Kansas State’s 2026 Football Outlook: Predictions, Pitfalls, and Playoff Hopes
Predictions for the 2026 season outline a promising start, a series of tough Big 12 battles, and a likely bowl appearance before the championship game.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Collin Klein across Football.
Predictions for the 2026 season outline a promising start, a series of tough Big 12 battles, and a likely bowl appearance before the championship game.

After a breakout freshman season that earned him Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors, defensive end Wendell Gregory is transferring to Kansas State, where new head coach Collin Klein and his staff hope his pass‑rushing prowess will spark a defensive turnaround.
Wendell Gregory, a standout defensive end from Oklahoma State, joins Kansas State with a blend of elite statistics, cultural fit and a drive to restore the program’s former glory.

The NCAA’s new 5‑for‑5 eligibility framework grants athletes five seasons of play, reshaping roster strategies and giving fourth‑year Wildcats an extra year to contribute.
A look at the key players, positional battles and medical uncertainties that will define Kansas State’s attack heading into the upcoming season
First‑year head coach Collin Klein must juggle play‑calling and game management while overseeing a revamped offense and a thin defensive front.
After the first week of fall camp, the Wildcats are seeing new roles for backup quarterbacks, freshman linemen and top receivers, while key players remain sidelined by injury.
Collin Klein’s seven core values—commitment, unselfishness, discipline, integrity, relentless effort, no self‑limitations, and an expectation to win—are now displayed in the team’s primary meeting room as the foundation for a season‑long push toward dominance.

Kansas State head coach Collin Klein outlines his vision for a versatile roster, highlighting retention, cross‑training, and the impact of the new age‑based eligibility rule.
Coach Collin Klein revealed the projected starters for the Wildcats' opening game, highlighting positional battles and the emphasis on earning roles through daily effort.
A preseason medical emergency sidelined Kansas State’s veteran lineman George Fitzpatrick for the entire 2025 campaign, reshaping the offensive line and giving emerging players like John Pastore, Gus Hawkins, Oliver Miller and Tyler Johnson increased snaps.
Avery Johnson, Kansas State's starting quarterback, enters the 2026 season with high expectations, a stronger supporting cast, and a new coaching approach that could finally unlock his potential.
Kansas State’s 2026 football outlook hinges on Collin Klein’s ability to juggle coaching and play‑calling while a young defense and an unstable offensive line face tough Big 12 competition.
The Wildcats’ 2026 campaign hinges on quarterback Avery Johnson’s resurgence, the emergence of tight end Linkon Cure, and a defensive overhaul led by transfers and newcomers, all orchestrated by first‑time head coach Collin Klein.
The Wildcats are poised for a pivotal 2026 campaign, with quarterback Avery Johnson, tight end Linkon Cure, and a revamped defense led by newcomers like Elijah Hill and transfer Wendell Gregory.

The Aggies finished 11‑2, reached the College Football Playoff, and now face a pivotal offensive coordinator change while aiming to turn a breakthrough into a sustained championship program.
The Wildcats begin August practices under first‑year head coach Collin Klein, blending veteran quarterback Avery Johnson’s experience with a wave of transfers, aiming to turn early promise into a conference championship.
Kansas State football is setting its sights on a 2026 Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth, driven by Collin Klein's offensive vision and Avery Johnson's growth under pressure.
The Cyclones will open the 2026 campaign against a mix of FCS and Power Five opponents, featuring notable games against Iowa Hawkeyes, Utah Utes and BYU Cougars.

Head coach Lance Leipold suggests using University of Kansas and Kansas State campuses to host championship games, offering high school players a larger stage while coordinating with the Big 12 and involving Division II schools.

The upcoming Week 7 matchup between Kansas State and Arizona State highlights the rise of two of college football’s youngest head coaches, each steering his team toward a potential Big 12 title.
From a childhood commitment to Christianity to leading the Wildcats with scripture and prayer, Collin Klein’s faith-driven approach is reshaping Kansas State football.

The Big 12 prepares for its 30th anniversary season in 2026, highlighting historic achievements, fresh leadership and a new playoff structure.

With fall camp set to open in August, the Aggies blend returning talent and new leadership, aiming for a strong campaign that could place quarterback Marcel Reed in Heisman discussions.