Kansas State football is setting its sights on a 2026 Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth, a bold goal for a program that last tasted postseason success just a few years ago.
First‑year head coach Collin Klein brings a proven track record of building potent rushing attacks, having guided Texas A&M to a top‑two ranking in SEC rushing during his tenure.
A Balanced Attack Emerges
The offense will revolve around quarterback Avery Johnson, whose development under pressure and ability to deliver downfield passes are seen as the linchpin for turning the Wildcats into a championship contender.
Despite a 2025 rushing average that slipped to 171.3 yards per game, Klein’s offensive philosophy emphasizes a balanced attack that can lean on a stronger ground game to open up the passing game.
Defensively, the Wildcats have addressed a thin pass‑rush corps by bringing in high‑pressure transfers, a move that could finally give them the front‑seven depth they lacked last season.
Home games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be pivotal; an unbeaten record against rivals such as Houston, Arizona and Oklahoma State could be the difference between a conference title and a playoff berth.
The 2026 schedule presents a gauntlet of road trips to Cincinnati, Arizona State, Colorado, TCU and Iowa State, meaning the team can afford only two defeats if it hopes to stay in the championship conversation.
If Kansas State, BYU and Texas Tech finish tightly packed in the standings, the Big 12’s tiebreaker formula will become a decisive factor, potentially elevating a team that did not face its rivals during the regular season.
Offensive line health and continuity remain a concern; injuries limited the ground game early in 2025, but Klein’s scheme is expected to maximize the talent on the line and reduce turnover‑prone plays.
Ultimately, the Wildcats’ path to the playoff will hinge on limiting mistakes, capitalizing on a revamped run game, and letting Johnson grow into a poise‑filled leader under Klein’s guidance.