Kansas State has secured a major addition to its 2027 recruiting class with the commitment of defensive lineman Joseph Graves from IMG Academy in Florida. The Wildcats continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, and Graves’ decision represents another important step in strengthening their future defensive front.
Graves, a highly regarded three-star prospect, announced his commitment to Kansas State after considering several strong Power Four programs. He ultimately chose the Wildcats over finalists NC State, Kansas, and Missouri, giving Kansas State a significant recruiting victory over established competition. During his recruitment process, Graves attracted attention from across the country, collecting a total of 19 Power Four scholarship offers before narrowing his decision down to his final choices, which included Kansas State and NC State.
Currently, Graves holds an 87 overall rating as a member of the 2027 recruiting class. He is ranked among the top 100 defensive linemen nationally, sitting at No. 97 at his position. In addition, he is listed as the No. 74 overall prospect in the state of Florida, one of the most talent-rich regions in high school football. His combination of size, athleticism, and production has made him one of the more intriguing defensive line prospects in his class.
Although Graves now plays at IMG Academy, a nationally recognized powerhouse known for producing elite college and NFL talent, much of his early success came during his time in Oklahoma. Before transferring to IMG ahead of his junior season, he played at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, where he quickly established himself as a disruptive force on defense.
During his sophomore year in 2024, Graves delivered an outstanding performance that earned him Oklahoma 5A-3 District Defensive Player of the Year honors. That season, he played a key role in helping Booker T. Washington improve dramatically as a program. The team finished with a 9–3 record, captured a district championship, and advanced to the state quarterfinals. This marked a significant turnaround from the previous season, when the program struggled to a 2–8 record.
Graves’ statistical production that year highlighted his dominance on the field. According to reports from Tulsa World, he recorded 82 total tackles, including 52 tackles for loss, along with 60 quarterback pressures, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. These numbers reflect his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses and make plays in the backfield.
His playing style is defined by aggression, quick reaction time, and a strong ability to penetrate offensive lines. Whether defending the run or rushing the passer, Graves has shown a natural instinct for tracking the football and creating pressure in critical situations. His disruptive presence makes him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks and offensive schemes.
In addition to his football background, Graves also participated in wrestling early in his high school career. That experience has contributed to his technical development on the football field, particularly in areas such as leverage, hand fighting, balance, and overall body control—skills that are highly valuable for defensive linemen.
With his commitment, Graves becomes the fifth defensive line prospect in Kansas State’s 2027 recruiting class. This further strengthens the Wildcats’ efforts to build depth and talent along the defensive front. His addition also expands Kansas State’s recruiting reach into Florida while boosting the overall quality and national profile of their incoming class.
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