Kansas State adds touted 2026 CB Josiah Vilmael

Talented 2026 CB Josiah Vilmael from Richmond (Texas) Fort Bend Travis had a breakout senior season — that yielded a wave of attention from top programs in the Big 12 and SEC down the stretch.

After taking his last official visit to Kansas State, his mind was made up.

Vilmael committed to and signed with the Wildcats on Friday after the Kansas State coaching staff knocked it out of the park over the weekend on the official visit.

First-year coach Collin Klein delivered a final pitch as the Wildcats edged past Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor and Texas for the touted cornerback.

“The head coach is an alum and he’s going to win there!” Vilmael said of his decision.

“Some of the biggest highlights for me at K-State were seeing how connected everybody is,” he told Rivals after his official visit to Manhattan. “The energy around the program stood out, and the fan dedication is on a different level. Everywhere you go, people know the team, support the team, and you can really feel how much football means to the whole community.”

Texas was trending late in Vilmael’s recruiting process. Arizona, Texas, Arizona State and Baylor also took big steps forward with the versatile defensive back at different times.

The Wildcats surged at the right time to land a signature on National Signing Day.

“They’ve made me feel like a top priority and that I’m going to succeed at my position for a long time,” he continued. “They produce long-time NFL cornerbacks — not just getting in the NFL, but playing for a long time.”