2026 offensive lineman talks Kansas State visit
The Kansas State coaching staff is not just working on finding transfers for the 2024 class or starting the 2025 class, they are also working on the 2026 recruiting class. K-State has hosted a bevy of 2026 recruits throughout the fall and into the winter.
A recent 2026 prospect to make the trek to Manhattan was Iowa offensive lineman Carson Nielsen. The Hawkeye State native visited Kansas State on January 27.
“The visit was great,” Nielsen began. “I got to spend the day with the coaches and got a lot more insight on the program.”
One moment in particular on the visit struck a chord with the sophomore.
“Getting lots of one-on-one time with Coach [Chris] Klieman and Coach [Conor] Riley and just being around the great people there was my favorite part,” he shared.
Nielsen and the new K-State offensive coordinator are building a strong relationship.
“[Riley has] shown me I’m a priority and he’s a great offensive line coach,” he pointed out.
Riley even gave the sophomore offensive lineman a sneak peek at how he wants to run the Kansas State offense.
“He talked about a very NFL-style offense since he wants to prepare people for that,” he noted.
This was his second visit to K-State. His first visit took place for the Baylor game on November 11.
“I got to see the campus and housing and other parts of the facility that I didn’t this fall. I also knew the coaches and I just feel comfortable there,” he said. “The facilities are great and all close together and connected.”
Two schools have come to the front of Nielsen’s recruitment thus far, though it is still early.
“K-State and Iowa have really stuck out, I’m excited to build my relationship with Missouri as well,” he revealed. “I’ve taken multiple visits to both schools and every time I go back I just like them more and more. They both have a great offensive line culture and just overall great people at both universities.”
Next up for Nielsen is a visit to Iowa City to see Iowa and a visit to Missouri.
