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Podcast: Locked On Kansas State - Daily Podcast on Kansas State Wildcats Football & Basketball Episode: SHAKEUP: Kansas State’s Linebacker Room ADDS Mekhi Mason, Jacobi Oliphant Jr.—Will They DELIVER? Transcript: It's the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day. Get your daily college sports fix completely ad-free with a 7-day free trial to the Everyday Our Club. Listen to your favorite schools locked on podcast without tee interruptions and unlock an exclusive invite to our members-only Discord chat to talk team news 24-7 with die-hard fans. Join the club right now by tapping the link in the show notes to claim your free trial. Kansas 8's linebacker room has some big shoes to fill, but it'll certainly be an interesting room. You are locked on Kansas State, your daily podcast on the Kansas State Wildcats, part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day. Yes, welcome on Into the Show, I'm your host Christian Rowan, we're grooving with John Grove of GoPowerCat.com on this episode of Lockdown Kansas State. On today's episode, it's all about the linebackers. We're going to dive deep into this position. We're going to talk about some of the breakouts, some of the potential young stars that could step up. And of course, the biggest question, can they fill the shoes of the players that have left from last season? That's where I want to start on today's episode, John, because look, this linebacker room has been one of the key figures on this defense under the past when Joe Clannarum was a defensive coordinator. Obviously, you got a new regime at defense this year, but you move on from Austin, Romaine, who's now going to be at Texas Tech, you move on from Despernal, who runs out of eligibility, those two players alone are going to pass some big shoes to fill in the linebacker room. Take me through your thought process before we start diving deep into this linebacker room. What you see this overall view, maybe your overall picture of this room, and then answer the question, do they have what it takes to fill the shoes of some of those players who won a Despernala? I'm surprised that never had the chance to get to the NFL. Her name, at all, I mean, many camps or anything, I certainly thought he was going to. Then Austin Romaine, who I think is well on this way with Texas Tech. Yeah, so you mentioned a new regime a little bit. You also do bring back Bodey Wyatt, so there's some pretty good potential there. As far as kind of a retainment of a coaching staff in a way. I completely agree. I am shell shot, but Despernal per se didn't get caught up at all. I mean, he was playing at a very high level midway through the season, and he didn't get any call up. That's so bizarre. I don't understand. I mean, of course, you got Mosin Romaine began to wrap things up in his career at Texas Tech. So I don't know. I think we're looking at a little bit of a linebacker room, but we'll see some new shifts, some new faces. You got several newcomers coming on to the scene for K-State, but have a real chance to carve out major rules immediately. There's a strong argument that the linebacker that there could be several linebackers that could end up being one of the more important additions on the defensive side of a ball, for sure. Yeah, let's dive into that. Let's talk about two players that they've lost. Let's talk about two players that they've gained in the transfer portal, and that's LaTeX transfer, McKei Mason, who last year was a 2025 all-conference USA second team player, played in 12 games, 11 starts, 68 tackles last year, and then Jacobi Oliphant, Jr., who comes over from Oklahoma State joining Wendell Gregory as another Oklahoma State defensive player that is going to join on Colin Klein's team this coming season. Both of these players, I think, are going to have a really big role from the jump in this linebacker room, coming over, having FBS experience, whether it's at the power four level or not when it comes to Mason being a conference USA. But man, I think these are really two interesting pieces that hopefully you think can fill some of the needs in this linebacker room. Yeah, no. Touching on McKei Mason real quick, he was brought in with the expectation that he will compete and at best point likely when one of the starting linebacker spots, and I think he's built a reputation as an extremely physical, a reliable run defender. I know, Christian, you mentioned that pro football focus is kind of down bad these days, as the kids say, but he had a, he finished 20-25 with an 88.4 run defensive grade by pro football focus. So he consistently showed the ability to diagnose plays quickly, you know, fill rushing lanes and make stops in space as well. He's the kind of guy that plays downhill with some confidence and he brings a level experience that should help stabilize things. Now, how well that adjust to the power level, we'll wait and see. That's what Jacob Oliphone has as kind of one of his advantages as well. He's got a high ceiling of any defensive newcomer, K-State's out of his season. He was a former cornerback if I'm not mistaken, Christian. I believe he was a former cornerback at Oklahoma State. He's been transitioned into a linebacker, but he also brings a completely different athletic profile to the room with his B, explosiveness, and his versatility in several modern defensive games as well. I think that both players develop a wave of stamp hopes. This could quietly become one of a more impactful transfer additions for a roster heading into 2026. Yeah, Oliphone was a corner. You're right. According to his profile here, he played defensive back in high school, was rated the 79th best corner in the class of 2024. That's wild because he didn't play. He's big. He's 6'4. Now he's 2'25, 6'4. Seeing that as a corner would be really impressive. But that's interesting. It's good to know that you would think that his IQ is pretty high when it comes to pass coverage. Now he's got a little bit more size. Can he play linebacker against these tight ends? That's something that's really important inside the big 12 as well. Maybe we can see a couple turnovers from him. Maybe we can see a Jacobi Oliphone pick six this season. That'd be pretty cool. I wouldn't mind that. Sure. Sure. I think the transition from defensive back to linebacker is like what's been position transition will come with a learning curve. And mentally will certainly do so as well. But the trades are clearly there. And I think his background in coverage could help offset some of his weaknesses. That naturally come with maybe what's the best way of saying it. Like run focus linebackers in a way. And I think when you combine both of them they accounted for 814 defensive snaps during the 2025 season. So you're bringing in both production and a lot of experience to the room. And more importantly they each bring skill sets that compliment one another very well. Love that for sure. Both of these players are completely different in the eyes of what's left on eligibility. Oliphone's only a sophomore. So that's something to keep in mind. And that's for MacKay Mason. This will be his final season as a senior. But if they both can step up that's big time things. And maybe you can hope that Oliphone can take that step forward as he continues to rise up the ranks and and get himself ready to go for multiple seasons. Not this year in 2026. There is one player on this roster that was a former transfer but was with Kansas State last year that I just can't wait to see this season. I think he's poised for a breakout. I'm hoping for that. And that's why I want to lead with next segment right here on Lockdown Kansas State. But first this episode of Lockdown Kansas State is brought to you by indeed Workplace Chaos Deadline stacking up inbox overflowing in that one position you have to feel is still sitting open when the pressure is on and you need the right hire. This is a job for sponsor jobs. Indeed sponsor jobs helps you reach the people who actually fit what you're looking for whether that skills, experience or location. So you're not just hoping the right candidate symbols across your post. And here's the stat that says it all folks in the minute that I've been talking to you. 27 companies, excuse me, companies like yours have made 27 hires on indeed according to indeed data worldwide. So spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes with indeed sponsored jobs listeners. This show will get a 75 dollar sponsored job credit to help get the job the premium status it deserves at indeed.com slash podcast. Just go to indeed.com slash podcast right now to say you've heard about our show and heard about indeed on this podcast indeed.com slash podcast terms and conditions apply. But if you need to hire, this is a job for indeed sponsored jobs. Welcome back to the show and thanks for making lockdown Kansas State. Your first listen of the day and thanks for making the lockdown podcast network. The number one sports podcast network in the world. Consider joining the Every Dayers Club. Go to lockdowncansustate.supercast.com. Check the show below for more information to find out how you can become a part of the Every Dayers Club. We're Guru Majin Grove of GoPowerCat.com on today's episode and today's episode is all about the linebackers. Talk about some of these new transfers and Jacobi Alaphant, Makai Mason, John. But here's one a former transfer from the last cycle, you know, the final cycle of Chris Klimann that's stuck around and is going to be around for Colin Klimann's first year that I think is poised. I thought he was a really big high on him ever since he came over the Kansas State, didn't have the opportunities, I'm going to say, that I thought he should have had last year. And that's Ohio State transfer gave powers. I am so high on him. I think he has what it takes to make that step forward to be a really big linebacker in this room. When I watch him play, the only thing that I continue to tell myself is why is he not playing more on this team. Maybe there's something that I'm missing. I'm not sure, but last year he played in all 12 games. He played in the rotation. He got his first start against army. He's got 21 tackles on the season last year. He played some special teams. I would love to see him be more in the everyday rotation in this linebacker court this year. No, I think he gave powers. Absolutely. Push for Snamps and brain experience to the mix as well. Coming from Ohio State, he certainly has a lot of pedigree and a lot of recruiting hype and the physicality, certainly there. I think he still looks like the part of a high-level, big 12 linebacker. Brings a lot of good size, athleticism. And there's a belief that his best football could be ahead of him now, but he's getting more comfortable within the system. And I think what makes powers more intriguing is the combination of experience and a lot of upside as he still possesses as well. And he's been inside a major college football program too. So he understands what a high-level competition looks like. And the flashes, he kind of flashes the kind of movement ability that can help in both front support and coverage situations as well. What would you think, this is the guy that transferred over from Ohio State, big-time program, won the National Championship, the big-time program here. This is the guy that decides to stay through the coaching change. What does that tell you? As somebody who covers this team, as somebody who looks at this roster, what does that tell you from a guy like Gabe Powers that wants to see this through? It tells me maybe not as much. I mean, you know what's up with all these transfers, you'll see kind of a mentality of which one, I'm just not getting the benefit of that. If you're not with a school, I'm going to go to this school and I'm going to repeat that same process for a few years. And you'll see some guys that just see it as if there's unfinished business. And that's what I think I'm kind of noticing here with Gabe Powers. I think if things begin to click consistently for him, there's definitely a path forward for a major contribution and a rotation. And I think he notices that too, and I think the coaching staff certainly knows as well. And another senior on the team, another senior on this roster that I think is going to have a big time role in this rotation is Rex Van Wife. We saw him have more of a rotational piece towards the end of the season. When we lost Austin, remained the injury, we saw Rex get a little bit more playing time here. Another big guy at linebacker, 6'5", 239. I mean, he's a really big kid. And he makes a presence out there when he performs. I thought he had a really decent second half of the season. I would expect to see him pretty often, especially at the beginning of the year this year in this rotation when they're starting to figure out what this room really has. Yeah, he's not the type of guy. I mean, generate as much buzz as several of the younger guys in the room. But he feels like the type of player who could, he looks like the type of player who could quietly, quietly carve out his significant role because he's already got that. He's already got that experience that indicates that he could be pretty reliable in the long run of things. And then a defense that we'll be counting on hopefully better communication and perhaps some some steadiness out linebacker. And I say that with a little bit of a, with a, well, what's, what are those called? Those little things on the side that he, I don't know. I don't know. We'll get to that when we get to that. He shows a lot of flashes ultimately. He's a solid run defender who can help stabilize the middle of the defense when things get a little chaotic. He's there to kind of water things down when things get a little better. Now I'm getting into this trend where I think I know stuff, but I don't know stuff. What's the, it's the little pound mark on the phone. You know, the pound mark. I'm thinking of like, not the hashtag. It's the little, it's the little, the little star thing that, that you could add. I don't know. It's, I just had a little, little star. Asterix. Asterix. Thank you. It's over here for, it's over here for. We're recording these. We're recording this super early folks. We get this draft for you. I'm using, I'm using the asterisk as far as the better communication and steadiness out linebacker because you do have. Some coaching continuity back there too. But he, he's the type of linebacker who understands his positioning among the roster. And I think as far as on the field as well. And I think he has a trust of a coaching staff because of his consistency and knowing the defense too. I got his name wrong while calling a, calling a game as well. This was during one of my first years at K-State when I was a student radio. I caught him rexvin a wily. I thought there was a, I thought there was an L and wily. But no, it was Y instead. So you're getting, you're getting it all kinds of. John's that just don't, but that heavily misunderstand everything today Christian. Oh, that's fine. No worries. I'm questioning if you had your old team today. I mean, that might be why you're missing some of these. I don't. You know, I'm an old team Christian. You're in this. That's the right thing. We got to make sure. We got to make sure you're prepped and ready for the old team next time. That's what we need to make sure. I mean, Christian's recording this at six a.m. I'm astonished that he's able to bring this much to the table. I don't have my old team and I am, I'm, I'm just exhausted. I get the benefit of waking up later. Suppose. When you have a, when you have a youngster and you have a little one and I'm sure a lot of my every day or just can, can attest. When you have a youngster, you just for somehow you find yourself energized at the weirdest moments and you just kind of have to figure it out. And that's, that's exactly what life is done with that one. Speaking of some youngsters before we get to some of these younger players that I think or maybe we can talk about if they could have a potential breakout as soon as this year. Let's get to one more before we go to break. This one really is in a youngster's. He's been on the roster for quite some time and that's awesome news. Junior linebacker 632 20. I waverly Iowa and look, I think there's been a lot of upside talk about Newsome. Biggest, I think his biggest issue is just he can't stay healthy on the field. There's always been some sort of injury concern with him ever since he's arrived at Kansas State. Can that change this year? And if it does, what does that mean for him in 2026? I think he has made some progress as far as the health concerns go. He certainly played a lot more snaps last year compared to compared to the past two seasons, but he also feels like one of the strongest breakout candidates. If I'm being completely honest, I think I think when you got a lot of opportunities opening up a linebacker, I think a sonu some. He's one of those that could be poised to take over a major role, especially given the amount of years he's already been with this program. And he's got a lot of athleticism to prove that a lot of instincts and a lot of familiarity with the school with the program that should give him a real chance to be one of the leaders of the front seven hitting into the season. And so I think the lineback of room itself, it should be one of more competitive positions this year as well. And that's really a good thing if you are as far as any position, if you're getting good competition in any position, that's a really good sign that you'll have a little more depth, a little bit more bodies moving forward. I think he's got a lot of things on the table and maybe a chip on the shoulder as well. I think he wants to end off his college career on a lot of upside after starting it a little bit rough with the injuries. I'm with you. I'm hoping that happens. I'm hoping we see some good breakouts from some of these players, and hopefully they can step up. And we're not constantly talking about how much we miss certain players that are now playing for certain teams inside certain conferences, aka the big 12, aka the KAA Austin from Maine. Sorry for spoon feeding that to you, but on the other side, let's talk about some of these youngsters who we think can possibly step up as we finish talking about these linebackers right here on lockdown Kansas State. Welcome back to the show. Thanks for making Kansas State lockdown Kansas State, your first listen of the day. And if you haven't already hit that subscribe button, we are growing a Kansas State community here. It's been so much fun over at lockdown Kansas State. We're just rolling around with football season right around the corner. And if you're listening in audio, please subscribe as well. And also please consider leaving a review. It helps the show out a ton more than you know by dropping a review over on audio. And if you are an audio fan, you're going to be able to get a review of the show. It helps the show out a ton more than you know by dropping a review over on audio. And if you are an audio fan. Thank you so much. I actually dropped the episodes on audio earlier than YouTube. Head on over to audio if you're looking to have that for your morning or afternoon commute. We're Groove McDonough of GoPowerCat.com in talking all about the linebackers. We've already dived into a decent amount of players, maybe the ones you've already heard about. I've been on this roster of some of the new names and transfer portals. But some of these younger players are also certainly interesting as well. And I think there are a few names on here that could find themselves with some big-time roles as soon as possible. As soon as this year, as soon as this non-conference slate in 2026, John, when I'm looking at this roster, when I'm looking at some of these names about redshirt freshman, maybe a couple of the sophomores, some true freshman as well, there are some interesting ones for sure. The first one that pops up just because it's at the top of the list. When I sort by linebacker, Darian Whitaker Jr. is one that I think could be a guy that makes a rotational role, not just on special teams, but something on a true defensive line backing. Rotational role early as this year. Early as this non-conference slate, we might be seeing him with consistent snaps against Nichols when this game is actually still close. When I was at Summer, I had some of these Summer camps, so in case they football, last Summer, and it was really hard. It was really slow turning outside. We got to take notice of several of these players helping out on the side during some of these camps. One of them was Darian Whitaker Jr. That guy's built to be a starter at some point. He is a absolute giant. He continues to generate a lot of buzz because of his long-term ceiling. A lot of us here go power-cat certainly indicated that throughout last offseason, I think they'll definitely amplify a little bit more, or maybe intensify a little bit more, this season as well. I think from a pure upside standpoint, I think he has as much potential as anyone in the linebacker room. I think his physical tool will stand out immediately, and if he's able to develop quickly, it's too difficult to keep up the field. I also add on his size and kind of the way he's built up, because he looks like a starter. He looks like a starter before even last season too. I think there's a lot of potential on a lot of upside for him, for sure. He was the 60th best linebacker in the 2024 class. Only saw a little bit of time last year towards the end of the season. He kept his red shirt, so he still has all his years of eligibility. I'm not sure that'll matter when time comes around because of the potential five for five that should be inevitably coming out over the next year or so. But you really only saw kickoff coverage last year. I think that changes big time this year. I think we do see him in a more important role. The biggest question here though is when we're talking about all these players, do you feel like, and we're going to get to some of these other younger guys in a minute, but do you feel like this room has enough depth compared to either last year or just enough to feel the void from some of the players you missed last year? When you're thinking about this entire linebacker room, do you feel comfortable with it as a whole? Maybe not pointing out one specific player, but as they hold, do you feel like they have enough to continue to stay competitive and give enough fights to help the defensive line? We talked about it in a past episode. We think the defensive line can be a huge concern. Cornerbacks are always the wild card over the last couple of seasons. This linebacker room really has to hold the core, really has to hold that focus in the middle of the defense. Is this room enough? I see it as maybe not feeling in the void that you won't have without Austin Remain and Des for now, but I also see several of these guys and looking at it from perhaps long-term upside, especially when you got, I think there'll be plenty of competition for reps. For several of these guys, like I mentioned with Whitaker, if you see things beginning to click mentally, and if the game slows down for them, chances are most kind of guys get forced. They're going into a more significant role than expected. Interesting. I agree with you too. I'm really hoping that they have more of a deeper rotation here because I do think if they stay fresh, I mean, one thing that we look from last year, when this linebacker room did have issues, when this defense did have issues, we talked on yesterday's episode about how they need to be strong in the non-conference slate, and of course, because of last year, losing that game in the army. That game against the army, they were gassed. They were completely gassed. The entire defense was. If they have a rotational room inside the line backing room, where you can consistently feel comfortable with five or six guys at any given point in time, maybe even more than that, that takes away that process of this team will be gassed. I'm not saying that you're going to lose two nickels or something like that because of this, but when you get down the big 12 play, and when injuries eventually inevitably happen, having a deep line-back room, I think it's going to be really important. Before we head out of here, any other youngster that really sticks out to you that you think has the opportunity to maybe make a big jump in 2026, or just someone you're excited to see on this roster? If I'm completely honest, Christian, I think we've hit on the names that we needed to. I don't know if this is considered as one of the interior seven, as far as kind of feeling the metrites, but if just some provide, if he is able to emerge on the scene from Virginia, again, I haven't looked too carefully at that, but he could be a bona fide star as well as a guy like Coy Beasley as well, but I think that's kind of more, I think very, frankly, they might be able to play either nickel or safety for that matter too. Maybe both of those are two names as well, but I've got to go back to Waketaker as far as a guy, but I feel most excited for. I was excited for him last season. I want to see him get some more significant time this year. Maybe even a guy like Olafan who has a lot of upside too. It's just a room that consists of a lot of upside, a lot of potential. We might not be able to fill in the voids as an Oscar remain in a desk for now one step, but they certainly have the capability of emerging on a scene midway or late for the season. And maybe for a guy like Asa Newsom, it's a big opportunity for him to take the next step and emerge as a leader in the room for sure. I agree completely. When we talk about guys like Beasley and Pravard, I want to get them into our conversation. We talk more of a secondary, although they might play more of that Jack type of style, that linebacker might, we might see them kind of shift back and forth. We'll make sure we have them talked about when we discuss our secondary conversation. Maybe that'll be one of our thoughts when we do it next week. Make sure you check out what John Grove and the rest of the crew have at GoPowerCat.com. Make sure you swing back over here on Friday. We got plenty of other episodes for you on the channel. Let's through through the weekend. We're not going away anytime soon because we're giving you coverage every single day right here on lockdown, Kansas State. Please like the video. Please subscribe. This has been locked on Kansas State. Show notes: Kansas State Wildcats face a pivotal test as their linebacker room overhauls for the 2026 season. Can transfers Mekhi Mason from Louisiana Tech and Jacobi Oliphant Jr.. from Oklahoma State step in and anchor a defense now missing key contributors like Austin Romaine and Desmond Purnell? The competition heats up as returning talents Gabe Powers and Asa Newsom fight for bigger roles, with senior Rex Van Wyhe poised to provide stability. Host Christian Rauh and Jon Grove break down how these new arrivals and emerging playmakers could redefine Kansas State’s defensive identity in the Big 12. Key topics include the unique upside of underclassmen like Darien Whitaker Jr., questions of depth and reliability, and the impact of lingering injuries. Will the Wildcats blend experience and youth to silence doubts—or is the linebacker core still a work in progress? Go AD Free and More with the Everydayer's Club! Learn More Here: https://lockedonkansasstate.supercast.com/ Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM More Coverage from Christian Rauh: https://blueprintsportsnetwork.com/ #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. 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