Kansas State landed 6-foot-6 tight end Arley Morrell, shoring up a clear need after portal departures. Betting angle: his size and red-zone upside could nudge K-State’s team scoring and season-win totals slightly higher, making the Wildcats a more attractive play for modest over bets and tight end scoring prop attention.
Kansas State Scores Major 2026 Commitment: Arley Morrell Flips to the Wildcats
Kansas State landed a significant in-state recruit for the 2026 cycle when tight end Arley Morrell pledged to the Wildcats on December 15. The commitment fills an immediate roster need after Brayden Loftin and Andrew Metzger entered the transfer portal and provides Collin Klein an early momentum win in rebuilding local ties.
Why the Morrell Commitment Matters
Morrell’s arrival gives Kansas State size and athleticism at a position that figures prominently in both the passing game and red-zone packages. At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, he offers positional flexibility and a mismatch threat over the middle, addressing a notable void in the Wildcats’ 2026 class.
Recruitment Timeline and Flip
The Pratt, Kansas, native had been on Kansas State’s radar for roughly two-and-a-half years and visited Manhattan for the Oct. 11 homecoming game against TCU. Morrell was previously committed to Colorado State before flipping and signing with Iowa State on Dec. 3. After Iowa State’s coaching change and the subsequent release from his National Letter of Intent, Morrell reopened his recruitment and quickly accepted an offer from Collin Klein.
Player Profile: Versatility and Production
Morrell compiled 36 receptions for 504 yards and seven touchdowns this season, along with 46 carries for 206 yards, underscoring his dual-threat skill set as a receiving and rushing option. He’s a three-sport athlete—earning First Team All-State honors in basketball with 20.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game—and competes in track events including the triple jump, long jump, and 4x400 relay.
Recruiting Rankings and Class Context
Rated as the second-best available player in Kansas by the 247Sports Composite and listed as the No. 57 tight end nationally in the 2026 class, Morrell becomes the third Kansas native in Kansas State’s 2026 group. He joins offensive lineman Lamarcus Barber and athlete Lawson McGraw as early signees and marks the program’s 25th commitment for the class.
Implications for the Wildcats’ Offense and Betting Markets
On-field, Morrell projects to be an immediate target in short-yardage and red-zone situations and a development piece for big-play opportunities downfield. From a betting perspective, his addition could modestly boost expectations for Kansas State’s offensive production next season—punters may lean toward slightly higher season-win totals or team scoring overs and keep an eye on tight end receiving and touchdown props as his role becomes clearer.
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Kansas State football adds former Iowa State commit Arley Morrell on the trail.
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