<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Marcus Woodson, an accomplished secondary coach with 21 years of experience, has been hired as Kansas State’s co-defensive coordinator working with the defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Woodson arrives in Manhattan after spending the last three seasons on staff at Arkansas, serving as the Razorbacks’ co-defensive coordinator.

“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family,” said Woodson, who crossed paths with K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;when the duo worked together at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.”

This will be Woodson’s first stint in the Big 12 having previously spent five seasons in the SEC and three in the ACC.

“Marcus is a great addition to our defensive staff,” said Klein. “He is of high character, hard working and a winner. I am excited for him to help lead our defense and develop our secondary.”

In his first season in Fayetteville, Woodson helped the Arkansas secondary to its best pass defense in 12 seasons, allowing 202.8 yards per game. It ranked 31st nationally that season, a 99-spot improvement from the previous year. As a whole, Arkansas allowed its fewest yards per game in a decade (357.2), while Woodson’s secondary also contributed to the Razorbacks’ national-leading five defensive touchdowns.

Year two at Arkansas saw Woodson help the Hogs open the season with their first shutout in six seasons in addition to road victories at Auburn and Mississippi State. Against the Tigers, Woodson saw the secondary pick off a season-high four passes and break up six others, while they picked off a pair of passes against the Bulldogs.

Woodson joined the Arkansas staff after spending three seasons at Florida State as the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. In 2022, he tutored a unit that helped the Seminoles rank fourth in the nation by allowing only 165.4 passing yards per game. Woodson coached safety Jammie Robinson to his second-straight All-ACC First Team honor in 2022 as he led Florida State with 99 tackles. It was the second-straight year Robinson paced the defense in stops as he had 84 tackles and an ACC-best four interceptions in 2021.

Robinson was the latest in a line of Woodson pupils to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was taken in the fifth round by Carolina in 2023. It was the seventh time in a four-year span a Woodson product was selected, including 2020 first-round selection Noah Igbinoghene, who was the 30th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins after Woodson coached him through move from wide receiver to defensive back upon his arrival at Auburn in 2018.

Florida State had eight different defenders grab at least one interception and force 20 total takeaways in 2021. FSU picked off at least one pass in eight-straight games to end the year, the longest streak in the nation to finish out the 2021 season and tied for the longest streak in the country at any point during that year.

During the 2020 season, Woodson’s defensive backfield at Florida State was responsible for 10 takeaways and added four forced fumbles. He helped continue the development of All-ACC First Team selection Asante Samuel Jr. into one of the nation’s premiere defensive backs. Samuel finished the season by leading all active ACC defenders with 29 career pass breakups before being selected in the second-round of the NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Woodson went to Florida State from Auburn where the Tigers won 17 games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2019 as the co-defensive coordinator, Woodson helped the Tigers rank eighth nationally in third down defense (29.9%) and red zone defense (71.8%), while he coached safety Jeremiah Dinson to All-SEC Second Team honors. The year prior, the Tigers returned three interceptions for touchdowns – the ninth-highest total in the nation – while they ranked 14th&nbsp;in the country in scoring defense (19.2 points allowed per game).

Woodson headed to The Plains after two seasons at Memphis coaching the Tigers’ defensive backs. Memphis won 18 games over the two seasons, forcing a combined 60 takeaways, the second-highest total in the nation during that span. The Tigers picked off 32 passes in Woodson’s two seasons and were one of only six teams in the country to record at least 16 interceptions in both 2016 and 2017.

Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Woodson coached defensive backs at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. Woodson helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship Game and a berth in the Hawai’i Bowl and along the way coached safety Derron Smith to All-Mountain West Conference First Team accolades before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

From 2009 through 2013, Woodson coached defensive backs and was the recruiting coordinator at Charleston Southern – tutoring five all-conference defensive backs – while he added defensive passing game coordinator duties for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He began his coaching career at Millsaps College where he was the defensive backs coach from 2005 through 2008. The Majors won three consecutive conference championships, including an 11-1 record and No. 12 final ranking in 2008.

Woodson was a two-year starting safety at Ole Miss prior to his playing career being cut short by an injury just before his senior season of 2003. During his time as a player, the Rebels advanced to four bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl, the Music City Bowl and two trips to the Independence Bowl. He went to Ole Miss after helping lead Moss Point High School to two state titles.

A native of Moss Point, Mississippi, Woodson obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi in 2003, and he was selected for the Senior Leadership Unity Council.

Woodson and his wife, Chastity, have two sons, Carter and Bryce.

Hometown:&nbsp;Moss Point, Mississippi

College:&nbsp;Ole Miss – Bachelor’s degree in political science (2003)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Chastity; Children: Carter, Bryce

Playing Career:&nbsp;Ole Miss (safety), 1999-2002

MARCUS WOODSON’S COACHING CAREER

2005-08, Millsaps College (Defensive Backs)

2009-11, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)

2012-13, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)

2019, Auburn (Defensive backs/Recruiting Coordinator)

2020-22, Florida State (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)

2023-25, Arkansas (Co-Defensive Coordinator)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Marcus Woodson, an accomplished secondary coach with 21 years of experience, has been hired as Kansas State’s co-defensive coordinator working with the defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.Woodson arrives in Manhattan after spending the last three seasons on staff at Arkansas, serving as the Razorbacks’ co-defensive coordinator.“My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Kansas State family,” said Woodson, who crossed paths with K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;when the duo worked together at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into our players and help build something special here in Manhattan.”This will be Woodson’s first stint in the Big 12 having previously spent five seasons in the SEC and three in the ACC.“Marcus is a great addition to our defensive staff,” said Klein. “He is of high character, hard working and a winner. I am excited for him to help lead our defense and develop our secondary.”In his first season in Fayetteville, Woodson helped the Arkansas secondary to its best pass defense in 12 seasons, allowing 202.8 yards per game. It ranked 31st nationally that season, a 99-spot improvement from the previous year. As a whole, Arkansas allowed its fewest yards per game in a decade (357.2), while Woodson’s secondary also contributed to the Razorbacks’ national-leading five defensive touchdowns.Year two at Arkansas saw Woodson help the Hogs open the season with their first shutout in six seasons in addition to road victories at Auburn and Mississippi State. Against the Tigers, Woodson saw the secondary pick off a season-high four passes and break up six others, while they picked off a pair of passes against the Bulldogs.Woodson joined the Arkansas staff after spending three seasons at Florida State as the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. In 2022, he tutored a unit that helped the Seminoles rank fourth in the nation by allowing only 165.4 passing yards per game. Woodson coached safety Jammie Robinson to his second-straight All-ACC First Team honor in 2022 as he led Florida State with 99 tackles. It was the second-straight year Robinson paced the defense in stops as he had 84 tackles and an ACC-best four interceptions in 2021.Robinson was the latest in a line of Woodson pupils to be selected in the NFL Draft when he was taken in the fifth round by Carolina in 2023. It was the seventh time in a four-year span a Woodson product was selected, including 2020 first-round selection Noah Igbinoghene, who was the 30th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins after Woodson coached him through move from wide receiver to defensive back upon his arrival at Auburn in 2018.Florida State had eight different defenders grab at least one interception and force 20 total takeaways in 2021. FSU picked off at least one pass in eight-straight games to end the year, the longest streak in the nation to finish out the 2021 season and tied for the longest streak in the country at any point during that year.During the 2020 season, Woodson’s defensive backfield at Florida State was responsible for 10 takeaways and added four forced fumbles. He helped continue the development of All-ACC First Team selection Asante Samuel Jr. into one of the nation’s premiere defensive backs. Samuel finished the season by leading all active ACC defenders with 29 career pass breakups before being selected in the second-round of the NFL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers.Woodson went to Florida State from Auburn where the Tigers won 17 games over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2019 as the co-defensive coordinator, Woodson helped the Tigers rank eighth nationally in third down defense (29.9%) and red zone defense (71.8%), while he coached safety Jeremiah Dinson to All-SEC Second Team honors. The year prior, the Tigers returned three interceptions for touchdowns – the ninth-highest total in the nation – while they ranked 14th&nbsp;in the country in scoring defense (19.2 points allowed per game).Woodson headed to The Plains after two seasons at Memphis coaching the Tigers’ defensive backs. Memphis won 18 games over the two seasons, forcing a combined 60 takeaways, the second-highest total in the nation during that span. The Tigers picked off 32 passes in Woodson’s two seasons and were one of only six teams in the country to record at least 16 interceptions in both 2016 and 2017.Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Woodson coached defensive backs at Fresno State in 2014 and 2015. Woodson helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship Game and a berth in the Hawai’i Bowl and along the way coached safety Derron Smith to All-Mountain West Conference First Team accolades before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.From 2009 through 2013, Woodson coached defensive backs and was the recruiting coordinator at Charleston Southern – tutoring five all-conference defensive backs – while he added defensive passing game coordinator duties for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He began his coaching career at Millsaps College where he was the defensive backs coach from 2005 through 2008. The Majors won three consecutive conference championships, including an 11-1 record and No. 12 final ranking in 2008.Woodson was a two-year starting safety at Ole Miss prior to his playing career being cut short by an injury just before his senior season of 2003. During his time as a player, the Rebels advanced to four bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl, the Music City Bowl and two trips to the Independence Bowl. He went to Ole Miss after helping lead Moss Point High School to two state titles.A native of Moss Point, Mississippi, Woodson obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi in 2003, and he was selected for the Senior Leadership Unity Council.Woodson and his wife, Chastity, have two sons, Carter and Bryce.THE MARCUS WOODSON FILEHometown:&nbsp;Moss Point, MississippiHigh School:&nbsp;Moss PointCollege:&nbsp;Ole Miss – Bachelor’s degree in political science (2003)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Chastity; Children: Carter, BrycePlaying Career:&nbsp;Ole Miss (safety), 1999-2002MARCUS WOODSON’S COACHING CAREER2005-08, Millsaps College (Defensive Backs)2009-11, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator)2012-13, Charleston Southern (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator)2014-15, Fresno State (Defensive Backs)2016-17, Memphis (Defensive Backs)2018, Auburn (Defensive Backs)2019, Auburn (Defensive backs/Recruiting Coordinator)2020-22, Florida State (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)2023-25, Arkansas (Co-Defensive Coordinator)

Marcus Woodson to Serve as K-State’s Co-Defensive Coordinator

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A 25-year college football coaching veteran who has worked with all three levels of the defense,&nbsp;Nick Toth&nbsp;has been hired as Kansas State’s linebackers coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Toth (pronounced TOETH) comes to Manhattan from Air Force where he served the last four seasons as the Falcons’ safeties coach.

“Jen and I are fired up and blessed to be a part of Collin and Shalin’s Kansas State Football Family,” said Toth. “K-State Athletics has a standard of excellence that Gene Taylor has pushed to the highest level, and the championship tradition that legendary coach Bill Snyder created is what all coaches strive to be a part of. We cannot wait to get to work. EMAW!”

Toth brings seven years of defensive coordinator experience to K-State, serving in the role at Mercyhurst (2006), Ashland (2007-08) and Fresno State (2012-15), while he called the Air Force defense during the second half of the 2025 season. He has also been part of 13 teams that have advanced to postseason play. Toth worked on the same staffs as K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;at Texas A&amp;M (2010-11) and Fresno State (2012-16).

“Nick brings a wealth of experience from a schematic and recruiting standpoint,” Klein said. “He is of extremely high character and hard working. We are excited to have him help us take K-State to the next level.”

In 2024, Toth was part of a Falcon defense unit that led the Mountain West Conference in total defense (341.9 yards per game), while Air Force ranked third nationally first down defense (204) and 27th&nbsp;in passing defense (188.5 yards per game). His work in 2024 came on the heels of helping safety Trey Taylor win the 2023 Jim Thrope Award as the nation’s top defensive back, while Taylor was also a First Team All-American. Toth helped the Falcons to the No. 1 total defense in the Mountain West Conference for five-straight seasons.

Toth was part of an Air Force defensive staff in 2022 that led the nation in total defense by allowing 254.4 yards per game, while the Falcons ranked second in pass defense (159.1 yards per game), third in scoring defense (13.4 yards per game) and fifth in rushing defense (95.3 yards per game). The 13.4 points allowed per game ranked sixth in program history.

Toth went to Air Force after working with the outside linebackers at Oregon in 2021. He coached All-American defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy before he was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. That season, the Ducks finished with a 10-4 record, won the Pac-12 North and played in the Alamo Bowl.

Prior to his year at Oregon, Toth spent three seasons at UCF as the Knights’ special teams coordinator. UCF won the 2018 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship and earned a berth into the Fiesta Bowl during his first season, while the Knights produced a 10-3 record in 2019 that was capped by a win over Marshall in the Gasparilla Bowl. In 2019, UCF rose to as high as No. 7 in the Associated Press Top-25, while it went 6-4 in the COVID season of 2020.

The Knights’ special teams units played an integral role in the team’s success in 2018, blocking a pair of field goals and inducing four other misses. Placekicker Matthew Wright earned All-AAC honors after connecting on 85.7% of his field goal attempts to rank 15th&nbsp;in the nation. Wright also collected 110 total points, the third most in a single season in UCF history.

Toth’s first stint at Air Force came in 2017 when he coached the Falcon spurs/nickels, helping USAFA rank 10th&nbsp;in the country in passing defense (171.1 yards per game).

Prior to his first stint in Colorado Springs, Toth worked five seasons at Fresno State as the inside linebackers coach in addition to serving as the defensive coordinator the first four years. His defense earned 17 All-Mountain West selections and one unanimous All-American in safety Phillip Thomas in 2012. Thomas was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, won the CFPA Defensive Back Trophy and was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year after leading the nation with eight interceptions.

After having only nine turnovers gained the year before Toth’s hiring, Fresno State came back in 2012 and recorded the greatest turnover turnaround in the FBS since the turn of the century. Finishing with 35 takeaways in 2012 (ranking fifth in the FBS), the Bulldogs’ differential in turnovers gained in one season under Toth was plus-26.

His 2013 defense ranked sixth in the nation with more than three sacks per game and 40 total for the season, while the Bulldogs ranked fourth with 8.2 tackles for loss per game. Over the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Fresno State and Stanford were the only schools in the country to rank in the top 10 in sacks both years.

Toth’s lone experience in the Big 12 came at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011 – the Aggies’ final two years in the conference – as he coached the outside linebackers and special teams. In College Station, Toth oversaw the development of linebacker Von Miller, who captured the prestigious Butkus Award during an All-America campaign in 2010. Miller went on to be the No. 2 overall pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was also responsible for coaching the No. 1 kicker in the nation, Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock.

Prior to his two seasons at Texas A&amp;M, Toth was the defensive backs coach and oversaw the special teams at The Citadel in 2009. He went there after three years as a defensive coordinator, working at Mercyhurst (Pennsylvania) in 2006 and Ashland (Ohio) in 2007 and 2008.

Toth coached defensive backs at Elon (2005), defensive linemen at Ohio (2004) and defensive backs at Dakota State (2002). He was also the special teams coordinator at Elon, spent the 2003 season as the tight ends coach at Ohio and was a defensive graduate assistant with the Bobcats from 2000-01.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Toth played both running back and defensive back for Ohio University from 1994 to 1999. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Ohio in 1999 in addition to a master’s degree in athletic administration in 2002.

Toth and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons – Nicholas IV, Michael and Johnathon – and one daughter – Susan.

College:&nbsp;Ohio – Bachelor’s degree in political science (1999); Master’s degree in athletic administration (2002)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jennifer; Children: Nicholas IV, Michael, Johnathon, Susan

Playing Career:&nbsp;Ohio (running back/defensive back), 1994-99

2006, Mercyhurst (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

2009, The Citadel (Special Teams/Defensive Backs)

2010-11, Texas A&amp;M (Outside Linebackers/Special Teams)

2012-15, Fresno State (Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A 25-year college football coaching veteran who has worked with all three levels of the defense,&nbsp;Nick Toth&nbsp;has been hired as Kansas State’s linebackers coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.Toth (pronounced TOETH) comes to Manhattan from Air Force where he served the last four seasons as the Falcons’ safeties coach.“Jen and I are fired up and blessed to be a part of Collin and Shalin’s Kansas State Football Family,” said Toth. “K-State Athletics has a standard of excellence that Gene Taylor has pushed to the highest level, and the championship tradition that legendary coach Bill Snyder created is what all coaches strive to be a part of. We cannot wait to get to work. EMAW!”Toth brings seven years of defensive coordinator experience to K-State, serving in the role at Mercyhurst (2006), Ashland (2007-08) and Fresno State (2012-15), while he called the Air Force defense during the second half of the 2025 season. He has also been part of 13 teams that have advanced to postseason play. Toth worked on the same staffs as K-State defensive coordinator&nbsp;Jordan Peterson&nbsp;at Texas A&amp;M (2010-11) and Fresno State (2012-16).“Nick brings a wealth of experience from a schematic and recruiting standpoint,” Klein said. “He is of extremely high character and hard working. We are excited to have him help us take K-State to the next level.”In 2024, Toth was part of a Falcon defense unit that led the Mountain West Conference in total defense (341.9 yards per game), while Air Force ranked third nationally first down defense (204) and 27th&nbsp;in passing defense (188.5 yards per game). His work in 2024 came on the heels of helping safety Trey Taylor win the 2023 Jim Thrope Award as the nation’s top defensive back, while Taylor was also a First Team All-American. Toth helped the Falcons to the No. 1 total defense in the Mountain West Conference for five-straight seasons.Toth was part of an Air Force defensive staff in 2022 that led the nation in total defense by allowing 254.4 yards per game, while the Falcons ranked second in pass defense (159.1 yards per game), third in scoring defense (13.4 yards per game) and fifth in rushing defense (95.3 yards per game). The 13.4 points allowed per game ranked sixth in program history.Toth went to Air Force after working with the outside linebackers at Oregon in 2021. He coached All-American defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy before he was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. That season, the Ducks finished with a 10-4 record, won the Pac-12 North and played in the Alamo Bowl.Prior to his year at Oregon, Toth spent three seasons at UCF as the Knights’ special teams coordinator. UCF won the 2018 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship and earned a berth into the Fiesta Bowl during his first season, while the Knights produced a 10-3 record in 2019 that was capped by a win over Marshall in the Gasparilla Bowl. In 2019, UCF rose to as high as No. 7 in the Associated Press Top-25, while it went 6-4 in the COVID season of 2020.The Knights’ special teams units played an integral role in the team’s success in 2018, blocking a pair of field goals and inducing four other misses. Placekicker Matthew Wright earned All-AAC honors after connecting on 85.7% of his field goal attempts to rank 15th&nbsp;in the nation. Wright also collected 110 total points, the third most in a single season in UCF history.Toth’s first stint at Air Force came in 2017 when he coached the Falcon spurs/nickels, helping USAFA rank 10th&nbsp;in the country in passing defense (171.1 yards per game).Prior to his first stint in Colorado Springs, Toth worked five seasons at Fresno State as the inside linebackers coach in addition to serving as the defensive coordinator the first four years. His defense earned 17 All-Mountain West selections and one unanimous All-American in safety Phillip Thomas in 2012. Thomas was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, won the CFPA Defensive Back Trophy and was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year after leading the nation with eight interceptions.After having only nine turnovers gained the year before Toth’s hiring, Fresno State came back in 2012 and recorded the greatest turnover turnaround in the FBS since the turn of the century. Finishing with 35 takeaways in 2012 (ranking fifth in the FBS), the Bulldogs’ differential in turnovers gained in one season under Toth was plus-26.His 2013 defense ranked sixth in the nation with more than three sacks per game and 40 total for the season, while the Bulldogs ranked fourth with 8.2 tackles for loss per game. Over the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Fresno State and Stanford were the only schools in the country to rank in the top 10 in sacks both years.Toth’s lone experience in the Big 12 came at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011 – the Aggies’ final two years in the conference – as he coached the outside linebackers and special teams. In College Station, Toth oversaw the development of linebacker Von Miller, who captured the prestigious Butkus Award during an All-America campaign in 2010. Miller went on to be the No. 2 overall pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was also responsible for coaching the No. 1 kicker in the nation, Lou Groza Award winner Randy Bullock.Prior to his two seasons at Texas A&amp;M, Toth was the defensive backs coach and oversaw the special teams at The Citadel in 2009. He went there after three years as a defensive coordinator, working at Mercyhurst (Pennsylvania) in 2006 and Ashland (Ohio) in 2007 and 2008.Toth coached defensive backs at Elon (2005), defensive linemen at Ohio (2004) and defensive backs at Dakota State (2002). He was also the special teams coordinator at Elon, spent the 2003 season as the tight ends coach at Ohio and was a defensive graduate assistant with the Bobcats from 2000-01.A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Toth played both running back and defensive back for Ohio University from 1994 to 1999. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Ohio in 1999 in addition to a master’s degree in athletic administration in 2002.Toth and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons – Nicholas IV, Michael and Johnathon – and one daughter – Susan.THE NICK TOTH FILEHometown:&nbsp;Cleveland, OhioCollege:&nbsp;Ohio – Bachelor’s degree in political science (1999); Master’s degree in athletic administration (2002)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Jennifer; Children: Nicholas IV, Michael, Johnathon, SusanPlaying Career:&nbsp;Ohio (running back/defensive back), 1994-99NICK TOTH’S COACHING CAREER2000-01, Ohio (Graduate Assistant)2002, Dakota State (Defensive Backs)2003, Ohio (Tight Ends)2004, Ohio (Defensive Line)2005, Elon (Defensive Backs)2006, Mercyhurst (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)2007-08, Ashland (Defensive Coordinator)2009, The Citadel (Special Teams/Defensive Backs)2010-11, Texas A&amp;M (Outside Linebackers/Special Teams)2012-15, Fresno State (Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers)2016, Fresno State (Inside Linebackers)2017, Air Force (Spurs/Nickels)2018-20, UCF (Special Teams Coordinator)2021, Oregon (Outside Linebackers)2022-25, Air Force (Safeties)

K-State Names Nick Toth New Linebackers Coach

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night.

Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team's 13 steals.

Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.

Kansas played its second consecutive game without Darryn Peterson. The freshman star, who missed seven straight games earlier this season due to injury, is averaging 25 points in four games.

Kansas led by 19 before Davidson went on a 10-2 run to trim it to 36-25. The Wildcats hit six straight shots during one stretch, though they never cut the deficit to single digits. When White hit his fourth 3 of the first half, the lead was back up to 46-26.

Kansas went to the locker room with a 51-30 cushion. The Jayhawks were led by White’s 16 points. Bidunga and Council each had 10.

The second half didn't start much better for Davidson, as the Wildcats were outscored 7-2 in the first 2:51, leading coach Matt McKillup to exhaust his timeouts with 17:09 left.

Kansas wasted no time distancing itself from the overmatched Wildcats. When Bidunga threw down an alley-oop dunk with 13:03 left in the opening half, the Jayhawks already had stretched the lead to 17-6. Davidson didn't reach double figures until 10:36 remained in the first half.

Kansas is off until starting Big 12 play Jan. 3 at UCF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766455346133.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night.Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team's 13 steals.Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.Kansas played its second consecutive game without Darryn Peterson. The freshman star, who missed seven straight games earlier this season due to injury, is averaging 25 points in four games.But the Jayhawks barely missed him.Kansas led by 19 before Davidson went on a 10-2 run to trim it to 36-25. The Wildcats hit six straight shots during one stretch, though they never cut the deficit to single digits. When White hit his fourth 3 of the first half, the lead was back up to 46-26.Kansas went to the locker room with a 51-30 cushion. The Jayhawks were led by White’s 16 points. Bidunga and Council each had 10.The second half didn't start much better for Davidson, as the Wildcats were outscored 7-2 in the first 2:51, leading coach Matt McKillup to exhaust his timeouts with 17:09 left.Kansas wasted no time distancing itself from the overmatched Wildcats. When Bidunga threw down an alley-oop dunk with 13:03 left in the opening half, the Jayhawks already had stretched the lead to 17-6. Davidson didn't reach double figures until 10:36 remained in the first half.<h2>Up next</h2>Davidson hosts Duquesne on Dec. 30.Kansas is off until starting Big 12 play Jan. 3 at UCF.

🏀Kansas uses balanced scoring to defeat Davidson 

TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a stadium&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;mixed-use entertainment district, as well as&nbsp;a new team headquarters,&nbsp;training facility,&nbsp;and mixed-use&nbsp;development in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Based on&nbsp;State estimations, the project&nbsp;is slated to deliver more than 20,000 jobs and more than&nbsp;$4.4 billion&nbsp;in economic impact for Kansas during the construction phase alone. It includes&nbsp;two distinct parts: (1)&nbsp;a&nbsp;$3 billion&nbsp;stadium&nbsp;in Wyandotte County&nbsp;which will open at the start of the 2031&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;season;&nbsp;and&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;a new Chiefs headquarters&nbsp;and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both&nbsp;sites&nbsp;will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel, and residential properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;and&nbsp;CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project&nbsp;represents&nbsp;another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”&nbsp;

The agreement was approved today by the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislative Coordinating Council with bipartisan support. It will be a public-private partnership between the Chiefs and the state – and it will require no funds from the&nbsp;current state&nbsp;budget and no new taxes on Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”&nbsp;

The project will be financed through&nbsp;a public-private partnership (60% public -&nbsp;40% private). The public&nbsp;portion&nbsp;is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms&nbsp;established&nbsp;specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget. The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The STAR bonds&nbsp;have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated&nbsp;by this project&nbsp;in neighboring&nbsp;communities to&nbsp;fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion&nbsp;of&nbsp;their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was&nbsp;established&nbsp;by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from&nbsp;iLottery&nbsp;and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.&nbsp;

The Hunt Family is also&nbsp;committing to&nbsp;$1 billion&nbsp;in&nbsp;additional&nbsp;development, a&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;playoff games,&nbsp;concerts&nbsp;or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”&nbsp;

Details of the agreement can be&nbsp;found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-meida-kit" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-meida-kit</a>.&nbsp;For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/newstadium" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/newstadium</a>.&nbsp;

TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a stadium&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;mixed-use entertainment district, as well as&nbsp;a new team headquarters,&nbsp;training facility,&nbsp;and mixed-use&nbsp;development in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on&nbsp;State estimations, the project&nbsp;is slated to deliver more than 20,000 jobs and more than&nbsp;$4.4 billion&nbsp;in economic impact for Kansas during the construction phase alone. It includes&nbsp;two distinct parts: (1)&nbsp;a&nbsp;$3 billion&nbsp;stadium&nbsp;in Wyandotte County&nbsp;which will open at the start of the 2031&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;season;&nbsp;and&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;a new Chiefs headquarters&nbsp;and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both&nbsp;sites&nbsp;will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel, and residential properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;and&nbsp;CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project&nbsp;represents&nbsp;another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”&nbsp;The agreement was approved today by the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Legislative Coordinating Council with bipartisan support. It will be a public-private partnership between the Chiefs and the state – and it will require no funds from the&nbsp;current state&nbsp;budget and no new taxes on Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”&nbsp;The project will be financed through&nbsp;a public-private partnership (60% public -&nbsp;40% private). The public&nbsp;portion&nbsp;is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms&nbsp;established&nbsp;specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget. The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;The STAR bonds&nbsp;have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated&nbsp;by this project&nbsp;in neighboring&nbsp;communities to&nbsp;fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion&nbsp;of&nbsp;their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was&nbsp;established&nbsp;by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from&nbsp;iLottery&nbsp;and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.&nbsp;The Hunt Family is also&nbsp;committing to&nbsp;$1 billion&nbsp;in&nbsp;additional&nbsp;development, a&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;playoff games,&nbsp;concerts&nbsp;or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”&nbsp;Details of the agreement can be&nbsp;found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-meida-kit" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-meida-kit</a>.&nbsp;For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/newstadium" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/newstadium</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas City Chiefs announce agreement on new stadium in Kansas

Wichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.

Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.

“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”

Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.

After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.

Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.

According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.

“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”

Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.

“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”

Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.

“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”

Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.

“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”

Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.

“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”

He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.

“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”

Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766374573296.png" alt="Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita State University Head Men's Basketball addresses the media following their game versus Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2025 (Photo from Wichita State University Youtube video)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostWichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

Wichita State coach shares story of cardiac emergency

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jordan Peterson, an experienced defensive backs coach who has five years of coordinator experience and spent six years on Big 12 staffs, has been hired as Kansas State’s defensive coordinator and will work with the Wildcat defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Sunday.

Peterson comes from his alma mater, Texas A&amp;M, where he served alongside Klein as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach each of the past two seasons.

“I am extremely excited to accept this position at Kansas State and join Coach Klein and the Wildcat program,” Peterson said. “Kansas State is a special place with a proud football tradition. My family and I are looking forward to the opportunity to return to the great state of Kansas and lead the K-State defense. I am also very thankful to Texas A&amp;M and Coach Elko for an incredible two years and for the support and relationships that mean so much to our family. EMAW!”

A native of Lexington, Texas, Peterson is entering his third stint in the Big 12 having served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011 – the Aggies’ final two years in the conference – in addition to being a defensive assistant at Kansas from 2020 through 2023.

“Jordan is the entire package – an elite strategist and recruiter, and he develops relationships with his players,” Klein said. “His players play incredibly hard for him and continually get better. I am excited for him to be the leader of our defense.”

Peterson helped guide Texas A&amp;M to an 11-2 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2025. Texas A&amp;M leads the nation in third down defense (22.9%), while the Aggies rank second in sacks (3.31 per game), third in tackles for loss (8.5 per game), 16th&nbsp;in passing yards allowed (176.6 per game) and first down defense (205), 19th&nbsp;in total defense (307.4 per game), and 22nd&nbsp;in fourth down defense (41.2%).

Peterson’s defensive backs were responsible for 24 pass breakups this past season, which included a combined 14 from starting cornerbacks Will Lee III and Dezz Ricks. Additionally, safety Marcus Ratcliffe ranked second on the team with 66 tackles and another safety, Dalton Brooks, had 5.5 tackles for loss.

In his first season on staff at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Peterson helped the Aggies earn an 8-5 record – including a program-best 5-0 start to SEC play – and an appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl. He oversaw a secondary that played a key role in the Aggies ranking 14th&nbsp;nationally with 16 interceptions, while Texas A&amp;M tied for fifth in the country with 76 total passes defended. Of the 16 interceptions, 13 came from Peterson’s defensive backs, including three from BJ Mayes to tie for fourth in the SEC.

Peterson tutored Lee III to 2024 All-SEC Second Team accolades as he ranked fifth in the conference with 10 pass breakups and was in the top five on the team with 42 tackles, including a team-best 39 solo stops.

Prior to his time at Texas A&amp;M, Peterson worked four seasons at Kansas as the safeties coach (2020, 2022), senior defensive analyst (2021) and defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (2023). During his time in Lawrence, Peterson mentored four All-Big 12 selections, including two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection Cobee Bryant. Bryant and Mello Dotson, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honoree, combined for seven interceptions in 2023, the most by a Kansas duo since 2007. Dotson returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns, doing so in back-to-back games as he became the first player in school history with a pick-six in consecutive games.

In 2022, Peterson helped the Jayhawks qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2008. That season, Bryant finished with three interceptions and nine pass breakups, ranking fifth in the conference with 12 passes defended in league play, while he totaled 38 tackles on the year.

Peterson joined Kansas’ staff as the safeties coach in 2020 when he guided Kenny Logan Jr. a team-high two interceptions and 58 tackles.

Peterson went to Kansas from New Mexico where he earned a promotion each season. Originally joining the Lobo staff as a safeties coach, Peterson was the defensive pass game coordinator in 2018 before running the UNM defense in 2019. In his first two seasons at New Mexico, Peterson’s safeties paced the squad in tackles as Jake Rothschiller (2017) and Stanley Barnwell Jr. (2018) each had a team-leading 76 stops.

The longest stint in Peterson’s career came at Fresno State where, like other stops, he received multiple promotions. During his time with the Bulldogs, he coached eight All-Mountain West honorees, four of which earned first-team designations.

Beginning as the secondary coach in 2012, Peterson helped the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record as they ranked second nationally in pass defense (167.15 yards per game) and fourth in pass efficiency defense (100.80). He also mentored safety Phillip Thomas to Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. Fresno State then won the 2013 Mountain West title and a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl before he coached the outside linebackers and served as the recruiting coordinator in 2015 and 2016.&nbsp;

Peterson received his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011, the Aggies’ final two seasons in the Big 12. He was a four-year letterwinner for Texas A&amp;M from 2006 to 2009 as a safety and punt returner, recording 81 career tackles to go along with 15 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four interceptions, one of which he returned 48 yards for a touchdown. He also led the team with 14 punt returns for 108 yards in 2007. A three-time Academic All-Big 12 performer, Peterson was an Academic All-Region selection in 2008.

Peterson received his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Texas A&amp;M in 2009 in addition to his master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction in 2010. He and his wife, Missy, have three daughters, Ellie, Emery and Everly.

College:&nbsp;Texas A&amp;M – Bachelor’s degree in sports management (2009); Master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction (2010)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Missy; Children: Ellie, Emery, Everly

Playing Career:&nbsp;Texas A&amp;M (defensive back), 2005-09

JORDAN PETERSON’S COACHING CAREER

2010-11, Texas A&amp;M (Graduate Assistant)

2015-16, Fresno State (Outside Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator)

2018, New Mexico (Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Safeties)

2019, New Mexico (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)

2023, Kansas (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)

2024-25, Texas A&amp;M (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jordan Peterson, an experienced defensive backs coach who has five years of coordinator experience and spent six years on Big 12 staffs, has been hired as Kansas State’s defensive coordinator and will work with the Wildcat defensive backs, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Sunday.Peterson comes from his alma mater, Texas A&amp;M, where he served alongside Klein as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach each of the past two seasons.“I am extremely excited to accept this position at Kansas State and join Coach Klein and the Wildcat program,” Peterson said. “Kansas State is a special place with a proud football tradition. My family and I are looking forward to the opportunity to return to the great state of Kansas and lead the K-State defense. I am also very thankful to Texas A&amp;M and Coach Elko for an incredible two years and for the support and relationships that mean so much to our family. EMAW!”A native of Lexington, Texas, Peterson is entering his third stint in the Big 12 having served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011 – the Aggies’ final two years in the conference – in addition to being a defensive assistant at Kansas from 2020 through 2023.“Jordan is the entire package – an elite strategist and recruiter, and he develops relationships with his players,” Klein said. “His players play incredibly hard for him and continually get better. I am excited for him to be the leader of our defense.”Peterson helped guide Texas A&amp;M to an 11-2 record and a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2025. Texas A&amp;M leads the nation in third down defense (22.9%), while the Aggies rank second in sacks (3.31 per game), third in tackles for loss (8.5 per game), 16th&nbsp;in passing yards allowed (176.6 per game) and first down defense (205), 19th&nbsp;in total defense (307.4 per game), and 22nd&nbsp;in fourth down defense (41.2%).Peterson’s defensive backs were responsible for 24 pass breakups this past season, which included a combined 14 from starting cornerbacks Will Lee III and Dezz Ricks. Additionally, safety Marcus Ratcliffe ranked second on the team with 66 tackles and another safety, Dalton Brooks, had 5.5 tackles for loss.In his first season on staff at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Peterson helped the Aggies earn an 8-5 record – including a program-best 5-0 start to SEC play – and an appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl. He oversaw a secondary that played a key role in the Aggies ranking 14th&nbsp;nationally with 16 interceptions, while Texas A&amp;M tied for fifth in the country with 76 total passes defended. Of the 16 interceptions, 13 came from Peterson’s defensive backs, including three from BJ Mayes to tie for fourth in the SEC.Peterson tutored Lee III to 2024 All-SEC Second Team accolades as he ranked fifth in the conference with 10 pass breakups and was in the top five on the team with 42 tackles, including a team-best 39 solo stops.Prior to his time at Texas A&amp;M, Peterson worked four seasons at Kansas as the safeties coach (2020, 2022), senior defensive analyst (2021) and defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (2023). During his time in Lawrence, Peterson mentored four All-Big 12 selections, including two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection Cobee Bryant. Bryant and Mello Dotson, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honoree, combined for seven interceptions in 2023, the most by a Kansas duo since 2007. Dotson returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns, doing so in back-to-back games as he became the first player in school history with a pick-six in consecutive games.In 2022, Peterson helped the Jayhawks qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2008. That season, Bryant finished with three interceptions and nine pass breakups, ranking fifth in the conference with 12 passes defended in league play, while he totaled 38 tackles on the year.Peterson joined Kansas’ staff as the safeties coach in 2020 when he guided Kenny Logan Jr. a team-high two interceptions and 58 tackles.Peterson went to Kansas from New Mexico where he earned a promotion each season. Originally joining the Lobo staff as a safeties coach, Peterson was the defensive pass game coordinator in 2018 before running the UNM defense in 2019. In his first two seasons at New Mexico, Peterson’s safeties paced the squad in tackles as Jake Rothschiller (2017) and Stanley Barnwell Jr. (2018) each had a team-leading 76 stops.The longest stint in Peterson’s career came at Fresno State where, like other stops, he received multiple promotions. During his time with the Bulldogs, he coached eight All-Mountain West honorees, four of which earned first-team designations.Beginning as the secondary coach in 2012, Peterson helped the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record as they ranked second nationally in pass defense (167.15 yards per game) and fourth in pass efficiency defense (100.80). He also mentored safety Phillip Thomas to Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. Fresno State then won the 2013 Mountain West title and a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl before he coached the outside linebackers and served as the recruiting coordinator in 2015 and 2016.&nbsp;Peterson received his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M in 2010 and 2011, the Aggies’ final two seasons in the Big 12. He was a four-year letterwinner for Texas A&amp;M from 2006 to 2009 as a safety and punt returner, recording 81 career tackles to go along with 15 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four interceptions, one of which he returned 48 yards for a touchdown. He also led the team with 14 punt returns for 108 yards in 2007. A three-time Academic All-Big 12 performer, Peterson was an Academic All-Region selection in 2008.Peterson received his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Texas A&amp;M in 2009 in addition to his master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction in 2010. He and his wife, Missy, have three daughters, Ellie, Emery and Everly.THE JORDAN PETERSON FILEHometown:&nbsp;Lexington, TexasHigh School:&nbsp;LexingtonCollege:&nbsp;Texas A&amp;M – Bachelor’s degree in sports management (2009); Master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction (2010)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Missy; Children: Ellie, Emery, EverlyPlaying Career:&nbsp;Texas A&amp;M (defensive back), 2005-09JORDAN PETERSON’S COACHING CAREER2010-11, Texas A&amp;M (Graduate Assistant)2012-14, Fresno State (Secondary)2015-16, Fresno State (Outside Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator)2017, New Mexico (Safeties)2018, New Mexico (Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Safeties)2019, New Mexico (Defensive Coordinator/Safeties)2020, Kansas (Safeties)2021, Kansas (Senior Defensive Analyst)2022, Kansas (Defensive Backs)2023, Kansas (Defensive Backs/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator)2024-25, Texas A&amp;M (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)

Jordan Peterson Hired as K-State’s Defensive Coordinator

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A former Wildcat staffer with strong ties to the Midwest,&nbsp;Christian Ellsworth&nbsp;has been named Kansas State’s quarterbacks coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Sunday.

Ellsworth returns to Manhattan after serving the last two seasons at Texas A&amp;M, first as a senior offensive analyst and then as the program’s tight ends coach. He also previously worked at South Carolina (2022) and Nebraska (2023).

“My family and I are humbled and excited to be back in Manhattan,” Ellsworth said. “It is an honor to serve this program, university, and community. It’s Family Business.”

Ellsworth’s stint at Texas A&amp;M isn’t the only time he has coached with Klein having worked as an offensive graduate assistant at K-State in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, he was a true freshman quarterback at Northern Iowa when Klein tutored that position group.

“Christian is a rising star in this profession,” Klein said. “His work ethic and competitive nature are on another level. He is of the utmost character and integrity, and I am proud for him to develop our quarterbacks.”

In his first season as a full-time assistant coach, Ellsworth’s tight ends combined to tally 43 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns in addition to being an integral part in the running game as the Aggies averaged 184.7 rushing yards per game. Texas A&amp;M ranks 20th&nbsp;in the country in scoring offense (33.8 points per game) and 23rd&nbsp;in total offense (444.5 yards per game).

In his first season in College Station in 2024, Ellsworth helped the Aggies earn a 5-0 start in conference play, the program’s best start in the SEC. Texas A&amp;M finished the year ranking 26th&nbsp;nationally and second in the SEC in rushing offense (195.5 yards per game).

Ellsworth began his coaching career with a two-year stint as an offensive graduate assistant at K-State in 2020 and 2021. During his first year on staff, the Wildcats ranked fourth nationally and tops in the Big 12 in red zone percentage (93.9%). The following year, the Wildcats placed in the top 30 in the country in fourth down percentage (6th; 75.0%), completion percentage (22nd; 65.6%), fewest interceptions thrown (23rd; 7) and third down percentage (30th; 43.8%).

Spending the 2022 season at South Carolina – the same staff that K-State special teams coordinator&nbsp;Stanton Weber&nbsp;served on – Ellsworth helped the Gamecocks rank No. 23 in the final Associated Press Top 25 thanks to consecutive top-10 victories over Tennessee and Clemson. He then moved to Nebraska in 2023 where he worked with the Husker tight ends and quarterbacks as an offensive analyst.

A decorated high school player, Ellsworth was a three-time all-state performer at Grand Island Northwest in Grand Island, Nebraska. At the end of his prep career, he held the Nebraska state records for career passing yards, career completions, career touchdowns, single game completions, single game attempts and season completions.

Ellsworth earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Iowa in 2019 in digital media leadership with an emphasis in sports broadcasting, while he obtained his master’s degree in academic advising from Kansas State in 2022. He and his wife, Cassidy, have one daughter, Ada.

Hometown:&nbsp;Grand Island, Nebraska

High School:&nbsp;Grand Island Northwest

College:&nbsp;Northern Iowa – Bachelor’s degree in digital media leadership (2019); Kansas State – Master’s degree in academic advising (2022)

Family:&nbsp;Wife: Cassidy; Children: Ada

Playing Career:&nbsp;Northern Iowa (quarterback), 2016-19

CHRISTIAN ELLSWORTH’S COACHING CAREER

2020-21, Kansas State (Offensive Graduate Assistant)

2022, South Carolina (Offensive Graduate Assistant)

2024, Texas A&amp;M (Senior Offensive Analyst)

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A former Wildcat staffer with strong ties to the Midwest,&nbsp;Christian Ellsworth&nbsp;has been named Kansas State’s quarterbacks coach, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Sunday.Ellsworth returns to Manhattan after serving the last two seasons at Texas A&amp;M, first as a senior offensive analyst and then as the program’s tight ends coach. He also previously worked at South Carolina (2022) and Nebraska (2023).“My family and I are humbled and excited to be back in Manhattan,” Ellsworth said. “It is an honor to serve this program, university, and community. It’s Family Business.”Ellsworth’s stint at Texas A&amp;M isn’t the only time he has coached with Klein having worked as an offensive graduate assistant at K-State in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, he was a true freshman quarterback at Northern Iowa when Klein tutored that position group.“Christian is a rising star in this profession,” Klein said. “His work ethic and competitive nature are on another level. He is of the utmost character and integrity, and I am proud for him to develop our quarterbacks.”In his first season as a full-time assistant coach, Ellsworth’s tight ends combined to tally 43 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns in addition to being an integral part in the running game as the Aggies averaged 184.7 rushing yards per game. Texas A&amp;M ranks 20th&nbsp;in the country in scoring offense (33.8 points per game) and 23rd&nbsp;in total offense (444.5 yards per game).In his first season in College Station in 2024, Ellsworth helped the Aggies earn a 5-0 start in conference play, the program’s best start in the SEC. Texas A&amp;M finished the year ranking 26th&nbsp;nationally and second in the SEC in rushing offense (195.5 yards per game).Ellsworth began his coaching career with a two-year stint as an offensive graduate assistant at K-State in 2020 and 2021. During his first year on staff, the Wildcats ranked fourth nationally and tops in the Big 12 in red zone percentage (93.9%). The following year, the Wildcats placed in the top 30 in the country in fourth down percentage (6th; 75.0%), completion percentage (22nd; 65.6%), fewest interceptions thrown (23rd; 7) and third down percentage (30th; 43.8%).Spending the 2022 season at South Carolina – the same staff that K-State special teams coordinator&nbsp;Stanton Weber&nbsp;served on – Ellsworth helped the Gamecocks rank No. 23 in the final Associated Press Top 25 thanks to consecutive top-10 victories over Tennessee and Clemson. He then moved to Nebraska in 2023 where he worked with the Husker tight ends and quarterbacks as an offensive analyst.A decorated high school player, Ellsworth was a three-time all-state performer at Grand Island Northwest in Grand Island, Nebraska. At the end of his prep career, he held the Nebraska state records for career passing yards, career completions, career touchdowns, single game completions, single game attempts and season completions.Ellsworth earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Iowa in 2019 in digital media leadership with an emphasis in sports broadcasting, while he obtained his master’s degree in academic advising from Kansas State in 2022. He and his wife, Cassidy, have one daughter, Ada.THE CHRISTIAN ELLSWORTH FILEHometown:&nbsp;Grand Island, NebraskaHigh School:&nbsp;Grand Island NorthwestCollege:&nbsp;Northern Iowa – Bachelor’s degree in digital media leadership (2019); Kansas State – Master’s degree in academic advising (2022)Family:&nbsp;Wife: Cassidy; Children: AdaPlaying Career:&nbsp;Northern Iowa (quarterback), 2016-19CHRISTIAN ELLSWORTH’S COACHING CAREER2020-21, Kansas State (Offensive Graduate Assistant)2022, South Carolina (Offensive Graduate Assistant)2023, Nebraska (Offensive Analyst)2024, Texas A&amp;M (Senior Offensive Analyst)2025, Texas A&amp;M (Tight Ends)

K-State Names Christian Ellsworth New Quarterbacks Coach

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.

With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.

A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.

Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.

The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.

Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.

The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.

Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.

Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.

Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.

The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766354478713.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tennessee Titans</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Ward threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tennessee Titans snapped an 11-game home skid by beating the Kansas City Chiefs 26-9 on Sunday.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennessee-titans">The Titans</a>&nbsp;(3-12) improved to 1-7 at home this season with their first win at Nissan Stadium since Nov. 3, 2024. The skid matched the franchise's worst since moving to Tennessee in 1997.With two games left, the Chiefs (6-9) are assured of their first losing record since 2012 — their most recent season without&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/andy-reid">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;as their coach. Kansas City has lost four straight, its longest skid since 2017, and six of seven.A week after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL, his backup, Gardner Minshew, was knocked out of the game&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-gardner-minshew-oladokun-0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e">with a knee injury</a>&nbsp;early in the second quarter.Ward posted his highest passer rating of this season at 122.3, and he overtook Marcus Mariota for the most yards passing by a rookie for the franchise. He helped the Titans roll up a season-high 377 yards of offense against a Chiefs defense that came in as the NFL's eighth-stingiest in yards allowed.The rookie threw a shovel pass to Chig Okonkwo that went 7 yards to put the Titans ahead to stay late in the first half. Ward also found fellow rookie Chimere Dike for a 1-yard TD in the third quarter.Tony Pollard ran for 102 yards, giving him three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. Tyjae Spears added a 4-yard rushing TD, and Joey Slye had a 27-yard field goal for the final margin.Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tackled Kareem Hunt in the end zone&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Titans/status/2002816587255222583?s=20">for a safety</a>&nbsp;and a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons also batted down a pair of passes. The Titans finished with four sacks.The battered Chiefs came in with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-e69b6b5189701cb15ae0271a75837820">Mahomes on injured reserve</a>&nbsp;along with right tackle Jawaan Taylor. They also declared nine players out Friday, including five starters, led by wide receiver Rashee Rice, left tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Trent McDuffie.Minshew made his first start of the season. After he got hurt, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun, just signed to the roster from the practice squad, to play in his second career game.Oladokun handed off on his first five snaps. Then he connected with Travis Kelce for his first NFL completion, and Oladokun drove the Chiefs to a trio of field goals by Harrison Butker.<h2>Injuries</h2>Titans LT Dan Moore hurt a right knee early in the second quarter but returned. Cornerback Marcus Harris hurt a knee in the second quarter and didn't return.<h2>Up next</h2>The Chiefs host Denver on Thursday night.The Titans host New Orleans next Sunday.

🏈Titans knock Gardner Minshew out of game and and beat the Chiefs 

FORT WORTH, TEXAS&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State opened its 30th&nbsp;season of Big 12 women’s basketball on Saturday evening at (9/7) TCU and the homestanding Horned Frogs downed the Wildcats 77-55 at Schollmaier Arena. TCU improved its home court win streak to 34 straight games.

K-State (7-7, 0-1 Big 12) was paced by junior guard Taryn Sides and sophomore forward Jenessa Cotton with 10 points each.

The Horned Frogs were led by graduate transfer guard Olivia Miles with a game-high 29 points.

- TCU (12-1, 0-1) had entered Saturday’s matchup trailing in its previous 12 games for just 6:13 of game action. The Wildcats were able to hold the lead for 4:39 in the first quarter with its final advantage of the opening frame coming with 2:23 remaining on a Jenessa Cotton baseline jumper. Cotton would pace the Wildcats with six points in the quarter.

- The Horned Frogs would cap the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 20-15 advantage into the second quarter.

- TCU extended its run to 15-2 and built its lead to 12, 29-17, and force a K-State timeout with 5:57 to play in the second quarter following a three-pointer from Marta Suarez.

- K-State cut the deficit to seven, 29-22, as freshman guard Aniya Foy finished an offensive rebound with a putback layup with 4:38 remaining. The Horned Frogs quickly pushed the advantage back to 15, 37-22, with 50 seconds remaining. The Wildcats pulled back to with 13, 39-26, at halftime as freshman Brandie Harrod beat the halftime buzzer with an acrobatic layup.

- K-State was held to 32.3 percent shooting (10-of-31) from the field including 22.2 percent (2-of-9). TCU shot 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the field in the first half.

- The Wildcats were limited to 27.8 percent (5-of-18) shooting in the third quarter, as TCU outscored K-State, 20-11, in the frame to build a 59-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

- K-State cut into the margin in the fourth quarter, pulling to within 17 three times midway through the stanza. A 7-1 run from the Horned Frogs increased the margin back to 23, 74-51, with 2:18 left.

- K-State and TCU would split the fourth quarter, 18-18, as the Wildcats shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14)

- For the evening, K-State checked in a 33.3 percent (21-of-63) from the field and were held to 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from long distance.

- TCU leads the series with K-State, 13-12.&nbsp; The Wildcats are 4-8 in games played in Fort Worth. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 12-10 in his career against TCU.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 679-385 (.638), including a mark of 225-150 (.600).

- In its 30th&nbsp;season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 245-248 (.497) in Big 12 action.

- The Wildcats are 301-331 (.476) in road games during its 58-season history. Under Mittie, K-State is 52-74 (.413) in road games.

- The Wildcats are 253-105 (.707) in games played in the month of December. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 52-20 (.722) in games during the 12th&nbsp;month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Taryn Sides and forwards Jenessa Cotton and Nastja Claessens. This was the seventh time this lineup has started together this season, the most of any combination this season. This was the 14th career start for Harrod. This was the 13th career start for Sides. This was the 12th career start for Garcia. Cotton made her 10th career start. Claessens made her 10th career start.

- Cotton recorded her third game this season and of her career with 10 or more points.

- Sides reached double figures for the 27th&nbsp;time in her career and the ninth time this season including her sixth in the last seven games.

- Sides buried two 3-pointers on Saturday. This was her 11th game this season and the 42nd&nbsp;of her career with two or more connections from 3-point range.

- Brandie Harrod hauled in seven rebounds on Saturday. This was her ninth career game with five or more rebounds. She has led K-State in rebounding a team-high five times this season.

- Gina Garcia registered seven assists. This was her eighth career game with five or more assists. She has led K-State in assists in 10 games this season.

"I think too spotty at times. (Olivia) Miles got way too deep, too many layups, too many easy layups. Offensively for us, we seem to have good spots and not good spots. What I liked was probably I thought our freshman did some good things. I thought Aniya Foy had a really good game. I thought (Brandie) Harrod really battled in some areas. I thought that Gina (Garcia), while she had some struggles today, she did some things well enough that, you know, she ends up with seven assists. So she really does some things well there. I thought Jordan (Speiser), while she had a rough offensive game. I thought she did do some better things defensively down the stretch. They're really good. They're very veteran. They play that way, and we don't play that way right now. We got to grow up quicker. We got to play beyond our years right now, and we have not done that well enough, particularly against a team like them.”

"I thought Jenessa (Cotton) had really good moments in today's game, and really did. I thought she battled in some stretches. I thought she really knocked that baseline jumper down that we spent some time on coming into this. I thought she had some really good moments.”

"I would agree with that. I thought she played really well, some of the things she's still struggling with is when we move her around, and that is kind of giving us some challenges. But you certainly saw, I loved her effort today. I loved her rebounding. I think you really saw the athleticism play. I thought she played faster today, and then as soon as you know, boy, I'm really excited about the break to get her even more comfortable, because we're seeing more and more of what she can do.”

K-State starts the home portion of its Big 12 Conference schedule on Wednesday, December 31, as the Wildcats host Cincinnati at 1 p.m. Advance general admission tickets and select concession items are available for just $5. The first 500 fans will receive a free hand fan.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State opened its 30th&nbsp;season of Big 12 women’s basketball on Saturday evening at (9/7) TCU and the homestanding Horned Frogs downed the Wildcats 77-55 at Schollmaier Arena. TCU improved its home court win streak to 34 straight games.K-State (7-7, 0-1 Big 12) was paced by junior guard Taryn Sides and sophomore forward Jenessa Cotton with 10 points each.The Horned Frogs were led by graduate transfer guard Olivia Miles with a game-high 29 points.HOW IT HAPPENED- TCU (12-1, 0-1) had entered Saturday’s matchup trailing in its previous 12 games for just 6:13 of game action. The Wildcats were able to hold the lead for 4:39 in the first quarter with its final advantage of the opening frame coming with 2:23 remaining on a Jenessa Cotton baseline jumper. Cotton would pace the Wildcats with six points in the quarter.- The Horned Frogs would cap the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 20-15 advantage into the second quarter.- TCU extended its run to 15-2 and built its lead to 12, 29-17, and force a K-State timeout with 5:57 to play in the second quarter following a three-pointer from Marta Suarez.- K-State cut the deficit to seven, 29-22, as freshman guard Aniya Foy finished an offensive rebound with a putback layup with 4:38 remaining. The Horned Frogs quickly pushed the advantage back to 15, 37-22, with 50 seconds remaining. The Wildcats pulled back to with 13, 39-26, at halftime as freshman Brandie Harrod beat the halftime buzzer with an acrobatic layup.- K-State was held to 32.3 percent shooting (10-of-31) from the field including 22.2 percent (2-of-9). TCU shot 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the field in the first half.- The Wildcats were limited to 27.8 percent (5-of-18) shooting in the third quarter, as TCU outscored K-State, 20-11, in the frame to build a 59-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.- K-State cut into the margin in the fourth quarter, pulling to within 17 three times midway through the stanza. A 7-1 run from the Horned Frogs increased the margin back to 23, 74-51, with 2:18 left.- K-State and TCU would split the fourth quarter, 18-18, as the Wildcats shot 42.9 percent (6-of-14)- For the evening, K-State checked in a 33.3 percent (21-of-63) from the field and were held to 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from long distance.QUICK FACTS- TCU leads the series with K-State, 13-12.&nbsp; The Wildcats are 4-8 in games played in Fort Worth. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 12-10 in his career against TCU.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 679-385 (.638), including a mark of 225-150 (.600).- In its 30th&nbsp;season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 245-248 (.497) in Big 12 action.- The Wildcats are 301-331 (.476) in road games during its 58-season history. Under Mittie, K-State is 52-74 (.413) in road games.- The Wildcats are 253-105 (.707) in games played in the month of December. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 52-20 (.722) in games during the 12th&nbsp;month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Taryn Sides and forwards Jenessa Cotton and Nastja Claessens. This was the seventh time this lineup has started together this season, the most of any combination this season. This was the 14th career start for Harrod. This was the 13th career start for Sides. This was the 12th career start for Garcia. Cotton made her 10th career start. Claessens made her 10th career start.PLAYER NOTES- Cotton recorded her third game this season and of her career with 10 or more points.- Sides reached double figures for the 27th&nbsp;time in her career and the ninth time this season including her sixth in the last seven games.- Sides buried two 3-pointers on Saturday. This was her 11th game this season and the 42nd&nbsp;of her career with two or more connections from 3-point range.- Brandie Harrod hauled in seven rebounds on Saturday. This was her ninth career game with five or more rebounds. She has led K-State in rebounding a team-high five times this season.- Gina Garcia registered seven assists. This was her eighth career game with five or more assists. She has led K-State in assists in 10 games this season.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach Jeff MittieOn the team’s player overall…"I think too spotty at times. (Olivia) Miles got way too deep, too many layups, too many easy layups. Offensively for us, we seem to have good spots and not good spots. What I liked was probably I thought our freshman did some good things. I thought Aniya Foy had a really good game. I thought (Brandie) Harrod really battled in some areas. I thought that Gina (Garcia), while she had some struggles today, she did some things well enough that, you know, she ends up with seven assists. So she really does some things well there. I thought Jordan (Speiser), while she had a rough offensive game. I thought she did do some better things defensively down the stretch. They're really good. They're very veteran. They play that way, and we don't play that way right now. We got to grow up quicker. We got to play beyond our years right now, and we have not done that well enough, particularly against a team like them.”On Jenessa Cotton..."I thought Jenessa (Cotton) had really good moments in today's game, and really did. I thought she battled in some stretches. I thought she really knocked that baseline jumper down that we spent some time on coming into this. I thought she had some really good moments.”On Aniya Foy..."I would agree with that. I thought she played really well, some of the things she's still struggling with is when we move her around, and that is kind of giving us some challenges. But you certainly saw, I loved her effort today. I loved her rebounding. I think you really saw the athleticism play. I thought she played faster today, and then as soon as you know, boy, I'm really excited about the break to get her even more comfortable, because we're seeing more and more of what she can do.”UP NEXTK-State starts the home portion of its Big 12 Conference schedule on Wednesday, December 31, as the Wildcats host Cincinnati at 1 p.m. Advance general admission tickets and select concession items are available for just $5. The first 500 fans will receive a free hand fan.

🏀 K-State Opens Big 12 Play with Loss at Ninth-Ranked TCU

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 24 points, leading five in double figures, and Kansas State rolled past South Dakota 106-76 on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766263089490.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — PJ Haggerty scored 24 points, leading five in double figures, and Kansas State rolled past South Dakota 106-76 on Saturday.The Wildcats (8-4) shot 68% in the first half and scored 57 points with Haggerty making all eight of his shots for 16 points before halftime. He finished 10-for-12 from the field to go with six rebounds and three assists.K-State spotted South Dakota the first basket but the Wildcats were soon up 19-7. Their largest lead of the half was 44-20 near the six-minute mark and they led 57-34 at halftime.A 10-0 run early in the second half pushed the lead to 31 points and K-State led 87-51 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining.David Castillo scored 16 points, Nate Johnson and Abdi Bashir Jr. 15 each and Khamari McGriff 10 for the Wildcats. Johnson had five steals and McGriff blocked four shots.Isaac Bruns scored 19 points, Cameron Fens 17 and Jesse McIntosh 15 for the Coyotes (7-7). Uzziah Buntyn contributed nine assists.K-State has won all 11 games in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats host Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 28.South Dakota: Mount Marty visits on Dec. 28. ___