Transfer linebacker Alec Marenco picks Kansas State

Kansas State has struck in the spring football transfer portal window for the second time in the last week. Former New Mexico linebacker Alec Marenco has committed to K-State after a recent trip to the Manhattan campus.

The decision from Marenco comes on the heels of an official visit to Arizona over the weekend where he attended the spring game in Tucson. Two SEC schools and a Big Ten program were also involved in Marenco’s recruitment. He had previously canceled a stop at Auburn.

His official visit was also bumped up by Kansas State, showing him that he was even more of a priority for the Wildcats. The graduate transfer was originally set to visit K-State May 4 before the visit was moved up.

Marenco was joined in The Little Apple by offensive lineman Andrew Chamblee and fellow linebacker Myles Jernigan. Chamblee remains available but Jernigan has since committed to Louisville.

In his three years for the Lobos, Marenco was a productive player. His best season came this past season where he led New Mexico in tackles with 66. 3.5 of those were for a loss while playing in all 12 games and starting 10 of those.

The new Kansas State linebacker’s best statistical performance came in a win over UMass when he totaled 12 tackles and he had nine or more tackles in three games. Marenco was also a team captain in 2023 and named the New Mexico defensive MVP.

As a sophomore, Marenco was limited to just six games due to a season-ending injury. However, he posted 26 tackles and added a quarterback hurry. His first career start came as a sophomore in 2022 against LSU where he had nine tackles.

Marenco even saw the field as a true freshman in 2021 for the Lobos, playing in nine games. For clarity, it was mostly as a special teams contributor.

According to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Ranking (a combination of all four recruiting services), Marenco is currently ranked the No. 497 player in the transfer portal. Of the linebackers currently still in the transfer portal he ranks No. 7 at his position.

Marenco will arrive at K-State with one year of eligibility. He also has a redshirt available.