Asa Newsom: Can the K-State Linebacker Stay Healthy and Star?
- Kansas State linebacker Asa Newsom has faced significant health challenges that have impacted his availability and performance over the last two years, primarily due to recurring knee injuries.
- Linebackers coach Steve Stanard expressed hope that Newsom would be able to recover and return to health in the near future.
- The impact of these injuries became evident during the team's preparations for the 2025 season.
Kansas State linebacker Asa Newsom has faced significant health challenges that have impacted his availability and performance over the last two years, primarily due to recurring knee injuries.
Linebackers coach Steve Stanard expressed hope that Newsom would be able to recover and return to health in the near future. The player has struggled to maintain consistent playing time because of injuries affecting both of his knees.
Impact on Season Availability
The impact of these injuries became evident during the team’s preparations for the 2025 season. On August 23, 2025, it was reported that Newsom would be unavailable for the season opener against Iowa State.
Reports indicated that Newsom was dealing with an injury that had slowed his progress during practices in the days leading up to the game. The matchup against Iowa State was scheduled to take place in Ireland.
Performance and Expectations
Despite the physical setbacks, Newsom has been viewed by coaching staff as a potential breakout star for the Kansas State defense. He has demonstrated flashes of brilliance
when healthy, leading to high expectations for his role as a key defensive contributor.
His statistical output in 2024 reflected the limitations caused by his health, as he recorded only four total tackles during that season.
Team Context and Outlook
The challenges facing Newsom occurred as Kansas State sought to build upon its 2024 campaign, which included nine wins and a bowl victory over Rutgers. The team is led by head coach Chris Klieman, who has secured at least nine wins in each of his last three seasons, including a 10-win season in 2022 that led to a Sugar Bowl appearance.
While Newsom’s absence was a blow to the defensive unit, the team reported other updates on the injury front. Transfer safety Gunner Maldonado was available to play for the 2025 opener, although he was not slated to start due to an injury of his own.
The Wildcats’ strategy for the 2025 season involves leveraging returning talent, including quarterback Avery Johnson, as they compete for the Big 12 title.