Kansas State Football is gearing up for an exciting season, and one of the most intriguing new faces to watch is running back Jay Harris. A physical, powerful back with a chip on his shoulder, Harris is looking to make the most of his final season of college football—and he might just be the missing piece in the Wildcats' backfield.
Harris arrives in Manhattan via the transfer portal, bringing with him a 3-star rating (86.24) and a national rank of 1064, with a specific ranking of 93 among running backs. His stats from last season tell a story of limited opportunity but undeniable production: 42 carries for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus 6 receptions for 89 receiving yards. Notably, he showed up big in the College Football Playoff against Indiana, rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown while hauling in 3 catches for 32 yards.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Harris's journey has been anything but straightforward. After transferring from Division II to Oregon, he found himself buried in a loaded Ducks backfield—a situation that frustrated many observers. "I'll never understand why a player like Jay Harris decides to play for a team like Oregon," one analyst noted. "He was never going to be able to show what he can do." Yet when Harris did get on the field, he made an impact. His best game came in the CFP Semi-Final against Indiana, where he ran with purpose and power, including a memorable touchdown run where he overpowered multiple Hoosier defenders at the goal line.
That kind of gritty, aggressive running style is exactly what Kansas State is looking for. Early chatter from spring practice suggests Harris could be more than just a short-yardage specialist. While he's undoubtedly the "hammer" in a backfield that includes smaller, quicker backs, his film reveals surprising versatility. His hands out of the backfield impressed against Indiana, and despite limited tape, he doesn't look slow or lumbering. He has the tools to challenge for the starting job in fall camp.
Whether he wins the starting role or not, Harris brings an angry, physical running style that could thrive in Collin Klein's offense. Paired with the dynamic Avery Johnson, Harris could form a classic "thunder and lightning" duo—one that keeps defenses guessing and grinds out tough yards between the tackles. For Kansas State fans looking for a new favorite player to cheer for, Jay Harris is a name to know. And for those looking to gear up like the Wildcats, our collection of Kansas State apparel is the perfect way to show your support for the team's newest power back.