As the spring practice wraps up and the transfer portal window closes, Kansas State football continues to enhance its roster for the upcoming 2025 season. Coach Chris Klieman and his team have successfully secured Antonio Martin, a formidable running back from Southeastern Louisiana, adding depth and strength to their lineup. With an impressive track record in both college and junior college levels, Martin brings a unique blend of power and agility that perfectly complements the existing Wildcats' roster.
Following the conclusion of spring practice, the Kansas State coaching staff identified a need for additional depth at key positions. This led them to focus on recruiting through the transfer portal. Their efforts paid off when they secured Antonio Martin, who had previously transferred from Southeastern Louisiana to Louisiana Monroe earlier this year. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 220 pounds, Martin made significant contributions during his time at Southeastern Louisiana, where he excelled as the second-leading rusher in the Southland Conference with over 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Martin's journey to Kansas State is marked by several transitions within collegiate athletics. Originally signing with Georgia Tech out of high school, he chose to pursue further development at Blinn College in Texas after redshirting as a freshman. There, he demonstrated his prowess on the field, accumulating 603 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns in 2023. His decision to move up to FBS competition at Louisiana Monroe was short-lived, as he re-entered the portal following the end of spring practice.
The addition of Martin aligns with the Wildcats' strategic plan to build a more versatile backfield. Despite already possessing strong options like Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson, the team sought a more powerful runner to complement their existing talent. Gabe Ervin, another recent transfer from Nebraska, suffered an injury during the spring, creating an opportunity for Martin to step into a crucial role. Additionally, Martin joins two other notable transfers—JB Nelson from Penn State and Terrence Enos Jr. from Pittsburgh—who also signed during the spring window.
With these new additions, the Wildcats are well-positioned to compete at a higher level in the upcoming season. The infusion of experienced players through the transfer portal has provided much-needed depth and versatility across various positions. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these pieces will come together under Coach Klieman's leadership, potentially propelling Kansas State to greater heights in the competitive world of college football.