Three Kansas State Wildcats have earned invitations to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Kansas State experienced a season filled with both highs and lows, as expectations were higher for their 2024 campaign. Under head coach Chris Klieman and first-year full-time starting quarterback Avery Johnson, the Wildcats finished with a 9-4 record, capping off the season with a victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.
With the season now behind them, Klieman and returning players have turned their focus to 2025. Meanwhile, those moving on to the next chapter in their careers are preparing for the NFL Draft. This week, invitations for the NFL Combine were sent out, and three Kansas State players received the coveted opportunity.
What is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine is a four-day, invitation-only event where top draft-eligible college football players showcase their skills for NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. Held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana—the home of the Indianapolis Colts—the 2025 event will take place from February 27 to March 2.
Not all draft-eligible players attend the Combine, as participation is limited to around 300 athletes each year. The Player Selection Committee, composed of NFL personnel, evaluates prospects and votes on who receives an invitation. The Combine assesses not only football-related skills but also mental and medical aspects to give teams a complete evaluation of each player.
Which Kansas State players were invited to the 2025 NFL Combine?
Three Kansas State Wildcats received invites: running back DJ Giddens and defensive backs Jacob Parrish and Marques Sigle.
Giddens played a key role in Kansas State’s backfield, sharing duties with Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards. Despite not being the biggest back in the class, Giddens has positioned himself among the top prospects after rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He also contributed in the passing game with 258 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Parrish and Sigle were integral parts of Kansas State’s secondary, leaving significant gaps for Klieman to fill next season. Sigle followed up an impressive 2023 campaign with 60 total tackles, three pass breakups, and three interceptions.
Parrish had a breakout junior season, recording 50 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and one interception. In 2023, he tallied four interceptions and even added half a sack to his stat line. Both defensive backs are projected to be late-round picks but have the potential to make an impact at the next level.
