5-star TE Linkon Cure commits to Kansas State: ‘I always had that love for them’

Kansas State began showing interest in Goodland (Kan.) five-star tight end Linkon Cure at the start of his recruitment. The Wildcats were the first school to offer Cure and told him that he could have a massive impact on the Big 12 program. As his stock kept rising, he became even more of a priority to head coach Chris Klieman and his staff. 

Oregon made a big move for Cure during his official visit to the Ducks and rose up his list, but Kansas State hosted him the next weekend. During his time in Manhattan, the 6-foot-4.5, 210-pound recruit spent time with the Wildcats’ coaches along with quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards. It was on that “amazing” trip that Cure realized he wanted to play for Kansas State and he proceeded to announce his commitment to the Wildcats on Monday over Kansas, Oregon and Texas A&M. 

“It was a feeling that I got,” Cure told On3. “That Saturday night, I didn’t sleep at all. First I texted Taylor Braet. I had to call him to wake him up, so I called him at 7:00 in the morning and said, ‘Hey, can you come pick me up at the hotel and take me to the stadium? I just need some time to think.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I’ll be right there.’ So, he took me to the stadium and I went up into Section 227 and either seat 17 or 18. I sat down and that’s when I was making sure it was the right decision. 

“I let a lot of tears out, unfortunately. It was pretty emotional for me because I started my whole process at a camp at K-State and then, that’s where it all was ending. It was definitely really emotional for me and that’s what it all came down to. I knew it was right. Coach Klieman also came up there and had a conversation with me, which was really cool. We got some alone time in the stadium, so I absolutely loved everything about that.”

Cure is excited to represent his home state while playing for the Wildcats

Cure grew up a Kansas State fan and attended games at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The No. 2 player in Kansas is now ready to stay home and help lead the Wildcats to new heights. 

“I always had that love for them,” said Cure, the No. 27 overall prospect and No. 2 tight end in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “For Kansas State to be my first offer, starting my recruitment there and ending it there, that meant everything to me while I was sitting up in those stands and reflecting on everything. It’s a moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.” 

Goodland is roughly 300 miles from Kansas State, yet Cure enjoys being around Manhattan, a city that has “my type of people.” The area around the Wildcats’ campus and their fanbase played key roles in his decision to play college football in his home state. 

Kansas State’s culture under Klieman also caught Cure’s attention. The Wildcats went 9-4 last season and the year before, they beat TCU – who made it to the College Football Playoff National Championship – in the Big 12 Championship. 

“You can’t beat it,” Cure said about the culture at Kansas State. “Every one of those guys that K-State has is a top-notch person. They are not just a good player, but also a top-notch person. I absolutely love that about them.” 

Cure is ready to ‘give everything’ for Kansas State’s coaches

When Cure showed up at that Kansas State camp a few years ago, he was coming off a season in which he played through injury. The Wildcats’ coaches did not have a lot of film on Cure, but his strong performance that day greatly impressed them. It “meant everything” to the five-star when Kansas State eventually offered him because he felt like Klieman and his staff took a chance on him. 

That chance ended up paying off for both Cure and the Wildcats. He not only built a strong bond with Klieman and Braet – Kansas State’s Director of Recruiting – but also offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Conor Riley and tight ends coach Brian Lepak among others. 

“I absolutely love that coaching staff,” Cure said. “I have so much respect for them, so it was really cool being around them a lot during my official visit.” 

Cure is excited to play for Klieman, who he grew close with throughout his recruitment.  The two continued their bond during Cure’s visit last month and the Kansas native is excited to learn from the Wildcats’ head man when he arrives on campus. 

“The biggest thing about coach Klieman is how much of a leader he is for that program and his staff,” Cure said. “Everybody looks up to him, including the coaching staff. He’s a great guy to be around. I got to go golfing with him, so we talked a lot then. I also got to have that conversation in the stadium with him. He’s not just a guy you want to play for. He’s a guy you want to sacrifice everything for. I want to go on that field and give everything I have for him.”