Kuron Parchmon is a wide receiver for Pittsburg State football and is currently playing in his fifth year for the gorillas. Parchmon began playing for Pitt State out of high school.
“It was really one of those first schools that gave me a shot and believed in me, so I felt like I owed it to them to show them what I was worth.”
Parchmon played for the gorillas for four seasons, redshirting in the 2022 season after being an All-Conference performer in high school. However, Parchmon almost did not complete his time playing as a gorilla.
After having a successful 2025 season, he decided in late December of 2025 to enter the transfer portal. He entered with the intention of discovering potential, and ultimately to try and better support himself and his family.
“I wanted to see what all was out there for me, and I wanted to go into the portal to see if I could get some type of offer that would look forward to benefiting and helping me and my family in the long run,” he said.
Despite entering the transfer portal, after about a month Parchmon decided to return to Pitt State and finish his collegiate football career as a gorilla. When reflecting on what made him want to return, Parchmon remarks the key role Head Football Coach Tom Anthony had on his decision.
“He (Coach Anthony) never made me seem like I was out of it. I just really felt like Coach Anthony was one of my guys, and so I felt like I had to finish. He’s always seen the good in me, so I’ll always see the good in him and what he’s doing here, and I believe in that, so I came back again.”
Thus far, Parchmon is having another successful season playing at Pitt State. Despite the team having a rough start to the season, he does not regret returning and is thankful to be back. Parchmon’s decision to stay has given him the opportunity to complete his time playing college football where he began it. He reflects on the impact staying at Pitt State has had on him.
“Allowing me to finish what I started. I feel like that’s a big thing in life,” he said. You can’t quit, give up on people, or change the way you’re thinking just because you want bigger or better opportunities for yourself.”
When comparing collegiate football programs, Pitt State has the reputation of being a standout in Division II. Parchmon remarks what makes Pitt State football unique from other football programs.
“First and foremost, we’re the only gorilla in the NCAA. I would also say the tradition, the culture of winning. Everybody is not always from something like that.”
Parchmon additionally notes the familial relationship of the team.
“The group of guys that we have here, we all love on each other as brothers.”
