The Kansas State Wildcats are just days away from beginning a new chapter, and the spotlight is firmly on Avery Johnson and first-year head coach Collin Klein.
K-State enters the 2026 season with plenty of intrigue surrounding the program. Klein has taken over as head coach after previously serving in the Wildcats’ program, and his first season in charge will immediately put his coaching philosophy and the team’s roster to the test.
The Wildcats open their season against Nicholls on Sept. 5, giving Klein and his players only a short amount of time to finalize everything before the games begin. K-State has already gone through the bulk of preseason camp, and the coaching staff is now focused on turning its preparation into results.
Avery Johnson enters the spotlight
The biggest name surrounding Kansas State’s offense is quarterback Avery Johnson.
Johnson enters the season with enormous expectations, and the Wildcats will need him to take another step forward if they hope to compete near the top of the Big 12.
He has already been recognized on the Maxwell Award watch list, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football. His inclusion alongside teammate Joe Jackson shows the level of expectations surrounding the K-State roster.
Johnson’s development is particularly important because Klein understands the quarterback position better than most. As a former K-State quarterback himself, Klein has a unique perspective on what the position requires in Manhattan.
That relationship could become one of the most important storylines of the entire season.
Klein is putting his stamp on K-State
This season represents a major transition for the Wildcats.
Klein isn’t simply replacing a coach — he’s attempting to establish his own identity while preserving many of the principles that have made Kansas State successful.
During preseason camp, Klein emphasized that the team was building on the foundation established during spring practices rather than starting completely over. The Wildcats have been able to move faster through certain situations because of the work already completed in the spring.
That could be important during the opening weeks.
A new coaching staff often requires time for players to adjust, but K-State’s familiarity with Klein should help reduce some of that learning curve.
Six captains have been selected
Kansas State announced six team captains for the 2026 season, another indication that the program is entering a new leadership era.
The captains are expected to play an important role in keeping the roster focused as the Wildcats navigate a season filled with uncertainty and heightened expectations. Strong leadership will be particularly valuable because K-State is not simply trying to survive a transition season.
The Wildcats expect to compete.
The roster has plenty of talent
K-State’s roster includes several players who could determine how successful the season becomes.
Among the names receiving significant attention is safety Adrian Maddox, who has been ranked among the Wildcats’ most important players heading into the season. Maddox enters his fifth year and provides experience to a defense that is also adjusting under new leadership.
Defensive back Donovan McIntosh is another player generating excitement.
McIntosh started seven games in 2025, recorded 33 tackles and five pass breakups and produced his first career interception. He has continued developing during the offseason and is expected to play a significant role in the secondary.
Those experienced defensive players could become extremely valuable if K-State finds itself involved in close Big 12 games.
The defense could determine K-State’s ceiling
While Johnson receives much of the attention, K-State’s defense could ultimately determine how far the Wildcats go.
The program has emphasized physicality and development throughout preseason camp, with several returning players expected to take on larger responsibilities.
The Wildcats will need to avoid giving away explosive plays and consistently create pressure if they want to compete with the Big 12’s stronger offenses.
That becomes even more important because conference games are likely to be decided by relatively small margins.
Special teams have an intriguing battle
One under-the-radar storyline is the competition at punter.
Simon McClannan enters the season with a career average of 42.43 yards per punt, which ranks fifth in K-State history. He has also produced several impressive performances during his career, including a 65-yard punt in 2025.
However, newcomer Dylan Davidson is pushing for the job.
The competition could ultimately make K-State stronger at a position that often gets overlooked until a close game comes down to field position.
The Wildcats have high expectations
There is no shortage of excitement around the program.
K-State’s official preseason coverage has highlighted several players as potential difference-makers, while outside analysts continue to examine whether the Wildcats have enough talent to compete for a significant postseason opportunity.
The challenge is turning that potential into victories.
K-State cannot afford to rely solely on Johnson’s individual ability. The offensive line must protect him, the running game must remain effective and the defense has to consistently win key downs.
If those pieces come together, the Wildcats could become a difficult opponent for anyone in the Big 12.
The first month could tell the story
The opening stretch of the season will be especially important for Klein.
A strong start would immediately build confidence in the new coaching regime and could generate significant momentum heading into conference play.
A slow start, on the other hand, would create questions about whether the Wildcats are ready to compete immediately under their new head coach.
That makes the opener against Nicholls more significant than a typical nonconference game.
K-State needs to establish its identity early.
The bottom line
The 2026 season is about much more than simply winning football games for Kansas State.
It is the beginning of the Collin Klein era, with Avery Johnson positioned as the centerpiece of the offense and a talented group of veterans expected to lead the defense.
The Wildcats have enough experience and individual talent to be dangerous, but the biggest question is whether Klein can quickly turn those pieces into a cohesive team.
With preseason camp almost complete and the opener rapidly approaching, the waiting is nearly over.
K-State’s new era is about to begin and Avery Johnson may be the player who determines how quickly the Wildcats make their move.
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