The Kansas State Wildcats have officially turned the page by appointing Casey Alexander as the program’s 27th head coach. However, as the excitement of NCAA Tournament unfolds, attention has shifted toward other coaching candidates who were once in the running many of whom are now making significant noise on the national stage.
One of the most notable names is Jerrod Calhoun, currently leading the Utah State Aggies. Calhoun, who was previously considered for the Kansas State job, has guided his team into the Round of 32 after an impressive tournament showing. He wasn’t alone in the Wildcats’ coaching search either, as Josh Schertz now at Saint Louis Billikens was also a finalist.
Ironically, among the three finalists, Alexander is the only one not participating in March Madness this year. His Belmont Bruins fell short in their conference tournament, missing out on a tournament bid. Meanwhile, both Calhoun and Schertz have taken advantage of the spotlight, leading their teams to early-round victories and stirring up discussion among Wildcats fans about how things might have unfolded differently.
Schertz’s Billikens delivered a dominant win over Georgia Bulldogs, while Calhoun’s Aggies pulled off a strong performance to defeat the Villanova Wildcats. These victories are especially notable given that both teams entered the tournament as No. 9 seeds, making their early success classic examples of March Madness unpredictability.
Despite the growing “what if” conversations, it’s still early in Alexander’s tenure at Kansas State. His long-term impact remains to be seen, and the program’s future could still trend positively under his leadership. However, if Schertz or Calhoun continue deep into the tournament, comparisons will likely intensify especially as fans imagine alternative paths the program could have taken.
Adding another wrinkle to the situation, Schertz reportedly declined Kansas State’s offer, narrowing the field and ultimately leading to Alexander’s hiring. That decision alone has fueled even more curiosity about how different the Wildcats’ trajectory might look today.
Looking ahead, Calhoun’s rising profile could position him as a strong candidate for other major openings, including roles with the Cincinnati Bearcats and Arizona State Sun Devils, both of which are searching for new leadership. If he lands in the Big 12, it could eventually set up compelling matchups against Kansas State and further amplify the intrigue surrounding the Wildcats’ coaching decision.
For now, it remains a waiting game. Kansas State has made its choice, but with March Madness delivering surprises as always, the debate over whether it was the right move is far from over.
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