GoPowercat’s Ryan Wallace and podcast co-host Kevin Flaherty speak with the latest K-State football comiitment
In the latest episode of the ‘Verbal Commitment’ podcast on the KC Sports Network, hosts Kevin Flaherty and Ryan Wallace spoke with Ian Premer, a four-star tight end and the top player in Kansas for 2026. They discussed emerging in-state prospects and the latest developments in Premer’s recruitment.
For those interested in specific questions about Kansas State, here are some key excerpts from the interview:
**FLAHERTY:** You’ve received offers from numerous schools nationwide, but local teams like Kansas State, Kansas, and Missouri were among the first. You’ve visited these schools and attended their camps. What has caught your attention about these three so far?
**PREMER:** Growing up, I naturally had a bit more interest in the local teams because I watched them more closely. The fact that they were among the first to reach out made an impression on me as well.
**WALLACE:** Let’s start with Kansas State. Your grandfather is a K-State fan, and it seems like your family might lean towards K-State. Is that correct?
**PREMER:** Yes, that’s right.
The Sunflower State’s star TE duo:
2026 @IanPremer & 2025 @CureLinkon pic.twitter.com/wdt5As7jCI— Ryan Wallace (@GPCwallace) May 28, 2024
**WALLACE:** What’s your earliest memory of Kansas State, and what stands out about their program and their pitch to you?
**PREMER:** We were K-State fans growing up and would attend games with family every year or so. What stands out now is how effectively they utilize the tight end position. With players like Ben Sinnott and Will Swanson, they’ve shown they know how to develop tight ends.
**WALLACE:** Did you have a favorite K-State player growing up, or were you more focused on the team as a whole?
**PREMER:** I was more focused on the team and the overall experience rather than individual players.
**FLAHERTY:** You had a chance to talk to Linkon Cure at the Sharp Performance Top Prospect Camp. How has that interaction influenced you, considering he’s a top prospect for 2025?
**PREMER:** That conversation was valuable. It was helpful to hear from someone who’s been through the process and has a lot of insight. I took away some useful advice from him.
**WALLACE:** There’s a lot of discussion about following in the footsteps of players like Linkon Cure. How does that affect your view of Kansas State?
**PREMER:** It doesn’t change my perspective much. At any school, you’ll face competition and need to prove yourself. It doesn’t make me view K-State differently.
**FLAHERTY:** When you decide where to commit a year from now, what factors will influence your decision?
**PREMER:** I’m looking for a combination of factors: a winning team, how well they use the tight end position, and the overall fit with the coaches and community. I want to play in a system where I can be involved in the offense and make plays, while also connecting with the people and the environment.
**WALLACE:** How far are you open to traveling for college? Would you consider schools on the coasts, or do you prefer to stay closer to home?
**PREMER:** I’m open to either option. Ideally, closer is better, but if the perfect opportunity is far away, I’d be willing to consider it.
**WALLACE:** Considering your location in Great Bend, how will you manage unofficial visits? What’s your schedule like for the season?
**PREMER:** I’m starting with K-State’s home opener on August 31st. I’ll also visit the Nebraska vs. Colorado game on September 7th, and the KU vs. TCU game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 28th. I plan to visit Iowa State for their game against Baylor on October 5th and would like to see a game at Oklahoma. Later in the season, I might visit the Washington vs. Oregon game at Oregon.
**WALLACE:** Which schools or coaches are showing you the most attention and making an effort to stay in touch?
**PREMER:** I’m receiving a lot of communication from various schools and coaches, though I’m not ready to say that any particular ones are leading at this point.
