By Jayson Henderson

Kansas State senior transfer Coleman Hawkins has been named the Preseason Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Year, as announced by the conference on Thursday. Hawkins, who previously earned All-Big Ten honors at Illinois, shares the title with Baylor’s Jeremy Roach.

In addition to this recognition, Hawkins was selected for the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team. He joins a group that includes Baylor’s Norchad Omier and Roach, Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert, and Kansas’ Dajuan Harris.

K-State was picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 preseason poll. Hawkins is the first Wildcat to receive this newcomer honor and joins an elite group of K-State players who have earned preseason accolades.

Hawkins transferred from Illinois, where he averaged 12.1 points per game in the 2023-24 season. K-State’s season opener is set for November 5 against New Orleans.