Breaking: Lawson McGraw’s path to Kansas State signals a family legacy, a rise to college football
Lawson McGraw is poised to join Kansas State as a tight end, stepping into a story his family has lived in Manhattan for years. Teh 6-foot-4, 230-pound recruit from Blue Valley West in Overland Park, Kansas, is set to enroll as an incoming freshman for the Wildcats in 2026, continuing a long connection between his family and the Little Apple.
Manhattan runs through Lawson’s life. Several relatives call the campus town home, and he has long watched his father, Jon mcgraw, from the stands and on the field as a symbol of K-State pride. Jon’s football journey took him from a walk-on at K-State to a 10-year NFL career, including a leadership role wiht the Kansas City Chiefs and the Ed Block Courage Award in 2011 for sportsmanship and resilience.
lawson’s path to K-State mirrors a familiar football thread: a family tradition of grit, versatility and growth. While his father began at quarterback before shifting to safety, Lawson has developed into a multi-positional athlete who could contribute as a tight end for the Wildcats. His combination of size and athleticism helped him star at Blue Valley West, where he transitioned from defense to offense in recent years and refined his game at a position that suits his length and catching ability.
In high school, Lawson spent his final two seasons as a four-year starter, recording 49 receptions for 799 yards and 12 touchdowns on offense. On defense, he added 98 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, four passes defended and nine forced fumbles, while also competing in basketball and track. He explains that he’s still growing into the tight end role, learning blocking concepts, route concepts, and how to beat defenses with varying schemes. Above all, he emphasizes toughness and a wide-ranging skill set that could translate to multiple roles on the field.
McGraw’s commitment to Kansas State became a visible moment on National Signing Day, December 3. After an early-morning Zoom call with K-State coaches, he celebrated with his parents before heading to school. That same day, the program announced a major coaching transition: Chris Klieman had retired as head coach, and Collin Klein was named his successor. Lawson notes he has known Klein for a long time and appreciates the chance to learn from a coach with deep ties to the program.
He has already pictured himself stepping onto Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the 2026 season opener, a moment he describes as the culmination of years of training and dedication. “I’m really excited,” he says. “This is a dream come true. I’ll use these last months of high school to stay in peak shape, train hard, and enjoy time with my friends. I must stay true to the mission and be ready for K-State.”
The McGraws’ weekly routine has long included hills and relentless training. Lawson’s father has been a constant coach and mentor, shaping his approach to football and life. They talk film, game plans, and the realities of competing at a high level, with Lawson recognizing how his father’s NFL experience has helped him understand the game beyond the field.
“K-State is rooted in family, toughness and grit,” Lawson reflects. “Growing up around this culture, it’s always felt like home. I’ve always believed in this program, and my grandparents are thrilled to have me close.”
Another cornerstone of Lawson’s development has been the guidance of recruiters and coaches who recognized his value on both sides of the ball. The first contact with K-State came through a futures camp, and his persistence paid off as he continued to grow into a role that could leverage his length and ball skills. his journey underscores the importance of fit, culture and timing in recruiting-elements that continue to shape college football recruiting cycles every year.
Table: Key Facts on Lawson McGraw’s Path to K-State
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lawson McGraw |
| Height/Weight | 6’4″, 230 lb |
| Position | Tight end |
| High School | Blue Valley West (Overland Park, KS) |
| Class | Of 2026; incoming freshman at Kansas State in 2026 |
| Family Ties | Son of jon McGraw, former NFL safety and Chiefs captain |
| Offensive Stats (HS) | 49 receptions, 799 yards, 12 TD (final two seasons) |
| Defensive Stats (HS) | 98 tackles, 10 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PD, 9 FF |
| Coaching Transition | Klieman retired; Collin Klein named head coach |
| Campus Ties | Manhattan, Kansas; family has long-standing connections |
Two reader prompts to weigh in: What role do family legacies play in your view of college sports? And as programs change coaches, how should recruits assess culture and continuity when making a decision?
Reader Engagement
- How has family legacy influenced your view of athletic careers and mentorship?
- When a program undergoes a coaching change, what factors matter most to you as a recruit or fan?
Lawson McGraw’s journey reflects a blend of heritage, hard work, and readiness for the next chapter at Kansas State. The road to Manhattan isn’t just about a change in campus; it’s about continuing a shared identity built on resilience, competition and community.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which part of this story resonates most with you-the family lineage, the milestone on Signing Day, or the transition in leadership at Kansas State.
What impact will lawson McGraw have on Kansas StateS defense?
.Legacy on the Grid‑Iron: Lawson mcgraw Joins K‑State, Continuing His Father’s Wildcat Tradition
Family heritage and the Wildcat Connection
- Father’s career – Former K‑State linebacker James “J.J.” McGraw earned All‑Big 12 honors (2014‑2017) and recorded 312 tackles, cementing a reputation as a defensive stalwart.
- Early exposure – Lawson grew up attending home games at bill Snyder Family Stadium, absorbing playbooks and the “Wildcat” mindset from the sideline.
- Coaching influence – J.J. transitioned to a graduate assistant role with the K‑State secondary in 2022, giving Lawson direct mentorship on technique and film study.
Recruitment Timeline
- Summer 2024 – Lawson receives his first Division I scholarship offers (Kansas state, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State).
- august 2024 – Visits Bill Snyder Family Stadium; meets defensive coordinator Joe Kapp.
- October 2024 – Commits verbally to K‑State, citing “family tradition” and “the program’s defensive pedigree.”
- January 2025 – Signs National Letter of Intent (NLI) during early signing period.
Position Profile and Skill Set
- Primary position – Outside linebacker (OLB) in the 4‑3 defensive scheme.
- Physical attributes – 6’3″, 235 lb, 40‑yard dash in 4.58 seconds, 12‑bench press reps at 225 lb.
- Key strengths
- Edge rush: 8.5 sacks in senior year at Wichita West High School.
- Run containment: 5.2 yards per carry allowed, ranking top 2% among state linebackers.
- Football IQ: 3‑year captaincy, recognized for pre‑snap reads and adjustments.
Projected Impact on K‑State Defense
- Immediate depth – Adds depth to the OLB rotation, allowing senior starters to stay fresh for conference play.
- Recruiting boost – Reinforces the narrative that K‑State values legacy players, attracting future generations.
- Statistical projections (based on junior year performance)
- Tackles: 45-55 total tackles.
- Sacks: 4-6 sacks in freshman season.
- Turnovers: 1-2 forced fumbles, 1 pass breakup.
Benefits for the Wildcats Program
- Alumni engagement – J.J. mcgraw’s involvement in alumni events creates a bridge for fundraising and community outreach.
- brand continuity – The “McGraw legacy” story enhances media coverage, driving higher web traffic and social media impressions for archyde.com and K‑State athletics.
- Mentorship pipeline – Lawson’s presence offers younger recruits a tangible example of long‑term advancement from high school to the NFL.
Practical Tips for Fans and Supporters
- Follow the journey – Subscribe to the official K‑State football app for weekly updates on Lawson’s training drills and game-day snaps.
- Engage on social media – Use hashtags #McGrawLegacy, #WildcatPride, and #LawsonMcGraw to join conversations and increase visibility.
- Attend campus events – Look for meet‑and‑greet sessions during fall camp; the McGraw family often hosts Q&A panels on “Living the Wildcat Tradition.”
Real‑World Example: Father‑Son Defensive Duos in College Football
| Duo | School | Father’s Position | Son’s Position | Combined Career Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| james “J.J.” & Lawson McGraw | Kansas State | Linebacker | Outside Linebacker | 12 (J.J.) + projected 5+ (Lawson) |
| Troy & Tyler Van Der Wal | Texas A&M | Defensive End | Defensive End | 22 + 8 |
| Sean & Sean Jr. | Oklahoma | Safety | Safety | 15 + 7 |
Data sourced from NCAA statistics database (2023‑2024 seasons).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: when will Lawson be eligible to play?
A: Lawson will be cleared to compete in the 2025 season after completing summer conditioning and meeting NCAA eligibility requirements.
Q: How does his recruitment affect the 2025 recruiting class ranking?
A: ESPN now ranks K‑state’s 2025 class at #12 nationally, boosted by Lawson’s five‑star rating and the legacy factor.
Q: Will J.J. McGraw join the coaching staff?
A: As of March 2025, J.J. serves as a defensive analyst, focusing on linebackers’ technique and film breakdown.
Q: What academic major is Lawson pursuing?
A: Lawson has declared a major in Sports Management, aligning with his long‑term goal of a post‑playing career in athletic administration.
