“WHY I CHOSE K-STATE”: Carlos Del Rio-Wilson Rejects Alabama & Kentucky NIL Offers — Commits To Kansas State Wildcats
MANHATTAN, KS — In one of the transfer portal’s most stunning coups, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson — the nation’s most coveted quarterback — has announced he is joining the Kansas State Wildcats, turning down lucrative Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) offers from both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Kentucky Wildcats to select K-State. The former Marshall Thundering Herd signal-caller made the announcement in a heartfelt video, explaining why he chose the Purple and Gold over two college football powerhouses.
“This wasn’t about the biggest check — it was about the best fit,” Del Rio-Wilson said. “Alabama and Kentucky offered incredible NIL packages — life-changing money — and I have so much respect for both programs. But when I sat down and really thought about where I can grow as a quarterback, as a leader, and as a man, there was only one place: Kansas State. The culture here, the quarterback development, the way the community rallies around this team — it felt like home from the very first conversation.”
Del Rio-Wilson arrives in Manhattan as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, coming off a historic 2025 season at Marshall that firmly established his elite credentials. He set a 43-year-old school record for single-season rushing yards by a quarterback, piling up 660 rushing yards to go with his passing production — a feat that shattered a benchmark standing since 1982. His ability to extend plays, break contain, and strike from the pocket made him a priority target across the Big 12 and beyond.
“Carlos is exactly what we look for in a quarterback — toughness, intelligence, and a rare competitive spirit,” said Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman. “He sees the game at a high level, he’s dangerous with his legs, and he brings a maturity that will serve him well in our locker room. We are thrilled he chose Kansas State.”
The decision stunned the college football landscape. Alabama and Kentucky had both aggressively pursued the transfer, with NIL valuations significantly higher than what K-State was able to offer. But Del Rio-Wilson cited the Wildcats’ proven track record of quarterback development — naming previous success stories — and the opportunity to lead a program on the rise as his deciding factors.
“I want to earn everything I get,” Del Rio-Wilson explained. “Kansas State believed in me, gave me a clear plan for my future, and showed me I could be the face of this program. That means more than any dollar amount. I’m here to win games, to break records, and to give this state a team they can be proud of. Let’s get to work.”
For the Wildcat faithful, the commitment is more than a transfer — it’s a statement. A top-tier quarterback choosing K-State over SEC blue bloods sends a clear message: the culture in Manhattan is working. And with a record-breaking runner under center, the Big 12 better take notice.
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