Nick McClellan, a primary workforce all-state honoree at Christian Brothers College (Mo.) High School and one of many most interesting two-way gamers within the nation, had starred in large video games in his embellished profession. But maybe the 6-foot, 195-pounder by no means shined brighter than on October 3 in a gathering between undefeated groups because the Cadets visited Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School in Georgia.
At quarterback, McClellan threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for two scores on the bottom. At security, he posted 4 tackles and two interceptions in a 59-49 victory, marking the newest in a dominant stretch for the Cadets, who outscored their earlier 5 opponents by scores of 65-33, 56-13, 64-7, 34-12 and 63-20.
“It was a crazy game,” McClellan says, chuckling on the opposite finish of the telephone. “Our offense was really, really, really good.”
In the Missouri state playoffs, Christian Brothers beat De Smet Jesuit 55-36 and Lafayette 77-62 earlier than ending its season with a 45-42 loss at Jackson within the state semifinals.
“At quarterback, it was a really dynamic season,” McClellan says. “It was super fun. It was, if not my best year, one of my best years in high school just because of how fun it was.”
Although McClellan did not start taking part in security till his sophomore season, he did a lot to show the heads of regional Power 4 colleges. His approach was stellar as was his 4.5 velocity and physique management that allowed him to steal footballs out of the sky. That shortly grew to become obvious as he recorded a pick-six early his profession at the security place. Missouri got here calling. Kansas State adopted quickly after. Twelve colleges supplied scholarships in all, together with 5 Power 4 squads.
Three colleges had been McClellan’s finalists: Missouri, Kansas and Okay-State.
But there was one faculty that stayed on McClellan’s thoughts essentially the most.
McClellan arrives at Okay-State on January 18.
“Things are moving pretty fast, honestly,” McClellan says. “It’s kind of crazy to look back even to the start of the school year. I was like, ‘I have so much time.’ And now the time is almost here.”
Not too lengthy after McClellan signed with Okay-State on December 3, Chris Klieman introduced his retirement as head coach. Not too lengthy after that, Collin Klein was introduced as the brand new head coach. Not too lengthy after that, Klein texted McClellan, and the 2 spoke over the telephone a pair days later.
“Coach Klein texted me first, and he said, ‘Hey, this is Coach Klein just checking in on you,'” McClellan says. “I said, ‘Hey Coach, how are you doing? Can’t wait to get to work with you.’ He was like, ‘You’ll love it, man. Can’t wait to get to Manhattan.'”
That excites McClellan, who has deep religion and admiration for Klein’s skills, and who is raring to get to work.
“I’d heard about Coach Klein from Texas A&M, and they were really good, so I was happy about that,” McClellan says. “It all worked out. Honestly, I’ve grown up watching K-State. All I’ve been thinking about is wearing that K-State jersey. It’s going to be super fun going up there and getting to play ball.”
It’s been stated time and again via the years, however McClellan, when he thinks about “K-State football,” thinks about one factor specifically: Family.
“Kansas State is family,” he says. “Everyone is so purchased into this system. There’s a good bond irrespective of the place group. The defensive backs have a good bond with the quarterbacks. It is a household.
“The family bond is strong at K-State.”
McClellan, who had 35 tackles, three interceptions and quite a few cross breakups in opposition to a few of the state’s greatest cross catchers his senior season in 2025, figures to slot in effectively with just about any defensive system.
He’ll get his probability to show himself to Jordan Peterson, who Klein employed on Sunday as Okay-State defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Peterson served alongside Klein on workers for two years at Texas A&M, which ranked No. 1 within the FBS in third down protection (22.9%), No. 2 in sacks (3.31 per recreation), No. 3 in tackles for loss (8.5 per recreation), No. 16 in passing yards allowed (176.6 per recreation) and 19th in whole protection (307.4 per recreation).
Peterson’s defensive backs had been accountable for 24 cross breakups this previous season.
McClellan may match proper in.
“I’m fast, quick, smart and have great ball skills,” he says. “I have ball skills like no other when it comes to the safety position, and with me also having played at quarterback I bring a high IQ to the game.”
McClellan is worked up at the prospect of taking part in in opposition to Big 12 Conference offenses.
“I’m so excited,” he says. “The Big 12 passes the ball a lot. I’m going to get chances to make plays on the ball. I’m excited to see how we do against the other teams.”
For now, McClellan is raring for Christmas.
“I watch Polar Express with my mom every year,” he says. That’s our film. We additionally beautify the tree collectively. Favorite Christmas presents? When I used to be 8, I acquired a stuffed German Shepard, his identify is Dusty, and he is proper right here subsequent to me. When I used to be 14, my mother purchased me a telephone.”
The telephone would possibly begin blowing up in McClellan’s locker the minute he makes a game-changing play for the Wildcats.
That time will come. First comes winter conditioning, spring exercises, and summer time exercises, hours of movie research and days of position-group conferences at the Vanier Family Football Complex.
And all of the hours and days and weeks of preparation will lastly funnel all the way down to that first time dressing and trotting onto the sector for the 2026 season opener.
“It’s going to be surreal,” McClellan says. “I’ve been dreaming of playing Division I football my entire life. Now I’m going to do it for real. I know I’ll be focused on the game. I know I’ll have to get into game mode and be ready to play the game. But it’ll be a dream.”
Hopefully, the primary of my desires realized for McClellan throughout his years at Okay-State.