Kansas State University freshman Linkon Cure has opened up about his early struggles while pursuing his dream of playing for the Wildcats. The journey of Cure, a standout athlete from Goodland, Kansas, has been marked by impressive achievements and significant challenges since he became the first five-star football recruit in the university’s history.
Cure, ranked as the No. 30 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports, has a remarkable high school football resume. He recorded 1,049 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 208 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in his final season. His performance earned him first-team all-state honors as both a junior and a senior. Additionally, he appeared on the 247Sports 2025 Freaks List at No. 16, showcasing his athletic prowess beyond football.
In track and field, Cure became a two-time state champion in the 300-meter hurdles and broke the state record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.36 seconds. His athletic family background includes a brother, Leyton, who played football at Fort Hays State and Kansas, and a sister, Lindsey, who plays volleyball at Regis University. His cousin, Mitch Unrein, had a notable seven-year career in the NFL.
Despite receiving offers from prestigious programs such as Kansas, Oregon, and Texas A&M, Cure chose to fulfil his childhood dream by joining Kansas State. “It’s a dream come true,” he expressed about his decision. He opted to complete his commitments in basketball and track before graduating, which ultimately delayed his arrival on campus and resulted in missing all of fall camp.
Upon joining the team, Cure faced a significant hurdle when he suffered a knee injury shortly after his arrival. This injury coincided with a major transition from small-school football to the competitive level of the Big 12 Conference. Due to depth at the tight end position, coaches transitioned him to wide receiver, requiring him to adapt to two positions simultaneously.
“It’s been rough,” Cure acknowledged. “But it shows a lot about my perseverance, and I just think that it’s been a lot of fun. I love being out there.” Chris Klieman, head coach of the Wildcats, recognized the challenges Cure faced, noting that missing camp meant he had to be “spoonfed” into the system. The pressure of being a five-star recruit added an extra layer of expectations that can be difficult for a young athlete to navigate. “When you come in as highly touted as he, and the expectations, those are hard for a young person to handle coming in here,” Klieman stated.
Initially, Cure spent time on the scout team, working diligently to adjust to the level of play in the Power 4 division. Klieman commended his attitude and expressed confidence in Cure’s potential, stating, “Sky’s the limit for him still.” While Cure is currently focused on his role as a wide receiver, Klieman confirmed that tight end remains his long-term position. Cure believes that the experience gained from playing as a receiver will only enhance his skills moving forward.
Reflecting on his journey, Cure remarked, “I sat there as a kid watching [the games], and now I have the ability to do it. It’s been awesome. It’s just been a dream come true.” In his early career at Kansas State, Cure has recorded five receptions for 32 yards in seven games, with a season-high of 21 snaps during the Wildcats’ recent victory over Oklahoma State.
Cure’s story is a testament to resilience and dedication, highlighting the challenges faced by young athletes as they strive to achieve their dreams on a national stage. As he continues to develop and adapt to the rigors of college football, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how this promising talent evolves.
