UPDATE: Kansas State freshman Linkon Cure opens up about his early struggles and triumphs on the Wildcats’ football team. Just recently, Cure, the first five-star football prospect in Kansas State history, reflected on his journey from small-town Goodland, Kansas, to the national spotlight, stating, “It’s a dream come true.”
Cure, ranked as the No. 30 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports, has been making waves with his impressive high school stats including 1,049 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. His athletic prowess extends beyond football, having also claimed two state championships in track and field, shattering the state record in the 110-meter hurdles during his senior year.
However, his transition to college football has not been without challenges. After opting to finish his high school basketball and track commitments, Cure arrived late to Kansas State, missing crucial fall camp training. To make matters worse, he suffered a knee injury shortly after joining the team, complicating his adaptation to the Big 12 level of play.
The Wildcats’ coaching staff, led by head coach Chris Klieman, has been supportive but realistic about Cure’s learning curve. “When you come in as highly touted as he, the expectations can be hard for a young person to handle,” Klieman noted. As a result of the tight end depth, Cure has been shifted to wide receiver, forcing him to learn two positions simultaneously.
“It’s been rough,” Cure admitted. “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.” Despite these hurdles, Cure has made an impact, recently recording a season-high of 21 snaps in the Wildcats’ victory over Oklahoma State.
Cure’s family legacy in sports also fuels his determination. His brother, Leyton, played football at Fort Hays State, and his sister, Lindsey, is a volleyball player at Regis University. With such a background, it’s no wonder Cure remains focused on his goals despite the challenges he faces.
Reflecting on his journey, Cure expressed his emotions, stating, “I sat there as a kid watching, and now I have the ability to do it. It’s been awesome. It’s just been a dream come true.” With five catches for 32 yards in his first seven games, there is much more to watch for as his career unfolds.
As the Wildcats prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Cure to see how he continues to adapt and thrive in this high-stakes environment. The spotlight is on, and the future looks bright for this young athlete.
