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 stunning display of loyalty and commitment to his current team, Kansas State’s most prominent star, Linkon Cure, has turned down an incredibly lucrative offer from the University of Tennessee. The offer, which included a tempting $6.7 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation, was double the amount of his current NIL deal at Kansas State.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Tennessee, in an aggressive move to strengthen their roster, approached Cure with a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid college athletes in the country. The Vols were prepared to offer Cure substantial financial incentives in a bid to lure him into the transfer portal and secure his services for the upcoming season. Despite the allure of this life-changing sum, Cure, who has been the cornerstone of the Wildcats’ recent success, made it clear that he would remain at Kansas State for his senior year.
“I’m here to finish what I started,” said Cure in an exclusive statement released through his representatives. “Kansas State has given me everything I need to succeed, and the bond I share with my teammates, coaches, and the fans is unbreakable. There is unfinished business, and I’m committed to finishing my college career here at K-State. The money doesn’t change that.”
Cure’s decision is a significant one in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, where NIL deals have become a central factor in recruitment and player movement. The $6.7 million offer would have made Cure one of the most well-compensated athletes in the nation, but his unwavering commitment to Kansas State speaks volumes about his character and priorities.
Kansas State head coach Mike Rhoades expressed his admiration for Cure’s decision. “Linkon is the type of player you dream of coaching. His work ethic, leadership, and loyalty to his teammates have been crucial in shaping this program’s culture. While the financial rewards in college sports are staggering, Linkon’s focus has always been about winning and developing as a player. This is a testament to his maturity and his commitment to our team.”
Cure has been nothing short of extraordinary for Kansas State. Over the past three seasons, the 6-foot-6 forward has transformed into a bona fide star in the NCAA, earning All-American honors and leading the Wildcats to several deep tournament runs. His scoring, rebounding, and defense have made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball, and his leadership both on and off the court has made him an icon in Manhattan.
His decision to turn down the offer has already sparked conversation across the college basketball world. Many analysts believed that the potential of such a lucrative deal would be too tempting for any athlete, especially given the high stakes involved in college sports and the uncertainty of professional careers. However, Cure’s loyalty to Kansas State demonstrates a shift in the narrative, with more athletes emphasizing personal connections, team success, and long-term development over immediate financial gain.
“We’re thrilled that Linkon is staying with us,” said K-State athletic director Gene Taylor. “His decision reinforces the values we’ve always held here at Kansas State — integrity, commitment, and team-first mentality. Linkon is not just an amazing player but a role model for young athletes everywhere, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him as part of the Wildcat family.”
The news comes at a time when NIL deals have created significant challenges for universities, as schools are increasingly finding themselves in competition for top-tier talent. The enormous sums of money being offered by rival programs have made it more difficult for smaller or mid-tier programs to retain their stars, and players are now in a position to make decisions based on both financial incentives and their personal goals.
Cure’s decision to remain loyal to Kansas State may very well be seen as a turning point for college basketball, illustrating that, for some players, the love for their school and team outweighs the allure of the financial rewards. His choice to remain with the Wildcats could influence future recruits who might look to emulate his values of loyalty, team success, and self-growth, rather than simply chasing the biggest paycheck.
With Cure’s return for his senior season, Kansas State now enters the 2025-2026 campaign as one of the top contenders in the Big 12 Conference and a serious threat on the national stage. Wildcats fans can rest assured that the player who has become the face of their program will finish what he started, leading the charge for what promises to be an exciting and successful final season.
For now, it’s clear that Linkon Cure’s story is far from over, and Kansas State will continue to benefit from his dedication, not just as a player but as a leader who has chosen the value of loyalty over dollars.