Kansas State most prominent star Linkon Cure has declined a tampering move made by Tennessee to lure him into the transfer portal. Linkon blatantly turned down a tempting $6.7 MILLION NIL offer, a double of his current NIL, insisting to finish off his college career At Kansas..
In a college football landscape increasingly defined by big-money Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and transfer portal drama, Kansas State’s standout tight end Linkon Cure has delivered a powerful message about loyalty, legacy, and heart over hype.
Cure, one of the brightest stars in the Big 12 and a rising national name, reportedly turned down a staggering $6.7 million NIL offer from the University of Tennessee in what sources describe as a behind-the-scenes tampering attempt. The offer, believed to be more than double his current NIL earnings at Kansas State, was part of a high-stakes push by Tennessee to lure the All-American candidate into entering the transfer portal.
However, Linkon Cure said no — firmly, publicly, and without hesitation.
“I came to Kansas State to build something special, and I’m not going to walk away from that now,” Cure said in a statement released through the university. “This place believed in me before the hype, before the headlines, and I’m going to finish what I started here. Loyalty still matters.”
A Star Who Stayed Grounded
Cure has been a revelation for the Wildcats since his arrival in Manhattan. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds, the tight end has become a nightmare for opposing defenses — a versatile weapon with the hands of a receiver, the blocking power of a lineman, and the football IQ of a seasoned veteran.
Last season, Cure led all Power Five tight ends in receiving touchdowns and was named to multiple All-American teams. NFL scouts have circled his name as a potential first-round pick, but the Kansas native has continually emphasized his commitment to both his team and his roots.
“He’s not just a great football player,” head coach Chris Klieman said. “He’s a leader in the locker room, in the community, and a perfect example of what Kansas State stands for. What he did by turning down that money says everything you need to know about him.”
The NIL Crossroads
Cure’s decision comes at a time when the college football world is grappling with the growing influence of NIL money and the ethics of player movement. While NIL opportunities have empowered student-athletes like never before, they’ve also opened the door to aggressive recruiting tactics — including backchannel offers to players not even in the transfer portal.
The offer from Tennessee, which included luxury housing, commercial deals, and personal branding management, is one of the most high-profile NIL pitches to be publicly rejected in recent memory.
Kansas State officials did not directly comment on Tennessee’s involvement but confirmed that multiple programs had expressed interest in Cure through unofficial intermediaries. Cure himself, however, wasted no time in shutting the door on those conversations.
“I’m not chasing money. I’m chasing greatness,” he said.
Looking Ahead
With Linkon Cure staying put, Kansas State cements itself as a serious contender for the Big 12 title — and possibly a College Football Playoff berth. Cure will headline a returning core that blends veteran talent with rising young stars. His return also serves as a significant morale boost for Wildcats fans, many of whom feared the worst after rumors of a transfer began to swirl.
“This is more than just football,” said junior quarterback Avery Johnson. “Link staying says a lot about what we’re building here. He’s our guy.”
In an age when six- and seven-figure NIL deals can flip commitments overnight, Cure’s choice to remain at Kansas State sends a powerful signal — that for some, legacy, brotherhood, and unfinished business still outweigh even the most tempting price tag.
As the Wildcats prepare for the 2025 season, one thing is clear: their biggest star isn’t going anywhere.
And neither is their dream of greatness.