues the series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 30 at 6:05 PM on SpongeBob Squarepants Night. The first 1,500 fans will receive a SpongeBob-themed bucket hat! SpongeBob will be in attendance for the game, and the Wind Surge will also wear special themed uniforms that will be auctioned off after the game. You can listen to Wind Surge games on&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

Surge blank Travelers

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.

Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.

Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.

But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.

The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.

Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.

Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.

Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756520094265.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas easily defeated Wagner 46-7 on Friday night.Emmanuel Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.But Kansas was not flawless. The Jayhawks had the game's only two turnovers, and both of those came in the red zone. They were just 4 of 10 on third down.The Kansas defense did its part, limiting Wagner to just one drive of more than 20 yards.Jack Stevens was 13 of 20 for 90 yards and a touchdown for Wagner (0-1). No Seahawks runner gained more than 25 yards on the ground.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas was clearly better than its over-matched opponent from the FCS, but the Jayhawks left room for improvement. The Jayhawks put plenty on the tape, including a no-huddle offense on their second first-quarter drive, and some long passes from Daniels to his receivers.<h2>Up next</h2>Wagner will face Georgetown on the road on Sept. 6. Kansas will travel to face Missouri in Columbia for the first matchup between the former conference rivals since 2011.

🏈 Jalon Daniels throws for 4 touchdowns as KU easily defeated Wagner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.

After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.

Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.

The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.

Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.

Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.

With runners at the corners, Carpenter leapt to snag Kyle Isbel’s drive at the top of the fence in right field, ending a scoreless sixth inning and maintaining Detroit’s 4-3 lead.

In seven starts since signing a two-year contract extension July 28, Lugo has one win and an 8.35 ERA.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter hit two-run doubles and Dillon Dingler hit a solo homer as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Friday night.After Tigers starter Chris Paddack allowed three runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings, four relievers shut out the Royals on four hits. Kansas City was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position over in the final five innings.Kyle Finnegan (4-4) worked 1 2/3 innings of relief and got five outs, striking out three. Will Vest erned his 20th save.The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Yastrzemski led off the first with a first-pitch homer, his 11th career leadoff homer and fourth since joining the Royals on July 31st. Bobby Witt Jr. followed with a single, extending his hitting streak to 17 games. One out later, Maikel Garcia’s 14th home run gave Kansas City a three-run lead.Greene and Gleyber Torres each had three hits and the top four hitters in Detroit’s lineup collected nine hits. Dingler hit his 12th homer of the season in the eighth inning.Seth Lugo (8-7) scuffled through 3 1/3 innings, allowing multiple baserunners each inning while surrendering four runs on eight hits and four walks.Kansas City remained three games behind Seattle in the chase for the American League’s final wild card spot.<h2>Key moment</h2>With runners at the corners, Carpenter leapt to snag Kyle Isbel’s drive at the top of the fence in right field, ending a scoreless sixth inning and maintaining Detroit’s 4-3 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>In seven starts since signing a two-year contract extension July 28, Lugo has one win and an 8.35 ERA.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Greene, Carpenter and Dingler power Tigers to a win over Royals

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“All right, so we look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers. It's obviously, it's in Brazil. We look forward to traveling south there and having an opportunity to play internationally. It's quite a privilege. So, we're kind of rounding the team out now as we put all the pieces together for (a) practice squad. And then finalizing that part of it so we can get underway. Today is an off day for the players and very similar to a Monday. And then we'll start a normal week here starting tomorrow and get ourselves ready to travel on Wednesday. And then Thursday we'll have a walkthrough down in Brazil there. And then you play on Friday. So, we're one week away from it. We’re again looking forward to putting this week together here. Anyways, I don't have any injuries. Jalen (Royals) continues to work to get himself better. Yeah, there's – we'll see how it goes, I mean it'll be a, it'd be a real rush for this week for sure. So, it doesn’t look like he'll probably make (it) this week, but should be ready to go as we go down the road here. So anyways, with that time is yours.”

Q: Are there any more little details that you're trying to implement into the team to make the game in Brazil as routine as possible?

REID:&nbsp;“Sure. So, if you take tomorrow and just pretend like it's a Tuesday, today would be a Monday, tomorrow’s a Tuesday, or we'll go through the week off of that type of a schedule, and then we'll just block out that Wednesday as a travel day. I mean, it's a ten-hour plus trip there. So that one we’ll just give to the airlines. And then we'll go ahead and pick it back up on Thursday down there and do the walkthrough part of it. And then the rest of it will stay consistent. We'll try to keep the times consistent. There's only a two-hour difference. So, we should be able to keep things, you know, relatively consistent going forward.”

Q: On JuJu Smith-Schuster stepping up and filling in for Rashee Rice.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. Well, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) had a great camp and is and I mean he mentioned (it to) you guys, he's in the best shape he's been in in a long time. So, he feels very good, and we have a lot of trust in him. But most of all, Patrick (Mahomes) has a lot of trust in him. So yeah, no he can fill in that that role for sure. And then you've got a healthy Hollywood (Brown) that can play for you and Ty (Tyquan Thornton) came out and had a good camp for us. So, you know he's another one.”

Q: What was your reaction and thoughts to hearing Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jesse (Newell) listen, I'm happy for them. You know – it’s hard to find somebody that you fall in love with, and that's not an easy thing, and to really fall in love. And it seems like they're there and I think it's a great, great deal for both of them. And they like being around each other and you know, that’s a plus, I think. They're both busy people in their own right. And both are very famous in their own right. So, it's kind of neat to see that they come together and handle themselves the way they do.”

Q:&nbsp;Since we last chatted with you, Rashee Rice’s suspension has been made official. What's just been the process of preparing for both scenarios, particularly Week 1?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Sam (McDowell), you know, we had an idea that something was going to happen, whether it was now or later, it doesn't necessarily matter, but something was going to happen and it would probably be around that six game area. And so, we went about business full steam ahead (and) rotated guys in. Everybody got a chance to play that will have an opportunity to play here. And so, I think it was good for Rashee (Rice) to get the practice in, he'll be away for three weeks, and then he’ll be back in the building after that, to be able to work out here and just do everything but not practice so, and then we'll get him back in the – after six weeks. But we've got guys that are capable of playing here that, we just have to go out and do it. Not that you don't miss, Rashee. I mean, he's a heck of a football player, but we have, we have other guys that are good players, too.”

Q:&nbsp;What stands out about the camp that Rashee Rice did have though?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he had a real good camp who kept himself in the right frame of mind of where he could work. He wasn't moping around. Stayed positive. He's trying to do the right things, first of all, I've mentioned somewhere that you know, Rashee’s (Rice) got a real good heart. You know, it's unfortunate that it happened. Thank goodness people weren't hurt obviously, but lesson learned. And you move on and try to, try to move ahead. You know, in a positive manner. And so far, he's done a nice job with that.”

Q:&nbsp;On the impact of game planning when trying to figure out if Rashee Rice is suspended.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, sure, and I think we were okay with it because of the rotation that we had going, we were prepared for it. We don't have to change a lot of things moving forward and what we put in the game plan. As far as their part goes, you know, last year, our first game against them, they were missing one of their big players on defense. You know they made their adjustments that they need to make in life, life moved on. So, they're familiar with how to handle situations like this too. In the NFL, Soren (Petro), as you know man, you got to be ready for change. Changes happen rapidly and whether it's an injury or a suspension or some of that, or you gotta be ready to go and still play at a high level. So our guys are excited to play and keep going on this thing.”

Q:&nbsp;Does this travel situation bring out the best in teams?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s a little bit of a frame of mind. I think if you say you're being honored to actually do this, because you're doing well, that's the way you approach it. It's an honor to have an overseas game and to be able to go to Brazil. And then as opposed to, ‘oh my gosh, what are they giving us?’ You know that attitude didn't get you anywhere. So, you take the schedule and you turn that same thing into a positive. Plus, to play these teams – some of these teams, well most of them in this league are just tremendous football teams and the parity and it's crazy. So, it really doesn't matter who you're playing or really when you're playing, you just take in and you roll. They're doing the same thing you're doing.”

Q: What’s the key to setting a tempo in the first week and month of the season?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, it’s always good to come off and get a good start for sure. I think all 32 of us (NFL teams) are trying to do that, (to) come out of the gates and play well. However, when they say – you use that O-line mastermind thing, and you say you’d better take every week as it’s own separate thing, and you better keep pounding as you go through the year. But you sure would like to come out and play well, I mean, for sure.”

Q: How long do you feel it takes for a team to build an identity?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, normally it takes a couple of weeks, Nick (Jacobs). And I think that’s probably for most teams. Now we’ve got a lot of guys coming back, so maybe that cuts it down a little bit. But just to get yourself in rhythm and now you’re taking it up a notch from what you were doing in training camp. And so sometimes you (have) got to work through that just a tick, but it should be okay there.”

Q: What’s your anticipation level for Josh Simmons playing left tackle in a regular season game?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Todd (Leabo), I think we just let him (Josh Simmons) go, get him out here, (and) let him get this experience going forward. This group’s (Los Angeles Chargers) got two good defensive ends, and so it’ll be a nice challenge for him. And I’ll probably be saying that every week through the season here, but it’s his first year, so there are going to be things that he hasn’t seen before, and he’s got to fight through that. But he’s a talented kid and he’s willing – he wants to do well, and he has worked very hard. He’s worked very hard to get himself into this position right here to be the starter. I told you after training camp, my hat goes off to the kid. He didn’t miss a day, from the time he started in the OTAs (and) throughout this camp where he’s tried to bear down. There’ll be some things in there, some hiccups in there, I’m sure, but he sure is willing to play.”

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I know Kinglsey (Suamataia) has worked very hard this offseason. He feels comfortable in there at that spot (left guard), but I’ll tell you it’s new (for him) and there’s going to be things in there. He seems to be working well with Creed (Humphrey) and Josh (Simmons), but again this is a good defense (Los Angeles Chargers), (they were) one of the top defenses in the league last year, and now they’ve got to step into that and play good football. And so that’s what we’re going to practice each week here, and hopefully the continuity continues to grow there with the three of them (Kingsley Suamataia, Josh Simmons, Creed Humphrey).

Q: Do you have to prepare the team for international games emotionally, or do you let them rely on their experiences to get them through the game?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesAugust 29, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“All right, so we look forward to the challenge of playing the Chargers. It's obviously, it's in Brazil. We look forward to traveling south there and having an opportunity to play internationally. It's quite a privilege. So, we're kind of rounding the team out now as we put all the pieces together for (a) practice squad. And then finalizing that part of it so we can get underway. Today is an off day for the players and very similar to a Monday. And then we'll start a normal week here starting tomorrow and get ourselves ready to travel on Wednesday. And then Thursday we'll have a walkthrough down in Brazil there. And then you play on Friday. So, we're one week away from it. We’re again looking forward to putting this week together here. Anyways, I don't have any injuries. Jalen (Royals) continues to work to get himself better. Yeah, there's – we'll see how it goes, I mean it'll be a, it'd be a real rush for this week for sure. So, it doesn’t look like he'll probably make (it) this week, but should be ready to go as we go down the road here. So anyways, with that time is yours.”Q: Are there any more little details that you're trying to implement into the team to make the game in Brazil as routine as possible?REID:&nbsp;“Sure. So, if you take tomorrow and just pretend like it's a Tuesday, today would be a Monday, tomorrow’s a Tuesday, or we'll go through the week off of that type of a schedule, and then we'll just block out that Wednesday as a travel day. I mean, it's a ten-hour plus trip there. So that one we’ll just give to the airlines. And then we'll go ahead and pick it back up on Thursday down there and do the walkthrough part of it. And then the rest of it will stay consistent. We'll try to keep the times consistent. There's only a two-hour difference. So, we should be able to keep things, you know, relatively consistent going forward.”Q: On JuJu Smith-Schuster stepping up and filling in for Rashee Rice.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. Well, JuJu (Smith-Schuster) had a great camp and is and I mean he mentioned (it to) you guys, he's in the best shape he's been in in a long time. So, he feels very good, and we have a lot of trust in him. But most of all, Patrick (Mahomes) has a lot of trust in him. So yeah, no he can fill in that that role for sure. And then you've got a healthy Hollywood (Brown) that can play for you and Ty (Tyquan Thornton) came out and had a good camp for us. So, you know he's another one.”Q: What was your reaction and thoughts to hearing Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Jesse (Newell) listen, I'm happy for them. You know – it’s hard to find somebody that you fall in love with, and that's not an easy thing, and to really fall in love. And it seems like they're there and I think it's a great, great deal for both of them. And they like being around each other and you know, that’s a plus, I think. They're both busy people in their own right. And both are very famous in their own right. So, it's kind of neat to see that they come together and handle themselves the way they do.”Q:&nbsp;Since we last chatted with you, Rashee Rice’s suspension has been made official. What's just been the process of preparing for both scenarios, particularly Week 1?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Sam (McDowell), you know, we had an idea that something was going to happen, whether it was now or later, it doesn't necessarily matter, but something was going to happen and it would probably be around that six game area. And so, we went about business full steam ahead (and) rotated guys in. Everybody got a chance to play that will have an opportunity to play here. And so, I think it was good for Rashee (Rice) to get the practice in, he'll be away for three weeks, and then he’ll be back in the building after that, to be able to work out here and just do everything but not practice so, and then we'll get him back in the – after six weeks. But we've got guys that are capable of playing here that, we just have to go out and do it. Not that you don't miss, Rashee. I mean, he's a heck of a football player, but we have, we have other guys that are good players, too.”Q:&nbsp;What stands out about the camp that Rashee Rice did have though?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, he had a real good camp who kept himself in the right frame of mind of where he could work. He wasn't moping around. Stayed positive. He's trying to do the right things, first of all, I've mentioned somewhere that you know, Rashee’s (Rice) got a real good heart. You know, it's unfortunate that it happened. Thank goodness people weren't hurt obviously, but lesson learned. And you move on and try to, try to move ahead. You know, in a positive manner. And so far, he's done a nice job with that.”Q:&nbsp;On the impact of game planning when trying to figure out if Rashee Rice is suspended.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, sure, and I think we were okay with it because of the rotation that we had going, we were prepared for it. We don't have to change a lot of things moving forward and what we put in the game plan. As far as their part goes, you know, last year, our first game against them, they were missing one of their big players on defense. You know they made their adjustments that they need to make in life, life moved on. So, they're familiar with how to handle situations like this too. In the NFL, Soren (Petro), as you know man, you got to be ready for change. Changes happen rapidly and whether it's an injury or a suspension or some of that, or you gotta be ready to go and still play at a high level. So our guys are excited to play and keep going on this thing.”Q:&nbsp;Does this travel situation bring out the best in teams?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s a little bit of a frame of mind. I think if you say you're being honored to actually do this, because you're doing well, that's the way you approach it. It's an honor to have an overseas game and to be able to go to Brazil. And then as opposed to, ‘oh my gosh, what are they giving us?’ You know that attitude didn't get you anywhere. So, you take the schedule and you turn that same thing into a positive. Plus, to play these teams – some of these teams, well most of them in this league are just tremendous football teams and the parity and it's crazy. So, it really doesn't matter who you're playing or really when you're playing, you just take in and you roll. They're doing the same thing you're doing.”Q: What’s the key to setting a tempo in the first week and month of the season?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, it’s always good to come off and get a good start for sure. I think all 32 of us (NFL teams) are trying to do that, (to) come out of the gates and play well. However, when they say – you use that O-line mastermind thing, and you say you’d better take every week as it’s own separate thing, and you better keep pounding as you go through the year. But you sure would like to come out and play well, I mean, for sure.”Q: How long do you feel it takes for a team to build an identity?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, normally it takes a couple of weeks, Nick (Jacobs). And I think that’s probably for most teams. Now we’ve got a lot of guys coming back, so maybe that cuts it down a little bit. But just to get yourself in rhythm and now you’re taking it up a notch from what you were doing in training camp. And so sometimes you (have) got to work through that just a tick, but it should be okay there.”Q: What’s your anticipation level for Josh Simmons playing left tackle in a regular season game?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Todd (Leabo), I think we just let him (Josh Simmons) go, get him out here, (and) let him get this experience going forward. This group’s (Los Angeles Chargers) got two good defensive ends, and so it’ll be a nice challenge for him. And I’ll probably be saying that every week through the season here, but it’s his first year, so there are going to be things that he hasn’t seen before, and he’s got to fight through that. But he’s a talented kid and he’s willing – he wants to do well, and he has worked very hard. He’s worked very hard to get himself into this position right here to be the starter. I told you after training camp, my hat goes off to the kid. He didn’t miss a day, from the time he started in the OTAs (and) throughout this camp where he’s tried to bear down. There’ll be some things in there, some hiccups in there, I’m sure, but he sure is willing to play.”Q: On Kinglsey Suamataia.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I know Kinglsey (Suamataia) has worked very hard this offseason. He feels comfortable in there at that spot (left guard), but I’ll tell you it’s new (for him) and there’s going to be things in there. He seems to be working well with Creed (Humphrey) and Josh (Simmons), but again this is a good defense (Los Angeles Chargers), (they were) one of the top defenses in the league last year, and now they’ve got to step into that and play good football. And so that’s what we’re going to practice each week here, and hopefully the continuity continues to grow there with the three of them (Kingsley Suamataia, Josh Simmons, Creed Humphrey).Q: Do you have to prepare the team for international games emotionally, or do you let them rely on their experiences to get them through the game?

Chiefs Quotes: 8-29-25

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball has received its schedule for the 2025 Cancun Challenge at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on November 27-29. The Wildcats are joined in the Mayan Division by Columbia, North Carolina and South Dakota State.

The Wildcats will face Columbia on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. On Friday, K-State and North Carolina will meet at 10 a.m. The Wildcats will end its schedule in Cancun on Saturday at 10 a.m., against South Dakota State.

K-State has played in Cancun four times in its history. The Wildcats’ first trip to Cancun came in 1999 in the Cancun Tournament, followed by a trip to the Caribbean Classic in 2007. K-State has taken part in the Cancun Challenge in 2011 and 2018.

Fan packages are available for the Cancun Challenge and can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://cancunchallenge.net/" target="_blank">cancunchallenge.net</a>.

K-State and Columbia will meet for the first time. This will be the 12th&nbsp;time the Wildcats will face an Ivy League opponent and the first time since the 2018-19 season, when K-State defeated Princeton in the Cancun Challenge.

Columbia ended the 2024-25 season in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, falling to West Virginia. The Lions completed the season with a 24-7 overall record and a 13-1 mark in the Ivy League.

The Wildcats will face the Tarheels for the third time in the history of the series and the second time in the last three seasons. K-State captured the last meeting against North Carolina, 63-56, in Estero, Florida, during the 2023 Gulf Coast Showcase.

North Carolina reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with a 29-8 overall record.

K-State and South Dakota State will match up for the ninth time and the first time since Dec. 10, 2022, when the Jackrabbits ended a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats with an 82-78 win in Kansas City.

South Dakota State completed the 2024-25 season by reaching the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where the Jackrabbits fell to eventual national champion UConn. South Dakota State registered a record of 30-4 overall and secured the regular season and tournament Summit League crowns.

K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2025-26 season are available now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

2025 Cancun Challenge – Mayan Division

Thursday, Nov. 27North Carolina vs. South Dakota State, 10 a.m.Columbia vs. Kansas State, 12:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 28Kansas State vs. North Carolina, 10 a.m.South Dakota State vs. Columbia, 12:30 p.m.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball has received its schedule for the 2025 Cancun Challenge at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on November 27-29. The Wildcats are joined in the Mayan Division by Columbia, North Carolina and South Dakota State.The Wildcats will face Columbia on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. On Friday, K-State and North Carolina will meet at 10 a.m. The Wildcats will end its schedule in Cancun on Saturday at 10 a.m., against South Dakota State.K-State has played in Cancun four times in its history. The Wildcats’ first trip to Cancun came in 1999 in the Cancun Tournament, followed by a trip to the Caribbean Classic in 2007. K-State has taken part in the Cancun Challenge in 2011 and 2018.Fan packages are available for the Cancun Challenge and can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://cancunchallenge.net/" target="_blank">cancunchallenge.net</a>.K-State and Columbia will meet for the first time. This will be the 12th&nbsp;time the Wildcats will face an Ivy League opponent and the first time since the 2018-19 season, when K-State defeated Princeton in the Cancun Challenge.Columbia ended the 2024-25 season in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, falling to West Virginia. The Lions completed the season with a 24-7 overall record and a 13-1 mark in the Ivy League.The Wildcats will face the Tarheels for the third time in the history of the series and the second time in the last three seasons. K-State captured the last meeting against North Carolina, 63-56, in Estero, Florida, during the 2023 Gulf Coast Showcase.North Carolina reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with a 29-8 overall record.K-State and South Dakota State will match up for the ninth time and the first time since Dec. 10, 2022, when the Jackrabbits ended a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats with an 82-78 win in Kansas City.South Dakota State completed the 2024-25 season by reaching the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where the Jackrabbits fell to eventual national champion UConn. South Dakota State registered a record of 30-4 overall and secured the regular season and tournament Summit League crowns.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2025-26 season are available now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.2025 Cancun Challenge – Mayan DivisionThursday, Nov. 27North Carolina vs. South Dakota State, 10 a.m.Columbia vs. Kansas State, 12:30 p.m.Friday, Nov. 28Kansas State vs. North Carolina, 10 a.m.South Dakota State vs. Columbia, 12:30 p.m.

K-State WBB Schedule Set at 2025 Cancun Challenge

WICHITA, Kan. (August 28, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario hit a walk-off grand slam for his second home run of the night in a 7-4 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. 

Wichita holds sole possession of third place in the Texas League North, two games behind Tulsa for the second-half title.&nbsp;Two pitches into the game, Colt Emerson slugged a two-run home run to right field to give the Travelers a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.&nbsp;

Kala’i Rosario tied the game with a two-run shot, his 22nd of the year, toward left center in the home half of the third.&nbsp;Sam Armstrong finished his night with a quality start, throwing six innings and giving up two earned runs on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. 

His 23rd start of the season marks his fifth quality start of the year and second with the Wind Surge.&nbsp;Emerson drilled a solo shot, his second long ball of the night, to right in the top of the eighth. 

Bill Knight slapped an opposite-field single to right to drive in another run and gift Arkansas a 4-2 advantage.&nbsp;An error and two base hits loaded the bases with one out for Wichita in the bottom of the ninth. 

Maddux Houghton pushed a fielder’s choice toward second base, and everybody was safe, with Andrew Cossetti coming in to score. Rosario played hero with two outs, clocking a grand slam into the Wind Surge bullpen for a 7-4 final score and Wichita’s second walk-off win of the season.&nbsp;

Jacob Wosinski, who finished with a strikeout over a routine inning of relief, earned the victory and improved to 6-1 with the Wind Surge this year.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (August 28, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario hit a walk-off grand slam for his second home run of the night in a 7-4 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. Wichita holds sole possession of third place in the Texas League North, two games behind Tulsa for the second-half title.&nbsp;Two pitches into the game, Colt Emerson slugged a two-run home run to right field to give the Travelers a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario tied the game with a two-run shot, his 22nd of the year, toward left center in the home half of the third.&nbsp;Sam Armstrong finished his night with a quality start, throwing six innings and giving up two earned runs on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. His 23rd start of the season marks his fifth quality start of the year and second with the Wind Surge.&nbsp;Emerson drilled a solo shot, his second long ball of the night, to right in the top of the eighth. Bill Knight slapped an opposite-field single to right to drive in another run and gift Arkansas a 4-2 advantage.&nbsp;An error and two base hits loaded the bases with one out for Wichita in the bottom of the ninth. Maddux Houghton pushed a fielder’s choice toward second base, and everybody was safe, with Andrew Cossetti coming in to score. Rosario played hero with two outs, clocking a grand slam into the Wind Surge bullpen for a 7-4 final score and Wichita’s second walk-off win of the season.&nbsp;Jacob Wosinski, who finished with a strikeout over a routine inning of relief, earned the victory and improved to 6-1 with the Wind Surge this year.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Wichita has its second walk-off win of 2025 (April 23 vs. Springfield</li><li>Kala’i Rosario has his second multi-home run game of his career and this year.</li><li>Kala’i Rosario is one home run away from the single-season franchise record (Yunior Severino, 24, 2023).</li><li>Nine of the 11 total runs scored in this game came on home runs.&nbsp;</li><li>Sam Armstrong throws his fifth quality start of the season and second with the Wind Surge.</li>
 </ul>

Surge Walk Off Travs

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Warren Corman, a fixture in the rich history of the Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas architecture, died August 28, in Lawrence, the Corman family informed KU officials. The last of the seven architects that built Allen Fieldhouse to pass, Corman was 99 years old.

A KU men’s basketball season ticket holder for more than 60 years, Corman, and his wife, Mary, were regulars at both football and men’s basketball weekly Hawk Talk radio shows and deeply passionate about the Jayhawks.

“Warren Corman's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the University of Kansas with his incredible contributions to Allen Fieldhouse,” Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “That historic venue would not be what it is today without Warren. We will miss his amazing stories and his passion for KU but cherish the time we have had with him. The KU Athletics' family sends our love and condolences to Mary and the entire family."

Corman was the youngest of the architects on the Allen Fieldhouse project. The others included James Canole, Frank Johnson, Charles Marshall, Robert Jokish, Robert Schober, and Thornton Beck. Six of Kansas’ eight all-time coaches played their home contests in Allen Fieldhouse and all developed a relationship with Corman.

“Warren Corman played an integral role in what Kansas basketball is today as one the architects who designed Allen Fieldhouse,” Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self said. “Cindy and I truly enjoyed getting to know Warren and Mary over the years and listening to Warren tell stories about his role with the University. He had such a wealth of knowledge about everything KU. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.

A 1950 architecture engineering graduate from KU who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Corman had a major impact on the learning environment encountered by the state's college students. In 1966, he was recruited by the Kansas Board of Regents to be director of facilities, a position he held for 31 years. During his tenure, Corman worked with all the regents institutions, overseeing planning and construction on more than 300 construction projects, valued at more than $500 million.

Corman also was instrumental in two public policy actions that continue to serve Kansans: the State Building Advisory Committee, which greatly reduced the opportunity for corruption, and Crumbling Classrooms, widely recognized as the single most important facilities repair-and-rehabilitation funding project in regents history.

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Warren Corman, a fixture in the rich history of the Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas architecture, died August 28, in Lawrence, the Corman family informed KU officials. The last of the seven architects that built Allen Fieldhouse to pass, Corman was 99 years old.A KU men’s basketball season ticket holder for more than 60 years, Corman, and his wife, Mary, were regulars at both football and men’s basketball weekly Hawk Talk radio shows and deeply passionate about the Jayhawks.“Warren Corman's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the University of Kansas with his incredible contributions to Allen Fieldhouse,” Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “That historic venue would not be what it is today without Warren. We will miss his amazing stories and his passion for KU but cherish the time we have had with him. The KU Athletics' family sends our love and condolences to Mary and the entire family."Corman was the youngest of the architects on the Allen Fieldhouse project. The others included James Canole, Frank Johnson, Charles Marshall, Robert Jokish, Robert Schober, and Thornton Beck. Six of Kansas’ eight all-time coaches played their home contests in Allen Fieldhouse and all developed a relationship with Corman.“Warren Corman played an integral role in what Kansas basketball is today as one the architects who designed Allen Fieldhouse,” Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self said. “Cindy and I truly enjoyed getting to know Warren and Mary over the years and listening to Warren tell stories about his role with the University. He had such a wealth of knowledge about everything KU. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.“KU lost a treasure in Warren.”A 1950 architecture engineering graduate from KU who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Corman had a major impact on the learning environment encountered by the state's college students. In 1966, he was recruited by the Kansas Board of Regents to be director of facilities, a position he held for 31 years. During his tenure, Corman worked with all the regents institutions, overseeing planning and construction on more than 300 construction projects, valued at more than $500 million.Corman also was instrumental in two public policy actions that continue to serve Kansans: the State Building Advisory Committee, which greatly reduced the opportunity for corruption, and Crumbling Classrooms, widely recognized as the single most important facilities repair-and-rehabilitation funding project in regents history.

Allen Fieldhouse Architect, Warren Corman Passes

WICHITA, Kan. (August 27, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario ended his night a single shy of the cycle in an 8-5 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. After jumping ahead with four runs in the third inning, the Wind Surge kept the Travelers at bay with timely scoring and strong pitching out of the bullpen.&nbsp;

The win vaults the Wind Surge ahead of Arkansas in the standings.&nbsp; Wichita is tied with NW Arkansas for third place, two back of Tulsa for a potential playoff spot with 16 games to play, 11 at home.&nbsp; Wichita will host Tulsa next week.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bill Knight brought in Hogan Windish on an RBI single to left field in the top of the third. Wichita responded by sending all nine men to the plate and scoring four runs on four hits in the home half of the frame. The four runs came in on a solo shot by Rosario, an RBI single by Rubel Cespedes, and a two-run line drive knock to right by Jose Salas.&nbsp;Hendry Mendez brought in a fifth Wind Surge run on a single in the next inning to give Wichita a 5-1 lead through four innings.

Arkansas put up a crooked number of their own with three runs in the top of the fifth, with the big hit of the frame being a two-run shot to left-center by Hunter Fitz-Gerald.

Kaelen Culpepper yanked an RBI single into left field to gift a 6-4 lead to the Wind Surge in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp;A double steal allowed Blake Rambusch to score for the Travelers in the top of the seventh and make it a one-run game just before the stretch.&nbsp;

Mendez pulled a run-scoring double inside the first base line, with Andrew Cossetti following with a single that deflected into left field to score Mendez in the bottom of the eighth inning for an 8-5 advantage that later became the final score.

Mike Paredes finished with two no-hit innings, a walk, and two strikeouts to record his fourth save of the season. Ryan Gallagher earned the win as the Wichita starter to improve to 3-1 in Double-A. Over five innings, he gave up four earned runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts.&nbsp;

Wichita continues the series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 28 at 7:05 PM on Thirsty Thursday, presented by LDF, Standard Beverages, and House of Schwan.&nbsp; Come on down to Equity Bank Park for a variety of discounted drinks as the Tumba Vacas de Wichita take the field! You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

WICHITA, Kan. (August 27, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario ended his night a single shy of the cycle in an 8-5 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Arkansas Travelers at Equity Bank Park. After jumping ahead with four runs in the third inning, the Wind Surge kept the Travelers at bay with timely scoring and strong pitching out of the bullpen.&nbsp;The win vaults the Wind Surge ahead of Arkansas in the standings.&nbsp; Wichita is tied with NW Arkansas for third place, two back of Tulsa for a potential playoff spot with 16 games to play, 11 at home.&nbsp; Wichita will host Tulsa next week.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Bill Knight brought in Hogan Windish on an RBI single to left field in the top of the third. Wichita responded by sending all nine men to the plate and scoring four runs on four hits in the home half of the frame. The four runs came in on a solo shot by Rosario, an RBI single by Rubel Cespedes, and a two-run line drive knock to right by Jose Salas.&nbsp;Hendry Mendez brought in a fifth Wind Surge run on a single in the next inning to give Wichita a 5-1 lead through four innings.Arkansas put up a crooked number of their own with three runs in the top of the fifth, with the big hit of the frame being a two-run shot to left-center by Hunter Fitz-Gerald.Kaelen Culpepper yanked an RBI single into left field to gift a 6-4 lead to the Wind Surge in the bottom of the fifth inning.&nbsp;A double steal allowed Blake Rambusch to score for the Travelers in the top of the seventh and make it a one-run game just before the stretch.&nbsp;Mendez pulled a run-scoring double inside the first base line, with Andrew Cossetti following with a single that deflected into left field to score Mendez in the bottom of the eighth inning for an 8-5 advantage that later became the final score.Mike Paredes finished with two no-hit innings, a walk, and two strikeouts to record his fourth save of the season. Ryan Gallagher earned the win as the Wichita starter to improve to 3-1 in Double-A. Over five innings, he gave up four earned runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kala’i Rosario takes the Texas League lead in home runs (21) and now has more than 50 extra base hits on the season.</li><li>Kala’i Rosario finishes a single shy of the cycle.</li><li>Logan Whitaker, Tanner Andrews, and Mike Paredes hold Arkansas to an unearned run on a hit over the final four frames.&nbsp;</li><li>Mike Paredes is tied for second on the Wind Surge in saves (4).&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Wichita continues the series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 28 at 7:05 PM on Thirsty Thursday, presented by LDF, Standard Beverages, and House of Schwan.&nbsp; Come on down to Equity Bank Park for a variety of discounted drinks as the Tumba Vacas de Wichita take the field! You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

Wind Surge Outslug Travelers

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.

Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.

Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.

Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.

Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.

Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.

Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.

The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.

The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.

White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756350904034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

⚾ Eight-run fifth inning helps Royals rout the White Sox

K-State Introduces the 2025-26 WildcatsPronunication Guide

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fourth-year head coach Jerome Tang has announced the 2025-26 Wildcat men’s basketball team, which includes four returners and 10 newcomers.

K-State welcomes back four returners in senior C.J. Jones (East St. Louis, Ill.), juniors Mobi Ikegwuruka (Galway, Ireland) and Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo.) and sophomore David Castillo (Bartlesville, Okla.). Castillo, Ikegwuruka and Jones are all returning for a second year at K-State, while Manning is entering his fourth year.

The 10 newcomers (listed in alphabetical order) include junior Abdi Bashir Jr. (Omaha, Neb./Monmouth), junior Dorin Buca (Perugia, Italy/Akern Libertas Livorno), junior P.J. Haggerty (Crosby, Texas/Memphis), senior Marcus Johnson (Akron, Ohio/Bowling Green), senior Nate Johnson (Liberty Township, Ohio/Akron), freshman Andrej Kostic (Belgrade, Serbia/Crvena zevda Meridan bet Beograd), senior Khamari McGriff (Tallahassee, Fla./UNC Wilmington), sophomore Stephen Osei (Toronto, Ontario/Casper College), junior Elias Rapieque (Berlin, Germany/ALBA Berlin), and freshman Exavier Wilson (Columbia, Mo./Father Tolton Catholic).

The newcomer class includes three seniors (M. Johnson, N. Johnson and McGriff), four juniors (Bashir, Buca, Haggerty and Rapieque), one sophomore (Osei) and two freshmen (Kostic and Wilson). There are five Division I transfers (Bashir, Haggerty, M. Johnson, N. Johnson and McGriff), one junior college transfer (Osei), one from the high school ranks (Wilson) and three international players (Buca, Rapieque and Kostic). It marks the first time in school history that K-State has had a player from Germany (Rapieque), Italy (Buca) and Serbia (Kostic).

“I'm excited about this group,” said Tang. “They are high character, hardworking, a mature group. They take their craft seriously. They understand that how they do anything is how they do everything. They take care of business in the classroom, they conduct themselves right off the floor, and then when we step on the floor, they really get after it, and they like each other and they're fun to be around. And so, regardless of the results of what happens with the season, we're going to be able to enjoy this journey together.”

The newcomer profiles are listed in alphabetical order followed by individual quotes from Tang.

Abdi Bashir Jr. [pronounced OBB-dee BUH-sheer]

(6-7, 175, Jr.-TR, G, Omaha, Neb./PHHoenix Prep/Monmouth)

[Rating: 4-star / 94.36 Rivals | 4-star / 93 On3 | 4-star / 94 247Sports]

Bashir arrives at K-State after two seasons (2023-25) at Monmouth, where he scored nearly 900 points (872) on 37.8 percent (298-of-789) shooting from the field, including 38.4 percent (178-of-463) from 3-point range, and 86 percent (98-of-114) from the free throw line. He scored in double figures in 36 of 66 career games at Monmouth, including 14 20-point games and five 30-point games. He scored a career-high 38 points at Rutgers on Nov. 15, 2024, on 11-of-23 field goals, including 10-of-17 from 3-point range. It was the most points scored by an opponent against the Scarlet Knights since 1977.

Bashir was one of the top scorers in the country in 2024-25, leading the CAA in scoring at 20.1 points per game while was 16th in scoring and 25th in total points (663) nationally. He posted five 30-point games, which tied for the most in program history. He was named First Team All-CAA, becoming the fourth sophomore in school history to earn First Team honors.

A big threat from 3-point range, Bashir led the nation in 3-point field goals/game (3.85) while was second in total 3-point field goals (127) and 3-point field goals attempted (332) in 2024-25. He broke both school and conference single-season records for 3-pointers (127).

Bashir was born in Minnesota and raised in Omaha, Neb., before he prepped at PHHoenix Prep in Arizona. His twin brother, Abdul, was the top scorer (27.2 ppg.) in the junior college ranks at Casper College a year ago and currently plays at Auburn.

On what interested the coaches about Abdi Bashir Jr. …

“We were interested in Abdi, first of all, because he was a prolific scorer at Monmouth. His coach there, King Rice, just absolutely loved him. Abdi being from Omaha right up the road was something I think was really exciting for us and for him to be able to play closer to home. Fans are going to fall in love with his infectious smile and the energy he brings every day.”

“Abdi’s playing style, best described with one word, he’s a bucket. He can score it from all three levels, and the ball comes out of his hands easily. He has a beautiful shot. He loves making plays for his teammates and his leadership skills are gonna be very evident on the court.”

On what enticed Tang about Abdi Bashir Jr. while recruiting him…

“Abdi started the season last year great at Monmouth putting up big numbers. And his college coach King Rice actually went to the media and announced to all of America, ‘look he’s gonna transfer at the end of the year but leave him alone this season so he can focus on basketball and getting better and his team.’ Man, I thought that was so impressive of both King and Abdi to have that mature approach to it. That was definitely one of the things that enticed me about him is his approach and how he’s very serious about this game.”

Dorin Buca [pronounced DOOR-reen BOO-cah]

(7-2, 254, Jr.-TR, W, Perugia, Italy/Akern Libertas Livorno)

Buca arrives at K-State after playing the past season (2024-25) at Akern Libertas Livorno in the Italian Serie A2, which is in the second-tier of the pro basketball in Italy. He was one of three players to see action in all 43 games with Libertas Livorno, averaging 5.6 points on 60.8 percent (101-of-166) shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 16.7 minutes per game. He led the team in blocks per game (1.2 bpg.) while he was second in field goal percentage (60.8), third in rebounding (5.3 rpg.) and fourth in field goals made (101). He scored in 38 of 43 games with seven double-digit scoring games with a season-high 15 points vs. Piazenza on March 8.

Buca began his career with Basket Perugia in the Italian Serie C in 2019-20, spending two seasons before moving to Sana Basketball Academy Siena in the Italian Serie C in 2022-23. He was promoted to Libertas 1947 Livorno in the Italian Serie B in 2023-24, where he averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in helping the team to the 2024 Italian Serie B Cup Finals.

Buca holds dual citizenship in Romania and Italy.

On what interested the coaches in Dorin Buca…

“Well, his size, first of all, and then how well he moved for his size, and then he set illegal screens. And so, he wasn't afraid of contact. He's played in Europe for a while and moved up in the league to a higher level to better competition, and got most improved player, which meant that he's just continuing to get better and better and better. And we learned this a long time ago that big guys get better later, so his best basketball is ahead of him, and the fact that he wants to get better, and he's got a great work ethic. Everyone, all his coaches, raved about his work ethic and people around him that watched him play and scouts over there had great things to say about him. I got on a Zoom with him, and he was fun to talk to. He made me laugh. I made him laugh. He has just a terrific story.”

“He’s a big, physical presence with good touch around the rim. He really can go over either shoulder. He’s someone who has played in a situation (in Europe) where he had a role and he had to execute that role in order to play, and he was willing to buy into his role and execute it to allow his team to be successful and stay on the floor.”

(6-4, 195, Jr.-TR, G, Crosby, Texas/Crosby/TCU/Tulsa/Memphis)

[Rating: 5-star / 98.46 Rivals | 4-star / 97 On3 | 5-star / 99 247Sports]

Haggerty arrives at K-State after one season (2024-25) at Memphis, where he became the first Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American while earning consensus Second Team All-America honors. He was also selected as the AAC Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the AAC Championship en route to leading Memphis to 29 wins, both the AAC regular season and tournament championships and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Haggerty has scored more than 1,400 points (1,433) in 72 games and 66 starts in his college career, which has included one-year stints at TCU (2022-23), Tulsa (2023-24) and Memphis. He has averaged nearly 20 points per game in his career, including better than 21 points per game in each of the last past two seasons at Tulsa and Memphis. He is the only Division I player to average at least 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in each of the last two seasons.

Haggerty has connected on 48.4 percent (452-of-934) of his field goals in his career, including 33.2 percent (61-of-184) from 3-point range, and 79.1 percent (468-of-592) from the free throw line. He has averaged 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 2,381 minutes played.

Haggerty has scored in double figures in 64 of 72 career games with 25 games of 25 or more points, including two 30-point games and one 40-point games in his career. He scored a career-high and AAC Championship-tying 42 points vs. Wichita State on March 14 in the quarterfinals of the AAC Championship on 16-of-25 field goals and 10-of-11 free throws.

Haggerty ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759) in 2024-25. His 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He has also ranked in the top-3 nationally in both free throws made and attempted in the past two seasons, including second in attempts (309) and third in makes (237) in 2023-24 and second in both makes (224) and attempts (274) in 2024-25.

Last season, Haggerty became the first Division I player to average at least 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game to go with 6.5 free throws per game since Ja Morant in 2018-19.

Prior to his time at Memphis, Haggerty played the 2023-24 season at Tulsa, where he earned Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year and unanimous AAC Freshman of the Year honors.

On what interested the coaches about P.J. Haggerty…

“It was very easy to be interested in P.J. Haggerty. This is actually the third time I’m recruiting him. I recruited him for a little bit when I was at Baylor when he’s coming out of high school. I’ve known him for a while since he actually grew up in a town just right down the road from where my wife grew up. So, we’re real excited to have him be a part of the program.”

“PJ’s style of play is aggressive and attack. I think those two words describe him, while he’s playing downhill he’s trying to get to the rim, get to the free throw line. Big time shot maker and then he makes the game easier for his teammates.”

On what excites him about the upcoming season with P.J. Haggerty…

“Anytime you get to have an All-American with a ball in his hands in your backcourt as a coach it gets you very excited and as fans we should be super excited about the opportunity to cheer P.J. on this year and the rest of the Wildcats.”

(6-7, 265, Jr.-TR, W, Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary/Wheeling/Bowling Green)

[Rating: 4-star / 91.38 Rivals | 4-star / 91 On3]

Johnson arrives at K-State coming off a career season at Bowling Green in 2024-25, in which, he ranked sixth in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in scoring (16.2 ppg.) while scoring in double figures in 26 of 32 games played with 13 games of 20 or more points. In total, he ranked in the MAC’s top-15 in four other categories, including first in free throw percentage (89.8), fourth in 3-point field goals made (78), ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (39.4) and 14th in minutes (31.4).

Johnson has scored nearly 1,900 points (1,865) in his college career in 107 games and 80 starts in his college career, which has included one season (2021-22) at NJCAA’s Parkland College and two seasons (2022-24) at Division II Wheeling College. He has scored more than 1,600 points (1,627) at the Division I and/or II ranks in 88 career games with 86 starts at Wheeling and Bowling Green with three consecutive seasons of 500 or more points, including a career-high 582 in 2023-24.

Johnson has connected on 46.8 percent (678-of-1449) shooting from the field, including 40.9 percent (201-of-492) from 3-point range, and 85.8 percent (308-of-359) from the free throw line. He has also averaged 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 3,171 minutes played.

Johnson has scored in double figures in 86 of 107 career games at Parkland, Wheeling and Bowling Green, including 42 20-point games and four 30-point games. He scored a career-high 34 points vs. West Virginia State on Feb. 3, 2024, while at Wheeling on 12-of-23 field goals, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range. He posted a Division I scoring high of 28 points vs. Toledo on Jan. 24.

Johnson prepped at famed St. Vincent-St. Mary Catholic High School in Akron, Ohio, where he led the Fighting Irish to back-to-back state championships in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

On what interested the coaches about Marcus Johnson…

“We were very interested in Marcus because we needed a stretch forward. And a forward who could stretch the floor but was a mismatch in the post-up area. Marcus’ quickness, agility and touch are very unique for someone with his size.”

“He’s a guard in a forward’s body because he can shoot it, he can handle it and he’s so light on his feet. That a unique quality that’s gonna allow him to be able to always have an advantage offensively on the floor.”

On what excites him about the upcoming season with Marcus…

“I can’t wait to see Marcus in uniform. Looking forward to the fans getting to enjoy his ability to make shots from a variety of angles and then his ability to score on the block. But also, the infectious smile that he brings to the court and the energy that he plays with.”

(6-3, 215, Sr.-TR, G, Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota East/Akron)

[Rating: 4-star / 95.18 Rivals | 4-star / 94 On3 | 4-star / 95 247Sports]

Johnson arrives at K-State after three seasons (2022-25) at Akron, where he was a part of 74 wins, three Mid-American Conference Championships (one regular season (2025) and two tournament titles (2024, 2025) and two NCAA Tournament appearances (2024, 2025).

Johnson has scored more than 800 points (812) in 92 games and 60 starts in his college career, connecting on 44.9 percent (295-of-657) from the field, including 33 percent (77-of-233) from 3-point range, and 78.4 percent (145-of-185) from the free throw line. He has also averaged 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 2,285 minutes played.

Johnson has scored in double figures in 40 games with five 20-point games and one 30-point game in his career. He scored a career-high 31 points in the Zips’ win over Toledo on March 14 in the semifinals of the MAC Tournament on 10-of-16 field goals.

Johnson is coming off a career year in 2024-25, in which, he became the first player in Akron history to be named both the MAC Player and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season and the first since Ball State’s Bonzi Wells in 1998. In addition, he was selected as the MVP of the MAC Tournament after averaging 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in guiding the Zips to their second consecutive tournament championship.

Johnson is one of the active Division I leaders in steals with 123 in his 92-game career, leading the Zips in steals in each of the last three seasons.

On what interested the coaches about Nate Johnson…

“My interest level in Nate Johnson was extremely high not just because he was MAC [Mid-American Conference] Player of the Year, but he was also the [MAC] Defensive Player of the Year. He’s so versatile he can play any position on the floor, his toughness allows him to guard bigger guys, his quickness allows him to guard smaller guys. But it’s his competitiveness that allows him to be victorious in all of those. Having played in two NCAA tournaments the last two years [with Akron] and winning the conference championship he just brings a winner’s mentality and do whatever it takes for the team to win guy.”

“Nate’s style of play is unique in that he’s got great physical gifts and that he can put the ball in the hole but he’s also rugged and physical and willing to play with and through contact. And he’s got a dog mentality on the defensive end that he’s gonna make life miserable for you.”

On what excites him about the upcoming season with Nate Johnson…

“Man, we are fired up to have Nate in uniform on the court. It was one of his dreams to play for K-State and to play for me. I look forward to watching him compete at a really high level and bring all kinds of excitement to our fans.”

Andrej Kostic [pronounced ANDRE (j is silent) COS-titch]

(6-6, 210, Fr.-TR, G, Belgrade, Serbia/Crvena zveda Meridan bet Beograd)

Considered one of the top prospects in Europe, Kostic arrives at K-State after developing at the KK Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Beograd organization in Serbia since 2022-23. He made his debut with KK Crvena Zvezda U19 team in 2023-24 before playing for KK Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Beograd (2023-25) and KK Dynamic Vip Pay Beograd (2024-25). This past season, he played in 29 games for KK Dynamic in the Basketball League of Serbia (KLS), which is a top-tier professional league, averaging 16.4 points on 43.2 percent shooting with 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

A member of the Serbian U18 and U19 National Teams, winning the gold medal at the 2023 European U18 Championship in Nils, Serbia and a silver medal at the 2024 European U18 Championship in Tampere, Finland. He played for Serbia at the 2025 U19 World Cup that ran from June 28 to July 6 in Laussane, Switzerland. He helped the Serbia team to three straight wins to end the tournament, averaging 23.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in that span.

Kostic earned all-tournament honors at the 2025 Adidas Eurocamp May 31 to June 2 in Treviso, Italy, which serves as the premier pre-draft scouting event for players ages 16-22. He also played in the 2024 Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals in four games as his team reached the finals.

On what interested the coaches about Andrej Kostic…

“The sport of basketball is global and there are kids all over the world that are playing this game and we’re looking to bring the very best to Manhattan, Kansas, and be a part of our family. So, learning about Andrej and not just talent but his drive to be one of the best ever to play the game was very intriguing to me.”

“At 6-foot-6 and the ability to play the point guard position, Andrej’s play style is just fun. There’s nothing on the court that he can’t do, and he plays with supreme confidence. He’s got a baby face, but man he’s got a killer heart.”

On what enticed Tang about Andrej while recruiting him…

“Well, what’s interesting about Andrej is that from a very young age he’s been playing at the professional level and having to compete against people way older than him. He’s never backed down from anything and just has supreme confidence.”

(6-9, 230, W, Sr.-TR, Tallahassee, Fla./James S. Rickards/UNC Wilmington)

[Rating: 3-star / 89 Rivals | 3-star / 89 On3]

McGriff arrives at K-State after four seasons (2021-25) at UNC Wilmington, where he was part of 99 wins, three Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championships (two regular season (2022, 2025) and one tournament title (2025), a College Basketball Insider (CBI) Tournament championship (2022) and one NCAA Tournament appearance (2025).

McGriff has scored more than 500 points (539) in 85 career games and 42 starts in his college career, connecting on 67.9 percent (224-of-330) from the field and 67.4 percent (89-of-132) from the free throw line. His scoring ability increased each season at UNCW capped by his 11.5 points per game average as a junior in 2024-25.

McGriff has scored in double figures in 23 games with one 20-point game and one 30-point game in his career. He posted a career-high 34 points at Howard on Dec. 14, 2024, connecting on 14-of-16 field goals and 5-of-8 free throws in 30 minutes.

McGriff emerged as one of the top sixth men in the CAA in 2024-25, averaging 11.5 points on 65.1 percent shooting, while leading the league in field goal percentage (64.1) in conference-only games. He was selected to the All-CAA Tournament team after averaging 11.7 points on 63.2 percent shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

On what interested the coaches about Khamari McGriff…

K-State Introduces the 2025-26 Wildcats

Q: How do you feel about this year’s tight end room?

GRAY:&nbsp;“Yeah, no, it’s awesome, and we’re just looking forward to Week 1 against the (Los Angeles) Chargers now. (We have) great guys all across the team, and coaching staff, and it’s going to be real exciting to just really attack practice and you know, (I’m) really looking forward to a really great Chargers team that we get to play down in Brazil.”

Q: Does it make a difference when Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy are all on the field at the same time?

GRAY:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, absolutely. It definitely opens up a lot, those guys (Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy) are fast. They can run downfield and make big plays down the field, but they are also great in the slot, you can move those guys around. So, it’s just really cool to see guys like that, especially when we (have) got all of them on the field at one time to come together, (and) to run certain concepts together. It’s a lot of fun, it’s been a lot of fun for me, (and) it helps me get open when guys are flying around (and) taking the top off the defense and doing their job extremely well. It’s been really awesome, and (I’m) just really looking forward to building on that chemistry moving forward.”

Q: Do you like the fact that you start the season internationally?

Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 27, 2025TE NOAH GRAYQ: How do you feel about this year’s tight end room?GRAY:&nbsp;“Yeah, no, it’s awesome, and we’re just looking forward to Week 1 against the (Los Angeles) Chargers now. (We have) great guys all across the team, and coaching staff, and it’s going to be real exciting to just really attack practice and you know, (I’m) really looking forward to a really great Chargers team that we get to play down in Brazil.”Q: Does it make a difference when Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy are all on the field at the same time?GRAY:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, absolutely. It definitely opens up a lot, those guys (Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy) are fast. They can run downfield and make big plays down the field, but they are also great in the slot, you can move those guys around. So, it’s just really cool to see guys like that, especially when we (have) got all of them on the field at one time to come together, (and) to run certain concepts together. It’s a lot of fun, it’s been a lot of fun for me, (and) it helps me get open when guys are flying around (and) taking the top off the defense and doing their job extremely well. It’s been really awesome, and (I’m) just really looking forward to building on that chemistry moving forward.”Q: Do you like the fact that you start the season internationally?GRAY:&nbsp;“Yeah, absolutely. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I enjoyed my time when I went to Germany.&nbsp; I know I’m going to enjoy my time in Brazil. I think it’s cool that as an NFL player we get to travel across the world; it’s not just in the United States. It’s cool enough that I get to go from city to city that I’ve never been in here, never mind leaving the country. It’s going to be awesome; it’s going to be an experience. I’m looking forward to it. I know the Brazilian crowd (has) got to be absolutely electric – I watched a little bit of that game last year, I think it was the (Philadelphia) Eagles and the (Green Bay) Packers that played there last year. But I know that the fans and everything – it’s going to be a great experience, and I know we’re all looking forward to it.”T JAWAAN TAYLORQ:&nbsp;How have you seen Kingsley Suamataia grow off the field mentally after last season?TAYLOR:&nbsp;“Football is definitely more mental than physical at times. So, he’s (Kingsley Suamataia) been doing a phenomenal job with that and just asking questions in the room, (he’s) just getting better in every way he can and just being a sponge in the room. I feel like he has been doing a great job with that and especially just playing a new position that he’s not used to, I feel like he’s embraced it and he’s doing a great job.”Q:&nbsp;The offensive line played well in the game against the Bears. How can you build off that moving forward to the regular season?TAYLOR:&nbsp;“Just getting better on days like today, just a workday, just going out there as a unit and just taking every rep at a time and one play at a time, trying to get better as a unit. Just going through meetings and stuff, (and) learning what we can learn to get better as a unit and just get better each and every day.”Q:&nbsp;What type of mentality do you guys want to put on tape for other opponents to see in the future?TAYLOR:&nbsp;“We are just trying to be as aggressive as we can (and) just go out there and play at our best and have a great week of practice to prepare for a great team.”DT DERRICK NNADIQ:&nbsp;What was your first impression when you found out that you were coming back to Kansas City?NNADI:&nbsp;“Honestly, it was a little bit of a surprise. I was getting my body right for the next day of work and then the GM called me and was like: ‘Hey, just wanted to let you know we’re trading you to back to KC’ and I’m like, ‘Okay, that’s cool.’ The only part I was really a little annoyed about was like, I gotta move again. There’s stuff over there at my old place that is still in boxes, so I’m like, ‘At least it will be a lot easier to just put it in the truck and go.’ But otherwise, I was fine with the decision.”Q:&nbsp;What were your feelings about Kansas City when you made the choice to leave?NNADI:&nbsp;“Yeah, I felt a little hurt because this was the team that drafted me but at the end of the day, they (Kansas City Chiefs) gave me the opportunity of a lifetime coming out of college, so I wasn’t mad or upset or anything. It’s part of the business, so when the Jets offered me the opportunity I was like ‘By all means’. How this business works, I am right back where I started. So, it kind of works out the right way sometimes.”Q:&nbsp;On his teammates’ reaction to him coming back.