The Big 12 Conference continues to hold its own on the recruiting trail, as two of its programs, Kansas State and Baylor, have made the top five for four-star athlete Karece Hoyt. The Oklahoma native announced his finalists on Sunday, listing Kansas State, Baylor, Texas A&M, Michigan, and Penn State as the schools still in the running.
Hoyt, a versatile playmaker out of Del City High School (OK), is one of the top multi-position athletes in the 2027 class. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 190 pounds, he’s drawn attention for his rare combination of speed, agility, and physicality. Hoyt has lined up as both a wide receiver and defensive back at the high school level, with most major programs recruiting him as an athlete due to his potential to impact either side of the ball.
For Kansas State, making the cut reinforces the Wildcats’ growing national recruiting presence under Chris Klieman. Known for developing tough, versatile players, Klieman’s program has built a reputation for turning under-the-radar recruits into stars, and now, the Wildcats are increasingly landing elite-level talent from the start. Hoyt’s skill set fits exactly what K-State values: explosive athleticism, high football IQ, and the ability to contribute early in multiple roles.
Baylor, on the other hand, has leaned heavily on recruiting dynamic athletes who can thrive in space under Dave Aranda and his staff. The Bears’ push for Hoyt makes perfect sense given their emphasis on speed and position flexibility. Baylor’s defensive scheme, in particular, values players who can match up across formations, and Hoyt’s frame and instincts would give the Bears another weapon in that mold.
Hoyt’s offer list reads like that of a national recruit, featuring several major Power Four programs. Still, Kansas State and Baylor remain firmly in the mix, which says plenty about the Big 12’s continued ability to compete head-to-head with SEC and Big Ten schools for top-tier talent.
While there’s no official commitment date yet, Hoyt’s recruitment is expected to heat up heading into the winter. Both Kansas State and Baylor have strong regional ties that could factor into his decision, especially given their recent track records of turning young athletes into impact starters early in their college careers.
If either Big 12 program can secure Hoyt’s commitment, it would mark another significant win in the 2027 recruiting cycle and another reminder that even in a shifting college football landscape, the Big 12 remains a major player on the national stage.
