Avery Johnson has gelled with new wide receivers, says tight end room one of the deepest in the country

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - It's almost that time in the Little Apple. K-State football opened fall camp on Tuesday, Aug. 18 to the media for the first time this fall, giving a glimpse of the 2026 season. Avery Johnson had high remarks for his tight ends, whom he calls one of the deepest rooms in the country. "They're one of if not the deepest tight end rooms in the country," Johnson said. "We can use them in a variety of ways, and we got to keep defenses honest that way." Garrett Oakley leads the group, being named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention a season ago. The 5th year tight end has 13 career receiving touchdowns (six in 2025) which is the school record for a tight end and 10th overall. His six touchdowns a season ago tied the programs single-season record for tight ends. Former five-star Linkon Cure is hoping to have a breakout season as a sophomore. As a freshman in 2025, Cure recorded six catches for 37 yards after missing the first three games of the season due to injury. Rounding out the group is senior Will Anciaux. He had six receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown in 2025. While Johnson is familiar with the tight ends, he's been gelling with an almost brand-new wide receiver room. Amongst the room is Hawaii transfer Brandon White. Johnson said he's been an elusive player in tight spaces. For White, he's excited to make an impact either as a receiver or on special teams. "I need to be tough, smart, and dependable in my position," White told 27 Sports. "The coaches believe in me to be in the different positions which is really exciting." White had 38 receptions for 399 yards and two touchdowns in his lone season at Hawaii. Prior to the Rainbow Warriors, he was at Kentucky from 2022 to 2024. The Wildcats will open the season on Sept. 5 against Nicholls. For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.