Ryan Volk

Keep it simple, Run the ball

[qǝlɐɔ @EMAWCaleb]

Sorry I’ve been afk/not tweeting about K-State. I know that’s why 5k people follow me. Not much to say about the 26/27 season specifically yet, you know how this time of year is. But I’ve had some stuff on my mind lately and I want to get it off my chest.

By Thanksgiving of ‘25 all I wanted was Collin back and Tang gone. Don’t think I’m reaching to say that was basically all of us that aren’t complete bots. The honeymoon stage felt like Christmas every day.

But ever since that article from Kellis a few weeks back where Gene Taylor said that $19 and $6 million rosters were “competitive”… man it really took some wind out of my sails. I know he said that we have to raise more money in that article too, fair play, but then last week I open twitter and see we spent a fortune on… lights?

Look. We’re no where near the top of this conference financially in either sport. And unless some angel of a man with a K-State degree decides he wants to play CFB dynasty mode like Cody Campbell, we never will be, under Gene Taylor or the next guy.

But that’s not my problem. I accepted where we sit financially years ago.

It’s year 1 with Collin and Casey. You’d think the money situation would get better over time. But you see Gene’s comments on what we spent this year being “competitive” while money goes up in smoke so we can have an Avicii concert during the football game… it just shows we aren’t serious.

Our AD and donors still want to put the toothpaste back in the tube on NIL. A lot of this blame should be on the donors. I know Gene is kind of the online whipping boy right now, but he’s ultimately at their mercy. Gene can’t make them spend money on good football players that they can’t put their name on.

The question I’d like to pose is - why live and die every game day if the athletic department is not financially serious? If we’re flat out saying we’re going to be above the board, we’re not going to cheat, this is enough to be competitive, etc. etc…

Well what’s the point?

K-State won the Big 12 in 2022. They were a top 3 odds team to win the conference the following 3 seasons. Those 3 seasons they went 24-14 with 2 bowl wins and it forced the coach to retire. And now, despite all the turnover, they’re 4th in odds to win it this year. We’re a really good football program that’s highly thought of. We belong at the head table of this conference.

I have no interest in being a beautiful loser. I’m not here for the aw shucks ag school bullshit. Play to win, because we have, and we can again. But we can only do it by getting serious about the realities of winning college football games in the year 2026.

Yes, we have finite resources, I hear ya. So do we want to spend them on light shows over shitty music, or do we want ball players? And we know the lights aren’t the only example, just the latest one. We’re putting some bad teams in great facilities right now.

For the first time, I’m kinda burned out/hopeless tbh. I never wanted to be the guy that throws in the towel on college sports because of the current climate, but that’s because I saw the backing Tang got and thought the top level of the Big 12 was financially possible. I guess that money was conditional on being an idiot? Once again, our donors deserve no quarter. It’s not Gene’s money.

Hopefully Collin does something even more impressive than Bill - make K-State donors financially serious about building winning programs. I won’t hold my breath.

[Brian Belefski @BBelefski]

Amazing. Fans having a blast at a college football bowl game knowing their team had an excellent season, but wasn't National Championship worthy. The National Championship/playoffs or bust attitude that's been promoted by the media has definitely changed overall season reality.

[Jon Grove @jongrove02]

Add “Hey Song” to the list of traditions K-State needs to bring back.

(video: skittlebaby4)

[Riley Gates @Riley_Gates]

I don’t care if it’s July. Put Mike in the rafters at this. People will show up if you do. No guarantee when he’ll be back next.

Of course, K-State refuses to put anyone in the rafters now so I know that won’t happen. But a man can dream.

[Kyle Brandt @KyleBrandt]

This game better be in Denver. I enjoy Arrowhead on TV, but Broncos beat them twice, won division, should be at home.

[jack @actionjack69]

83 is tough idc you young PUNKS need to learn the value of a receiver wearing an 80s number

[WyattzWorld @WyattzWorId]

Don’t get me wrong, I’m ready for summer, but the thought of a crisp October Sunday full of football gives me butterflies

[Buddy H. King, MD @lightbeer69]

Not taking anything away from these kids who are obviously very talented….

HOWEVER

They have the absolute luxury of playing on smooth turf fields and will never have to face the horrible hop of doom on a grass field.

Ur not a real man until you take a shit hop to the teeth

[NuggetsNation ⚒️ @nuggetsfan4ever]

Id seriously would like to unretire My Von Miller Jersey

[NFL Fashion Advice @fashion_nfl]

NEVER WRONG JUST EARLY.

[SleeperBroncos @SleeperBroncos]

BO NIX FINALLY HAS A WR1 🥹🥹🥹

[Zack Kelberman @KelbermanNFL]

Hey @NFL

[NFL @NFL]

TRADE: Broncos trading for Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero)

[Tyler🐴 @HighAsTy]

maybe the real splash is the friends we made along the way

[Zack Kelberman @KelbermanNFL]

A reminder that two things can be true at once:

1) It's good the #Broncos didn't just go on a reckless spending spree.

2) It's disappointing the #Broncos have yet to acquire an outside player.

[Zack Kelberman @KelbermanNFL]

A trade for Jaylen Waddle, Garrett Wilson, Drake London, or Chris Olave would make everything right.

[Zack Kelberman @KelbermanNFL]

Bo Nix still on his rookie deal.
Russ contract off the books.
Super Bowl window wide open.

Broncos:

[ThatsGoodSports @BrandonPerna]

The Broncos are finally free from the Russell Wilson contract...and have done NOTHING.

I want to overpay for someone right now. We just got out of debt, and I am ready to go back in!!

[year 23 ???? @johnrivers131]

U get what u deserve reaching in 70 feet away

[Riley Gates @Riley_Gates]

He literally admitted that the coaches did not scout or prepare the players for the Houston game. This happened 46 hours ago and no one is talking about it lol.