KFBCA Top 11: Carter Pabst

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams in early December, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Eisenhower receiver Carter Pabst's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2024 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

Eisenhower senior wide receiver Carter Pabst concluded his high school career as one of the most prolific pass catchers in Kansas history, setting the state record for career touchdown receptions with 54. Over three seasons, Pabst amassed 3,030 receiving yards on 153 receptions, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch. 

Pabst’s senior campaign solidified his legacy, with Pabst hauling in 75 receptions for 1,641 yards and 29 touchdowns—among the nation’s best in receiving touchdowns and averaging 136.8 yards per game. His production helped guide Eisenhower to back-to-back appearances in the Class 5A state semifinals, losing 42-39 to Kapaun in the 2023 semis and  24-14 to Hays in 2024, ending Pabst’s senior season with a 9-3 record.

Tigers head coach Darrin Fisher emphasized Pabst's leadership both on and off the field. "Carter had a large impact on our football team this year. He is a leader with the wide receivers and spends time with the younger players teaching them up," Fisher said. "While he is waiting for his reps, he will stand next to the young guys and talk them through formations, spacing, and routes. Carter also set a rule in place for receivers—they cannot wear gloves in practice. This is to ensure guys are using their hands and getting better, then on Fridays the ball becomes easier to catch once you put the gloves on."

Pabst’s on-field dominance was evident in both his receiving and all-around play. Fisher highlighted Pabst’s versatility: "Carter’s biggest strength on the field was to make first downs and touchdowns. Carter was able to score 32 touchdowns this season—29 receiving, 2 punt returns, and 1 rushing. His ability to take the ball the distance was dangerous to any team. His ability to block was just as impressive. We ran behind Carter or to Carter’s side a lot because of his ability to block."

Among his many standout performances, one that Fisher recalls vividly came during Eisenhower's rivalry game against Goddard in a Week 2 32-21 win. "Carter scores three touchdowns in the first quarter against them," Fisher said. "One of those was a 70-yard touchdown pass. The play called was a choice route for Carter, and he gets to choose the route. The cornerback was playing man press, and the safety was in the middle of the field. Us coaches were hoping he called a vertical. He did. He catches the ball and gives a nasty stiff arm, the corner grabs him by the back of the jersey, and Carter spins out, then breaks another tackle on his way to a 70-yard touchdown. This shows his smarts to call the right play in the right situation, speaks to his smarts, his ability to catch a difficult ball shows how good his hands are, and his ability to finish the play shows his athleticism and strength."

Pabst’s accomplishments earned him the 2024 Sports in Kansas 5A Offensive Player of the Year alongside extensive all-state recognition from multiple outlets. Pabst capped his career by signing with South Dakota State, the two-time defending FCS national champion, to continue his football career.