Kansas State University

From the moment he committed to K-State, Dylan Edwards has walked an erratic path

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

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  • Edwards switched commitments from K-State to Notre Dame to Colorado, then returned to KSU.
  • He delivered standout performances, including 159 yards at TCU and 223 at Rutgers.
  • Injuries and limited play led Edwards to leave K-State and enter the 2025 transfer portal.

It hasn’t been easy keeping up with Dylan Edwards over the past few years.

From the time he announced his commitment to Kansas State as a four-star running back out of Derby to the moment he left the Wildcats with intentions to redshirt and transfer earlier this week, his football career has been filled with twists and turns.

He is good at keeping his fans guessing.

As a high school recruit, Edwards committed to K-State and Notre Dame before he changed course again and signed with Colorado.

As a college football player, the 5-foot-9 playmaker has spent one full season at Colorado, one full season at K-State and now is once again on the move after injuries and drama limited him to just four games with the Wildcats this year.

So much has transpired with him that it seems appropriate to look back at all the events that transpired between his commitment to the Wildcats and his exit from K-State.

Dylan Edwards football timeline

June 2022 — Edwards announced his commitment to Kansas State, choosing the Wildcats over Oklahoma and Nebraska. He then boldly said he will be “an overall weapon” for K-State just like other undersized running backs Deuce Vaughn and Darren Sproles were before him in Manhattan.

July 2022 — Nothing is over until it’s over in the world of college football recruiting. Edwards proved as much when he withdrew his commitment from K-State one month after pledging his loyalty to head coach Chris Klieman.

Former Derby star running back Dylan Edwards announced he has committed to transfer to Kansas State. He once committed to the Wildcats before his senior year of high school before ultimately signing with Colorado.
Former Derby star running back Dylan Edwards announced he has committed to transfer to Kansas State. He once committed to the Wildcats before his senior year of high school before ultimately signing with Colorado.

August 2022 — It didn’t take long for Edwards to commit elsewhere. The Derby running back pledged to Notre Dame, saying, “This is where I want to be.” Edwards came to that decision after two weeks of “trials and tribulations” following his change of heart with K-State.

December 2022 — One of the best high school recruits in the Sunflower State changed his mind ... again. Dylan Edwards withdrew his commitment from Notre Dame and quickly announced his commitment to Colorado and famous head coach Deion Sanders.

September 2023 — Edwards got off to a dream start with the Buffaloes, as he erupted for 159 total yards and four touchdowns in a road victory against TCU. Watching from afar, his longtime friend Avery Johnson said, “I can’t say I’m surprised by what he did.”

April 2024 — After rushing for 321 yards and a touchdown as a freshman at Colorado, Edwards decided to transfer away from the Buffaloes and explore his options elsewhere.

April 2024 — Dylan Edwards didn’t spend much time in the transfer portal. After a week, he announced that he would transfer to K-State.

May 2024 — Fan excitement began to build around the idea of Edwards teaming up with Wichita quarterback Avery Johnson. Together, maybe the childhood friends could lead the Wildcats to new heights.

August 2024 — The home crowd roared as Edwards scored a pair of touchdowns in his K-State debut, a 41-6 victory over Tennessee-Martin. Edwards called it “a surreal feeling being on the field, finally in the purple.”

Derby running back Dylan Edwards celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the Panthers’ 27-21 win over Lawrence Free State on Friday.
Derby running back Dylan Edwards celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the Panthers’ 27-21 win over Lawrence Free State on Friday. Jeremy Davis Courtesy

December 2024 — Edwards spent most of his sophomore season as a backup to current NFL running back DJ Giddens, but he shined as a starter in Kansas State’s 44-41 win over Rutgers at the Rate Bowl. He gained 223 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns on just 20 touches. He was appropriately named offensive MVP of the game.

August 2025 — Edwards lost a fumble as he tried to return a punt in the season-opener against Iowa State in Dublin. Nobody knew it at the time, but that mistake was the beginning of the end for his time in purple. Edwards suffered an injury on the play and was unable to return. He also missed K-State’s next two games entirely. How differently might his season have gone had the Wildcats used Sterling Lockett on that punt return instead? That’s a big what-if question for K-State now.

September 2025 — After missing the vast majority of K-State’s first four games, Edwards returned to action against UCF and led the Wildcats to a 34-20 victory by rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown. Afterward, Klieman said, “We’re a different team when Dylan Edwards plays.”

Kansas State’s Dylan Edwards takes off for a long run during the second half of a game against Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Kansas State’s Dylan Edwards takes off for a long run during the second half of a game against Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle

October 2025 — Edwards suffered another injury setback during a road game against Baylor. He was limited to 26 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries against the Bears. He would later be declared out of K-State’s next three games.

November 2025 — Edwards leaves the K-State football team. His plan is to redshirt and preserve an extra year of college eligibility. What’s next for him in the transfer portal?

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Kellis Robinett
The Wichita Eagle
Kellis Robinett covers Kansas State athletics for The Wichita Eagle and The Kansas City Star. A winner of more than a dozen national writing awards, he lives in Manhattan with his wife and four children.
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