<body><div>With much of the foundation set for the Wildcats in 2025 prior to a handful of fall evaluations and an imperative postseason portal push, the months ahead will also serve as a prime opportunity for K-State's coaches to entrench themselves with a handful of favorites in 2026. Knowing how important the Sunflower State is to the program and the proven history that those early connections build stronger relationships quicker for K-State compared to the competition, GoPowercat is spotlighting six 2026 recruits from the Wildcats' backyard (in no particular order) whom we believe make sense to be at or near the top of the wish list. * Editor's note: These selections do not reflect the preferences of K-State's coaching staff and are solely the opinion of the author based on angles such as program ties, positional fit/need, mutual interest and realistic odds that the target would consider a commitment to the Wildcats.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1w2NVN_0v6nJ0A000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1w2NVN_0v6nJ0A000" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: Ryan Wallace | GoPowercat.com, 247Sports)</figcaption></figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0cVaCC_0v6nJ0A000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0cVaCC_0v6nJ0A000" width="620" height="320" ><h2>JOHNMICHAEL FOUNTAIN -- LB | Wichita Northwest</h2>Some might argue that the two players featured today should be swapped but I'm sticking with Johnmichael Fountain slightly ahead on my target list because of his seamless fit with Joe Klanderman's defense. Although I haven't had the chance to see Fountain since early last season, the then-sophomore left a lasting impression. Instinctual and uber athletic as an outside linebacker, I wrote how much he reminded me of a defensive version of former Wichita Northwest star Breece Hall considering their shared jersey number and unique versatility. Watch Fountain for a handful of snaps and it's easy to see why the Grizzlies coaching staff felt comfortable allowing him heavy varsity minutes as a true freshman two years ago. By the time it's Fountain's turn to arrive on a college campus, let's say hypothetically in Manhattan, the Wildcats will have just played their final season with SAM starter Desmond Purnell. The Topekan and the Wichita product are eerily similar in their strengths, with Fountain even more comfortable at the position than his counterpart who transitioned over from running back out of Hayden High School in 2021. Give Fountain a year or more to shadow a veteran such as Asa Newsom and a realistic pathway to underclassmen snaps are there.Arkansas, Iowa State, Missouri and Texas A&amp;M have all shown considerable interest this summer for Fountain, eager to see film from his first several games of the upcoming season. K-State is right in the thick of things as well but may need to turn up the heat if Fountain fires out of the gates like he did a year ago. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0J7n5p_0v6nJ0A000" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0J7n5p_0v6nJ0A000" width="620" height="320" ><figcaption>(Photo: IG: @galbreath_josh)</figcaption></figure><h2>BONUS: JOSH GALBREATH -- ATH | Lawrence</h2>As noted above, Josh Galbreath is impressive enough in his own right to deserve candidacy as one of K-State's top 2026 targets and, in reality, he already is. Written mail, graphic edits, text messages or whatever the physical display may be, the Wildcats are very much hunting the Lawrence High product in the hopes they will land his substantial upside come next year.A multi-sport athlete for the Lions, Galbreath's quickness for a player listed around 6-feet-3, 200-pounds immediately grabs your attention. Bursting off the snap, he's lethal off the edge as a pass rusher in pursuit of the football. Laterally and dropping into coverage aren't quite as crisp, at least not to the level of a fluid Fountain, but the tools are there to potentially be just as good carrying an even bigger frame with added time. That level of positional flexibility given how Galbreath matures is one of the biggest reasons coaches from all over the region are fascinated by his junior season to come. Obviously the Kansas Jayhawks are going to be a tough out for K-State and others, including Big Ten members Illinois and Nebraska, but Galbreath seems open to listening and researching deeper any and all opportunities that land on his plate. </div></body>

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Six for 26 in the Sunflower State: Johnmichael Fountain

With much of the foundation set for the Wildcats in 2025 prior to a handful of fall evaluations and an imperative postseason portal push, the months ahead will also serve as a prime opportunity for K-State's coaches to entrench themselves with a handful of favorites in 2026. Knowing how important...

Six for 26 in the Sunflower State: Johnmichael Fountain

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