MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State Wildcats’ 2027 recruiting class continues to gain momentum as Lutcher, Louisiana wide receiver Ashton Stark announced his commitment to K-State on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 .
Stark, a 5-foot-9.5, 158-pound three-star prospect, chose the Wildcats over a competitive list of Power Four offers that included Arkansas, Auburn, and Ole Miss, among others . The decision came after an official visit to the Manhattan campus from June 12-14, which Stark described as the deciding factor in his recruitment .
Stark’s Fit in the Wildcats’ Offense
Stark expressed enthusiasm for the direction of the program under head coach Collin Klein, who played a significant role in securing the commitment. “The weekend at Kansas State was exciting. I love how they are a family over there. Coach Klein is a great head coach,” Stark told Rivals .
The Louisiana native also connected with K-State’s offensive scheme, noting, “I am very impressed with their offensive scheme over there. It’s somewhere I can fit and thrive” . Louisiana native AD Manning, who joined Klein’s staff from Grambling, was also instrumental in recruiting Stark .
Stark brings verified speed and playmaking ability to the Wildcats’ future receiving corps. He won the Louisiana 4A regional championship in the 100 meters with a time of 10.92 seconds in April 2026 and also competed in the 200 meters and long jump .
As a junior at Lutcher High School, Stark recorded 56 receptions for 806 yards, added 242 yards rushing, and scored 15 total touchdowns. He also contributed on defense with 37 tackles and four interceptions .
A Red-Hot Recruiting Run
Stark is the 23rd commitment for Kansas State’s 2027 class, which is currently ranked among the top 30 nationally . He joins fellow wide receiver Brooklyn Maxey, a recent flip from Louisville, as part of an explosive recruiting surge for Klein’s staff . Stark’s announcement follows a productive official visit weekend that yielded multiple commitments .
Stark is the son of Allen Stark, who played receiver at Louisiana Tech from 1999-2001 .
Looking Ahead on the Field
While the Wildcats focus on building for the future, the program is also preparing for the upcoming 2026 season, which marks the beginning of the Collin Klein era. K-State will open with three consecutive home games, starting with Nicholls on September 5, followed by Washington State and Tulane . The Big 12 slate begins with a road game at Cincinnati on September 26 .
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