Malik

Knowles

The touchdown came off a 68-yard strike from Skylar Thompson late in the first quarter. That was Knowles’ longest reception of the season. Now bowl eligible at 6-3, Kansas State hosts West Virginia next week.

Knowles has been a non-factor for the Wildcats this year, so calling this his biggest game of the season is an understatement. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout had entered the transfer portal in November, but withdrew near the end of November. In returning, he basically matches the 7-109-1 he had in the previous contests. Kansas State’s season is now over unless they are selected for a bowl, so it’ll be interested to see if Knowles sticks around for 2021.

This qualifies as an interesting development, as it was reported on November 20 that Knowles (6'2/200) intended on entering his name into the transfer portal. It’s difficult to envision a scenario in which a head coach would play someone who plans on transferring out, so consider Knowles to be good to go for Saturday. The redshirt sophomore missed time earlier this month due to a lower body injury, which is no longer an issue.

The news comes from 247 Sports who cites multiple sources close to the situation that confirmed Knowles (6'2/200) has left the program. Though the promising redshirt sophomore finished second in receiving last season with 27 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns, he has only posted six receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in seven games this season. Early rumors indicate Knowles intends to transfer to North Texas.

Knowles (6'2/200) was injured during the first half of the loss to the Cowboys and did not see any action in the second stanza as a result. While Klieman did not offer much in the way of details regarding the redshirt sophomore’s injury, he did say that it is not expected to be a long-term issue. Kansas State will have this weekend off, with their next game scheduled for November 21 at Iowa State.

Knowles (6'2/186) has been a consistent contributor in both the receiving and rushing game for the Kansas State offense. In his first collegiate season he has snagged 22 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns, along with six rushes for 68 yards on the ground. Knowles was injured in the third quarter against Texas Tech last week and did not return to the game. Hopefully he is able to suit up this Saturday when Kansas State hosts Iowa State to close out the regular season.

Warming up does not necessarily equate to playing, but it sure beats the alternative. The wideout hasn’t been able to play against Baylor, but it sounds like there’s at least a chance that Knowles will be able to give it ago against the Sooners.

Knowles has been out since suffering an undisclosed injury against Baylor on October 5. The 6-foot-2, 186-pound wideout was considered doubtful against TCU -- and he obviously didn’t play -- and it appears he’s basically been upgraded to questionable for this contest. He has 13 catches for 190 yards on the season in five games.

Knowles (6'2/186) left the Wildcats’ October 5 loss to Baylor in the first quarter due to injury and did not return. The week prior, the redshirt freshman was held out of the Wildcats’ Sept. 28 loss at Oklahoma State due to a foot injury. With Knowles unlikely to play, Kansas State will be without a player capable of making plays on both offense and special teams when they host the Horned Frogs.

This isn’t good news at all, as Knowles (6'2/186) had been hampered by a foot injury earlier this season. Whether it’s the foot or something else that’s bothering in the redshirt freshman is unknown. But given the impact that Knowles can have both on offense and on special teams, the Wildcats really need him back on the field.