Kansas State Freshman Linkon Cure Faces Early Challenges

UPDATE: Kansas State freshman Linkon Cure is opening up about the early challenges he’s faced this football season. The standout athlete, hailed as the first five-star football prospect in Kansas State history, has not had a smooth transition after arriving late on campus due to his commitment to basketball and track.

Cure’s journey from Goodland, Kansas, to Kansas State is nothing short of remarkable. As the No. 30 overall player in the 2025 class according to 247Sports, he racked up an impressive 1,049 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in high school, coupled with significant achievements in track and field. However, the leap to the Big 12 has proven to be a formidable challenge.

Just as he began to acclimate, a knee injury hindered his progress. “It’s been rough,” Cure admitted, reflecting on his struggles to adapt to a new position as the coaches moved him from tight end to wide receiver due to depth issues. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic about his future in the program.

Head coach Chris Klieman acknowledged the difficulties Cure faces, especially after missing fall camp. “When you come in as highly touted as he, and the expectations, those are hard for a young person to handle,” Klieman stated. He emphasized that Cure is being “spoonfed” into the system, but he remains confident in Cure’s abilities. “Sky’s the limit for him still,” Klieman added.

In his first seven games, Cure has made five catches for 32 yards, with a season-high of 21 snaps recorded during the Wildcats’ recent victory over Oklahoma State. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed the joy of realizing his childhood dream: “I sat there as a kid watching, and now I have the ability to do it. It’s been awesome. It’s just been a dream come true.”

As Cure continues to navigate these challenges, fans are eager to see how he will develop in the coming games. The Wildcats are counting on him to elevate his game and contribute significantly as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star as he strives to overcome adversity and make his mark on the field.