Marcus Woodson Joins Kansas State as Co-Defensive Coordinator
Marcus Woodson has officially joined Kansas State as the co-defensive coordinator, focusing on the defensive backs. With 21 years of coaching experience, he brings a wealth of talent to the Wildcats’ defense.
Before his arrival in Manhattan, Woodson spent three seasons at Arkansas, where he helped elevate the Razorbacks’ pass defense to its best performance in over a decade. Under his guidance, Arkansas ranked 31st nationally in passing yards allowed, a huge improvement from the previous year. The team also saw standout performances, including their first shutout in six years and multiple road victories.
Woodson is no stranger to success. He previously worked at Florida State, where his defensive unit ranked fourth in the nation for passing defense, allowing just 165.4 yards per game in 2022. His coaching prowess was evident as he developed players like Jammie Robinson, who earned All-ACC First Team honors.
“Marcus is a fantastic addition to our staff,” said head coach Collin Klein. “He is dedicated and has a proven track record of success.”
Woodson’s journey began after a playing career at Ole Miss, where he was part of four bowl games. His coaching career includes stops at several colleges, often focusing on defensive backs, and producing multiple NFL draft picks. One notable former player, Noah Igbinoghene, was selected in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in 2020.
His coaching style emphasizes takeaways and creating turnovers—a strategy that proved effective at each of his previous positions. For example, at Memphis, Woodson’s defenses forced an impressive number of takeaways, ranking among the best in the nation.
With Kansas State’s recent recruitment of Woodson, there’s optimism in the air. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his experience will shape the defensive strategy in the Big 12. The Wildcats have a solid foundation, and Woodson’s arrival could be the key to unlocking their potential.
As the college football landscape evolves, bringing in experienced coaches like Woodson signals a commitment to developing talent and achieving success. Time will tell how his defensive strategies help steer Kansas State towards victory.
