The Kansas State Wildcats are gearing up for their 2026 football season under the fresh leadership of head coach Collin Klein. After taking the reins from Chris Klieman following a 6-6 finish in the 2025 season, Klein's immediate priority was to secure the continued presence of senior quarterback Avery Johnson. This critical objective has been successfully met, with Johnson, a celebrated figure in college football, choosing to remain in Manhattan despite external opportunities. His decision is seen as a significant boost for the Wildcats, who are otherwise projected to land in the mid-tier of the Big 12 conference.
Wildcats Aim for Resurgence with Key Player Retention and Strategic Acquisitions
In a pivotal development for the Kansas State Wildcats, former Heisman Trophy candidate Collin Klein officially assumed the role of head football coach at the conclusion of the 2025 season. His initial and paramount task was to ensure the retention of their star senior quarterback, Avery Johnson. Johnson, renowned as the "Big Man on Campus" and a record-holder for touchdown passes, made the crucial decision to stay in Manhattan. This was a significant win for Klein, especially after a challenging 2025 season saw the Wildcats finish 6-6 and decline a bowl invitation, leading to concerns about player departures. The re-signing of Johnson is expected to be a cornerstone for the team's performance, as evidenced by preseason polls that place Kansas State around eighth in the Big 12, a position that would have been far lower had Johnson left.
Klein's connection with Johnson dates back to Johnson's freshman year when Klein served as the Wildcats' offensive coordinator. After a two-year stint at Texas A&M, Klein returns with renewed vigor and a deep appreciation for Johnson's abilities. "This is home for me. It is a dream come true and I am so grateful for our administration and our players and all the effort that has been put in over the last six months as we build this thing and move it forward," Klein stated, emphasizing the strong team culture he inherited. He further elaborated on Johnson's unique blend of physical talent and competitive spirit: "I would argue that some of his best attributes are not physical. I know everyone sees how fast he is and how well he can run. Everybody sees the arm talent and the zip and spin on the football. He's one of the best competitors I've been around."
To bolster their offensive capabilities for 2026, Klein has actively sought to surround Johnson with enhanced speed and talent. Notable additions include Brandon White from Hawaii, Josh Manning from Missouri, and Isaiah Williams from Texas A&M, all expected to significantly expand the Wildcats' receiving options. On the ground, Joe Jackson, who demonstrated flashes of brilliance in 2025, returns to lead the running back corps. Klein's coaching philosophy, historically leaning towards a 12-personnel formation with a strong running game, will be a key element to watch. His ability to integrate a balanced attack could elevate Kansas State's offense to Big 12 standards and push them towards the top of the league.
The defensive side of the ball presents more questions, as the team had to heavily rely on the transfer portal to fill vacancies across all positions following numerous departures. A significant acquisition is Wendell Gregory from Oklahoma State, ranked as the sixth-best edge rusher in the portal. Furthermore, Klein brought in Jordan Peterson as the new defensive coordinator from Texas, where Peterson's 4-2-5 scheme proved highly effective against SEC offenses. Klein expressed confidence in Peterson's ability to adapt: "With his experience level and the different places that he's been, I feel very, very confident that we're going to be able to put the package together that will fit our personnel and also be multiple." Should the Wildcats successfully establish a robust pass rush and solidify their run defense, they could emerge as a formidable force in the Big 12, especially given their relatively favorable 2026 schedule, which includes five home games to start and avoids key contenders like BYU, Utah, and Texas Tech. Their non-conference matchups against Nicholls, Washington State, and Tulane are all deemed winnable and are hosted at home, as are their toughest Big 12 opponents, Houston and Arizona. Klein remains grounded, acknowledging that past successes are no guarantee of future victories: "My past success as a player, our past success as a program, is going to have zero impact on our ability to win football games this fall. It will obviously help, but that comes down to our players, our staff, and us doing the work that is necessary."
The upcoming season for the Kansas State Wildcats under Collin Klein's guidance presents a compelling narrative of renewal and ambition. The successful retention of quarterback Avery Johnson and the strategic recruitment of talent on both offense and defense signal a proactive approach to rebuilding and competing at a high level. While challenges remain, particularly in integrating new defensive schemes and personnel, the enthusiasm from Coach Klein and the talent on the roster suggest a promising trajectory. It will be fascinating to observe how these elements coalesce to define the Wildcats' journey in the 2026 Big 12 season.
