K‑State’s Wendell Gregory and John Pastore Earn Preseason All‑Big 12 Honors

Lede

Two of Kansas State’s defensive stalwarts, senior linebacker Wendell Gregory and junior defensive end John Pastore, have been selected to the 2026 Preseason All‑Big 12 team. The recognition, announced by the conference and echoed by multiple media outlets, signals that the Wildcats’ defense will be a focal point as the program looks to improve on last year’s performance.

Core developments

Both the Big 12 Conference and Kansas State University’s athletic department confirmed the selections on Monday. Sports Illustrated reported that the conference’s preseason team reflects the votes of the league’s coaches, who evaluated player impact, consistency and projected contribution for the 2026 campaign.Sports Illustrated Kansas State’s own release highlighted Gregory’s leadership on the field and Pastore’s disruptive pass‑rush ability, noting that each player was a unanimous choice among the coaches who participated in the ballot.Kansas State Athletics

Local outlets WIBW and WIBW 580 echoed the news, emphasizing that the Wildcats are the only Kansas State players to make the preseason list this year. The two stations added that the honors place Gregory and Pastore among a select group of 25 athletes from the ten‑team conference, a cohort that includes future NFL prospects and seasoned veterans.WIBWWIBW 580

ksnt.com provided additional color, noting that the preseason recognition comes after both players posted standout statistics in the 2025 season. While the article refrains from quoting exact numbers, it references Gregory’s tackle totals and Pastore’s sack count as among the top in the league, reinforcing why coaches placed them on the All‑Big 12 roster.ksnt.com

Why it matters

The preseason All‑Big 12 team serves as a barometer for talent across the conference and often predicts postseason award winners. For Kansas State, having two defensive players honored sets a tone that the Wildcats’ defense, long considered a weakness, may now be a cornerstone of the team’s identity. The Wildcats finished the previous season with a defense that ranked in the lower half of the conference in points allowed; the elevation of Gregory and Pastore suggests a strategic shift toward a more aggressive, play‑making unit.

Moreover, the accolades can affect recruiting. Prospective high‑school athletes frequently cite a program’s ability to develop All‑Conference talent when making their college decisions. By showcasing two players already recognized by conference coaches, Kansas State can argue that its defensive scheme and coaching staff provide a clear pathway to individual honors and, potentially, NFL attention.

From a broader perspective, the Big 12 is undergoing a period of realignment and competitive flux, with traditional powers reshuffling and new programs rising. In such a landscape, early‑season recognitions help teams establish credibility and generate media narratives that can influence national rankings and television exposure.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

The Wildcats’ head coach, while not quoted directly in the available sources, is reported by ksnt.com to have praised the players’ work ethic and hinted that the preseason honors are “well‑deserved but also a reminder of the work still ahead.” By contrast, a Big 12 analyst quoted in Sports Illustrated noted that preseason teams are “always speculative,” reminding readers that injuries or scheme changes can quickly alter a player’s impact.

Local fans expressed optimism on social media, with many pointing to Gregory’s reputation as a vocal leader in the locker room and Pastore’s reputation for “getting after the quarterback.” However, a rival fan forum highlighted that the preseason list excludes several Kansas State offensive standouts, suggesting that the Wildcats may still need to balance their attack if the defense alone cannot carry the team.

What’s next

The Wildcats open their 2026 campaign in early September against a non‑conference opponent, providing the first real test of whether Gregory and Pastore can translate preseason expectations into on‑field production. The coaching staff will likely lean on the two honorees to set the tone during preseason practices, and their performances will be closely monitored by both conference coaches and NFL scouts.

Beyond the opening game, Kansas State faces a slate of Big 12 matchups that will pit its defense against high‑powered offenses from Texas, Oklahoma State and TCU. Success in those contests could solidify the Wildcats’ defensive resurgence and keep Gregory and Pastore in contention for the eventual All‑Conference honors at season’s end.

In the weeks ahead, the Wildcats will also host a recruiting day, where the preseason accolades will be highlighted to prospective players. If Gregory and Pastore can anchor a defense that improves its statistical rankings, Kansas State may well rewrite the narrative that surrounded its 2025 season.