WestPlains | West Plains’ Keegan Collins Announces Verbal Commitment to Kansas State Football
West Plains, MO — In a move that has energized his hometown and drawn attention across the region, Keegan Collins, the standout senior linebacker from West Plains High School, has announced his verbal commitment to play college football at Kansas State University. The announcement, made via social media on Monday afternoon, marks a significant milestone in Collins’ athletic journey and underscores the growing national recognition of the West Plains football program.
“After much thought, prayer, and conversations with my family and coaches, I’m excited to announce my verbal commitment to Kansas State University,” Collins wrote in a post that quickly began to circulate online. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and ready to be a Wildcat!”
A Rising Star from Small-Town Missouri
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Collins has been a defensive force for the West Plains Zizzers over the past three seasons. Known for his speed, instincts, and leadership on and off the field, Collins has developed into one of the most highly regarded linebacker prospects in the state. His junior year campaign saw him rack up over 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and a pair of interceptions — all while helping lead the Zizzers deep into the Class 4 state playoffs.
“Keegan is everything you want in a football player,” said West Plains head coach Matt Perkins. “He’s a film junkie, he’s a weight room warrior, and he loves his teammates. He’s got the physical tools, but more importantly, he’s got the mindset to succeed at the next level.”
Collins’ recruitment started picking up steam in late 2023 after standout performances at several regional camps and combines. Kansas State extended an offer in early April, and the program quickly became one of his top options. Though Collins also received interest from schools like Missouri, Arkansas State, and Tulsa, he said the fit with K-State — both academically and athletically — was too good to pass up.
Why Kansas State?
The decision to commit to Kansas State came down to more than just football. In interviews following his announcement, Collins emphasized the program’s culture and the relationships he built with the coaching staff as key factors in his decision.
“From my first visit to Manhattan, I felt like I was home,” Collins said. “Coach [Chris] Klieman and Coach [Steve] Stanard really made me feel like a priority, not just as a player but as a person. They have a winning culture and a real family atmosphere.”
Collins also noted Kansas State’s recent success in the Big 12 Conference and its reputation for developing defensive talent as additional reasons behind his choice. The Wildcats are coming off a strong 2024 season and have consistently ranked near the top of the conference in defensive efficiency.
“They know how to win and how to develop guys like me,” Collins added. “I’m excited to be part of that.”
Hometown Pride
For the West Plains community, Collins’ commitment is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a point of pride for the entire region. As one of the most visible athletes in recent memory to come out of the area, Collins has become a role model for younger players and a symbol of what dedication and hard work can lead to.
“It’s a huge deal for us,” said West Plains athletic director Scott Womack. “When a kid from a smaller school gets recognized on the national stage, it shows what our program is about and what our student-athletes are capable of. Keegan has worked his tail off to get to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
West Plains football has been steadily building a reputation as one of Missouri’s top programs in Class 4, and Collins’ recruitment adds to that growing prestige. With multiple players in recent years advancing to college programs at various levels, the Zizzers are showing they can produce talent that competes on a national scale.
What’s Next?
Though his future is now tied to the Big 12 and the Kansas State Wildcats, Collins made clear that he’s far from finished with his high school journey. He plans to graduate in 2026 and wants to leave a lasting legacy at West Plains before moving on to college.
“We have unfinished business here,” he said. “Our team has big goals for this season, and I want to be the best leader and teammate I can be. This commitment is a blessing, but now it’s time to get back to work.”
Collins is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent during the early signing period in December, assuming everything proceeds as expected. Until then, he remains focused on summer training, upcoming camps, and preparing for what could be a record-setting senior season.
A Name to Watch
For Kansas State fans, Keegan Collins may still be a name they’re getting to know — but all signs point to him becoming a key piece of the Wildcats’ defensive future. With his size, range, and work ethic, he brings the type of blue-collar toughness and high football IQ that Kansas State has become known for under Coach Klieman.
“He fits our mold — tough, smart, coachable, and driven,” one Kansas State staff member noted anonymously after his commitment. “We think he can be a real difference-maker in our linebacker room.”
As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, Collins is now among the earliest pledges to the Wildcats, helping set the tone for what the program hopes will be a strong haul. And for West Plains, he’s proof that small-town talent can still make big-time dreams come true.
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