UPDATE: Kansas State freshman Linkon Cure has opened up about his challenging start with the Wildcats, describing his journey as a “dream come true.” Just weeks into the season, Cure is navigating the intense transition from small-town football to the high-stakes realm of the Big 12.
Cure, the first five-star football prospect in Kansas State history, hails from Goodland, Kansas, and is ranked as the No. 30 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports. His impressive high school stats include 1,049 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, alongside 208 rushing yards and six rushing scores in his final season.
Despite receiving offers from prestigious programs like Kansas, Oregon, and Texas A&M, Cure chose to follow his lifelong dream of playing for Kansas State. “It’s a dream come true,” he expressed, reflecting on his early aspirations. However, his path has been anything but straightforward.
After forgoing early graduation to complete his basketball and track seasons, Cure faced significant challenges upon arriving on campus late, missing out on valuable fall camp training. Shortly after joining the team, he suffered a knee injury, complicating his adjustment to the demanding Big 12 environment.
In response to depth issues at tight end, coaches shifted him to wide receiver, forcing him to learn both positions simultaneously. “It’s been rough,” Cure acknowledged. “But it shows a lot about my perseverance, and I just think that it’s been a lot of fun. I love being out there.”
Head coach Chris Klieman understands the difficulties Cure faces. Missing fall camp meant he had to be “spoonfed” into the system, a challenging task heightened by the expectations that accompany being a five-star recruit. “When you come in as highly touted as he is, those expectations can be hard for a young person to handle,” Klieman noted.
As of now, Cure has recorded five catches for 32 yards over seven games, with a season-high of 21 snaps in the recent victory against Oklahoma State. Klieman remains optimistic about Cure’s future, stating, “The sky’s the limit for him still.” He confirmed that tight end is Cure’s long-term position, believing that the receiver reps will enhance his overall skills.
Reflecting on his journey, Cure encapsulated the emotional weight of his experiences: “I sat there as a kid watching, and now I have the ability to do it. It’s just been awesome. It’s been a dream come true.”
As Cure continues to adapt and grow within the Kansas State football program, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see how this promising athlete will develop in the remainder of the season.
