“Immaculate Vibe”: LB DJ Ackerson explains why he chose Kansas State
The second of Kansas State’s 2026 commitments last week came from Oklahoma linebacker DJ Ackerson. The junior linebacker chose K-State over offers from Boston College, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Nevada and Tulsa. He announced his top three of K-State, Oklahoma State and Tulsa April 21 before committing to the Wildcats April 25.
“Well, first the amazing facilities and staff, then the vibe when I was there was just immaculate,e felt just like home when I made it on campus, and finally God told me this was the place and the college I’ll play at so that why I chose it,” Ackerson began.
Choosing Kansas State was a special moment for the Oklahoma native.
“It was nothing but amazing the feeling knowing I made the coaches’ day better from the stuff they went through was just amazing,” he shared. “Also, I just felt relieved, you know?”
K-State wasted no time making Ackerson still feel like a priority. Just four days after he committed, Kansas State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman and offensive coordinator Matt Wells visited him at his high school.
“It was great, had me feeling a little close back to Manhattan,” he noted. “What stood out was definitely when I was talking with Coach Klanderman and the fit he sees me at not just playing football but as a leader too.”
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Ackerson is also helping Kansas State recruit fellow Oklahoma natives Kingston Hall and Daniel McMorris. Both prospects are major K-State targets and have the same official visit date of June 19.
“I really just be saying ‘come home, let’s build something here,'” he pointed out.
Kansas State linebackers coach Steve Stanard has also played a major role in landing the Oklahoma native.
“I like that he’s just a chill guy like me and also how he keeps it real. Like I’ve said before, which makes me want to be around him more than any other coach who has recruited me,” he opined.
Ackerson also has a message for K-State fans.
“I’m a hard-working guy who’s going to do any and everything to keep greatness coming in and out of K-State football over these next 3-4 years,” he concluded.
