Kansas State’s Austin Romaine, one of the most productive Wildcat linebackers in recent seasons, has left Manhattan. With the team changing leadership, the standout entered the transfer portal.
Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, Romaine is considering his options and aiming to make the best decision for next season and his future hopes of playing at the next level.
Kansas State LB Austin Romaine Enters Transfer Portal: Evaluating His Options for Next Season
Romaine leaves a legacy of 184 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles. PFSN’s College Linebacker Impact (LBi) ranked him as the 47th-best linebacker in FBS. The linebacker excelled in run-stopping and tackling.
Romaine is skilled at shooting gaps, disengaging from blockers, and making stops. Additionally, he flashes quick hands and plays behind his pads, giving him extra leverage.
Colorado
Last year, the Buffaloes had the 79th-ranked defense in PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact rankings, which did not prevent opponents from scoring or winning games. Deion Sanders is eager to improve the run defense, as teams often ran the ball successfully against them.
According to SportSource Analytics, Colorado allowed 222.5 rushing yards per game, ranking second-to-last in FBS, which highlights a critical need for improvement. Romaine would bolster the run defense, though he is not primarily a coverage linebacker.
Baylor
A convergence could bring the senior to Waco. First, head coach Dave Aranda hired Kansas State’s former defensive coordinator. Klanderman helped recruit Romaine to K-State. As a result, the fit feels right, provided Romaine wants to stay in the Big 12.
Additionally, Baylor star Keaton Thomas just entered the portal. Klanderman knows that Romaine is considered a ‘coach on the field,’ which would make implementing his defensive scheme much easier, as Romaine could relay information quickly and confidently.
Missouri
The Tigers would be the toughest fit on this list, as returning starters Josiah Trotter and Nicholas Rodriguez would be hard to unseat. However, Romaine would have an advantage not common among current Mizzou players: Proximity to home.
A native of Hillsboro, Mo., he could play just two and a half hours from his family, making weekend visits easier. While not a measurable trait, being near home could motivate Romaine to play at a higher level.
Nebraska
Graduating two seniors leaves the Huskers at a crossroads. While Matt Rhule brought an effective passing game to Lincoln, part of Nebraska’s identity still lags. For years, the Blackshirts’ defense guided Nebraska to success.
Last season, the Cornhuskers allowed 171.2 rushing yards per game. The Big Ten, known for its physical play, relies on strong run games to set the tone. Romaine would be vital against run-heavy teams like Iowa and Wisconsin. Even top teams such as Indiana and Ohio State aim to challenge defenses physically.
Houston
The Cougars, with strong financial support and three available positions, need a player like Romaine.
Houston is on the verge of becoming a threat in the Big 12, but a lack of talent in key areas could hinder its progress. The conference is wide open after Texas Tech and BYU, with most teams closely matched. In this situation, UH can offer a competitive deal to strengthen a defense that must improve.
Romaine is not a flashy linebacker. He could play two downs before leaving the field, but during his time on the field, he stuffs the run and forces blockers to engage him physically, and he never backs down.
He’s going to Mizzou