McClellan Excited for Strong Family Bond at K-State
Dec 23, 2025 | Football, Sports Extra
By: D. Scott Fritchen
Nick McClellan, a first team all-state honoree at Christian Brothers College (Mo.) High School and one of the finest two-way players in the country, had starred in big games in his decorated career. But perhaps the 6-foot, 195-pounder never shined brighter than on October 3 in a meeting between undefeated teams as 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 ground. At safety, he posted four tackles and two interceptions in a 59-49 victory, marking the latest in a dominant stretch for the Cadets, who outscored their previous five 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 other end of the phone. "Our offense was really, really, really good."
In the Missouri state playoffs, Christian Brothers beat De Smet Jesuit 55-36 and Lafayette 77-62 before ending its season with a 45-42 loss at Jackson in 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 didn't begin playing safety until his sophomore season, he did plenty to turn the heads of regional Power 4 schools. His technique was stellar as was his 4.5 speed and body control that allowed him to steal footballs out of the sky. That quickly became apparent as he recorded a pick-six early his career at the safety position. Missouri came calling. Kansas State followed soon after. Twelve schools offered scholarships in all, including five Power 4 squads.
Three schools were McClellan's finalists: Missouri, Kansas and K-State.
But there was one school that stayed on McClellan's mind the most.
McClellan arrives at K-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 long after McClellan signed with K-State on December 3, Chris Klieman announced his retirement as head coach. Not too long after that, Collin Klein was announced as the new head coach. Not too long after that, Klein texted McClellan, and the two spoke over the phone a couple 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 faith and admiration for Klein's abilities, and who is eager 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 said again and again through the years, but McClellan, when he thinks about "K-State football," thinks about one thing in particular: Family.
"Kansas State is family," he says. "Everyone is so bought into the program. There's a tight bond no matter the position group. The defensive backs have a tight bond with the quarterbacks. It is a family.
"The family bond is strong at K-State."
McClellan, who had 35 tackles, three interceptions and numerous pass breakups against some of the state's best pass catchers his senior season in 2025, figures to fit in well with virtually any defensive system.
He'll get his chance to prove himself to Jordan Peterson, who Klein hired on Sunday as K-State defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Peterson served alongside Klein on staff for two years at Texas A&M, which ranked No. 1 in the FBS in third down defense (22.9%), No. 2 in sacks (3.31 per game), No. 3 in tackles for loss (8.5 per game), No. 16 in passing yards allowed (176.6 per game) and 19th in total defense (307.4 per game).
Peterson's defensive backs were responsible for 24 pass breakups this past season.
McClellan could fit right 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 excited at the prospect of playing against 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 eager for Christmas.
"I watch Polar Express with my mom every year," he says. That's our movie. We also decorate the tree together. Favorite Christmas gifts? When I was 8, I got a stuffed German Shepard, his name is Dusty, and he's right here next to me. When I was 14, my mom bought me a phone."
The phone might start 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 workouts, and summer workouts, hours of film study and days of position-group meetings at the Vanier Family Football Complex.
And all the hours and days and weeks of preparation will finally funnel down to that first time dressing and trotting onto the field 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 first of my dreams realized for McClellan during his years at K-State.
Nick McClellan, a first team all-state honoree at Christian Brothers College (Mo.) High School and one of the finest two-way players in the country, had starred in big games in his decorated career. But perhaps the 6-foot, 195-pounder never shined brighter than on October 3 in a meeting between undefeated teams as 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 ground. At safety, he posted four tackles and two interceptions in a 59-49 victory, marking the latest in a dominant stretch for the Cadets, who outscored their previous five 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 other end of the phone. "Our offense was really, really, really good."
In the Missouri state playoffs, Christian Brothers beat De Smet Jesuit 55-36 and Lafayette 77-62 before ending its season with a 45-42 loss at Jackson in 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 didn't begin playing safety until his sophomore season, he did plenty to turn the heads of regional Power 4 schools. His technique was stellar as was his 4.5 speed and body control that allowed him to steal footballs out of the sky. That quickly became apparent as he recorded a pick-six early his career at the safety position. Missouri came calling. Kansas State followed soon after. Twelve schools offered scholarships in all, including five Power 4 squads.
Three schools were McClellan's finalists: Missouri, Kansas and K-State.
But there was one school that stayed on McClellan's mind the most.
McClellan arrives at K-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 long after McClellan signed with K-State on December 3, Chris Klieman announced his retirement as head coach. Not too long after that, Collin Klein was announced as the new head coach. Not too long after that, Klein texted McClellan, and the two spoke over the phone a couple 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 faith and admiration for Klein's abilities, and who is eager 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 said again and again through the years, but McClellan, when he thinks about "K-State football," thinks about one thing in particular: Family.
"Kansas State is family," he says. "Everyone is so bought into the program. There's a tight bond no matter the position group. The defensive backs have a tight bond with the quarterbacks. It is a family.
"The family bond is strong at K-State."
McClellan, who had 35 tackles, three interceptions and numerous pass breakups against some of the state's best pass catchers his senior season in 2025, figures to fit in well with virtually any defensive system.
He'll get his chance to prove himself to Jordan Peterson, who Klein hired on Sunday as K-State defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Peterson served alongside Klein on staff for two years at Texas A&M, which ranked No. 1 in the FBS in third down defense (22.9%), No. 2 in sacks (3.31 per game), No. 3 in tackles for loss (8.5 per game), No. 16 in passing yards allowed (176.6 per game) and 19th in total defense (307.4 per game).
Peterson's defensive backs were responsible for 24 pass breakups this past season.
McClellan could fit right 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 excited at the prospect of playing against 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 eager for Christmas.
"I watch Polar Express with my mom every year," he says. That's our movie. We also decorate the tree together. Favorite Christmas gifts? When I was 8, I got a stuffed German Shepard, his name is Dusty, and he's right here next to me. When I was 14, my mom bought me a phone."
The phone might start 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 workouts, and summer workouts, hours of film study and days of position-group meetings at the Vanier Family Football Complex.
And all the hours and days and weeks of preparation will finally funnel down to that first time dressing and trotting onto the field 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 first of my dreams realized for McClellan during his years at K-State.
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