Home / Sports / K-State Builds Up Front: OL Chase Duarte Joins Wildcats
K-State Builds Up Front: OL Chase Duarte Joins Wildcats
16 Jan
Summary
- Kansas State focuses on offensive line in transfer portal.
- Chase Duarte reunites with OL coach Mike Schmidt.
- Duarte has three years of eligibility remaining.
Kansas State football continues its strategy of building from the inside out by acquiring offensive lineman Chase Duarte from San Diego State. Duarte announced his commitment on January 14, 2026, highlighting his connection with Kansas State's offensive line coach, Mike Schmidt, who previously coached him. This familiarity allows for a clear development path for Duarte.
Duarte, listed at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, brings significant size and three years of eligibility, plus a redshirt, to Manhattan. He is expected to redshirt for the 2026 season, providing ample time for development. His freshman year saw limited but focused action, with 52 snaps primarily in run-blocking situations.
Before his college career, Duarte was a standout at Clayton Valley Charter, earning four letters and serving as team captain. He arrives at Kansas State as part of a larger offensive line overhaul through the transfer portal, joining other recent additions aimed at strengthening the team's interior.
