After clinching bowl berths in four consecutive seasons, Kansas State took a step back in 2025, finishing 6-6. Despite the Big 12’s media poll being discontinued, numerous outlets projected the Wildcats to finish in the top third of the conference before the season began. Kansas State declined a bowl invite due to concerns about player availability and an ongoing coaching transition. As a result, the Big 12 fined the program $500,000.

Former quarterback Collin Klein was hired to succeed Chris Klieman, who retired last December. Before returning to Kansas State, Klein served as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator after spending the 2022 season as Kansas State’s offensive coordinator. Klein signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract that included perks such as 20 hours of private air travel and a corporate credit card. Kansas State also allocated $6.5 million for Klein to build his coaching staff. Klein enjoyed a storied collegiate career, posting a 22-6 record as a starter, becoming one of the program’s all-time leaders in rushing touchdowns and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting in 2012.

Klein hired former Missouri quarterbacks coach Sean Gleeson as offensive coordinator and former Kansas defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson as defensive coordinator.

Two players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft: interior offensive lineman Sam Hecht by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round and safety VJ Payne by the New York Jets in the seventh round. Defensive tackle Uso Seumalo signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. 

Avery Johnson finished the 2025 season with 2,385 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. Johnson announced in January that he would return to Kansas State for another season. Joe Jackson led the Wildcats with 911 rushing yards. Jayce Brown and Jaron Tibbs headlined Kansas State’s receiving corps, recording 712 and 595 receiving yards, respectively. Tight end Garrett Oakley led the team with six receiving touchdowns. Daniel Cobb led the defense with three interceptions, while Cody Stufflebean recorded a team-high 4.5 sacks. Linebackers Desmond Purnell and Austin Romaine combined for 138 total tackles. 

Kansas State’s 2026 transfer class ranks 45th nationally, headlined by Wendell Gregory and Joshua Manning. Gregory was named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year last season after recording four sacks and 27 total tackles, while Manning gives the Wildcats an experienced playmaker at wide receiver. Other notable additions include Jay Harris (Oregon), Mekhi Mason (Louisiana Tech) and Ja’Son Prevard (Virginia). Despite those additions, offensive tackles Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor both transferred to Indiana. 

The Wildcats have a favorable schedule in 2026 despite fielding a retooled roster. Notable opponents include Cincinnati, Arizona State, TCU and Iowa State. The matchups against Cincinnati and Iowa State could be the season’s most important, as they may have major implications for the Big 12 standings. A strong season is within reach because Kansas State’s non-conference opponents experienced significant roster turnover, while five of its nine conference games are against teams with slim chances of winning the Big 12. Some analysts project the Wildcats to finish 8–4 in 2026.

BetMGM lists Kansas State at +1500 to win the Big 12, +1000 to make the College Football Playoff, and +20000 to win the national championship.

Kansas State 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets: