There is a growing sense of optimism surrounding the Kansas State Wildcats as the countdown to the 2026 college football season continues. After months of offseason changes, roster reshuffling, and the arrival of legendary former Wildcat quarterback Collin Klein as head coach, expectations are once again rising in Manhattan. While some fans remain cautious after last season’s disappointing campaign, others believe all the pieces are finally falling into place for Kansas State to make a serious run in the Big 12.
The excitement is not based solely on hope or nostalgia. Analysts around the country have pointed to one major factor that could make Klein’s first season on the sidelines a memorable one: the Wildcats’ favorable schedule. Combined with an experienced quarterback in Avery Johnson, a talented roster, and one of the most respected football minds ever associated with the program, Kansas State appears to have an opportunity to surprise many people this fall.
A new era begins under a familiar face
Collin Klein’s return to Kansas State represents much more than a coaching change. It marks the return of one of the most beloved figures in program history.
Few individuals understand what it means to wear the purple and silver better than Klein. As a player, he became one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history, leading the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship and earning national recognition for his toughness, leadership, and ability to win football games.
His coaching career has also been impressive. Klein helped guide Kansas State’s offense as offensive coordinator during one of the program’s most successful recent stretches before pursuing additional coaching opportunities.
Now, he returns as the man responsible for leading the Wildcats into a new chapter.
Naturally, expectations are enormous.
The schedule could be Kansas State’s biggest advantage
Every successful season requires talent, preparation, and a little help from the schedule.
This year, Kansas State appears to have received exactly that.
According to a recent analysis by CBS Sports, the Wildcats possess one of the easiest schedules among Power Conference teams entering the 2026 season. Only NC State and Texas Tech were viewed as having more favorable paths.
That immediately caught the attention of fans.
In a conference as unpredictable as the Big 12, avoiding several of the league’s traditional heavyweights could dramatically improve Kansas State’s chances of competing near the top of the standings.
The Wildcats are not scheduled to face Utah, BYU, or Texas Tech during conference play—three programs many expect to contend for the Big 12 title.
Instead, Kansas State’s most significant ranked challenge appears to be Houston.
That creates an opportunity few teams receive.
Timing matters in college football
Schedules alone do not guarantee victories.
However, favorable timing often plays a major role in determining whether talented teams reach their potential.
For Kansas State, avoiding multiple conference favorites means there is less room for devastating losses that can quickly derail championship hopes.
Instead, the Wildcats will have an opportunity to build momentum early.
Winning breeds confidence.
Confidence creates consistency.
And consistency often separates conference champions from everyone else.
If Klein can establish that winning mentality during the opening weeks, Kansas State could become one of the surprise stories of the season.
Avery Johnson still has unfinished business
Perhaps no player enters the season facing greater expectations than quarterback Avery Johnson.
Ever since arriving in Manhattan, Johnson has been viewed as one of college football’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
His athletic ability, arm strength, and playmaking skills convinced many analysts that he could eventually become one of the nation’s elite signal callers.
Some even projected him as a future Heisman Trophy contender.
While flashes of brilliance have certainly appeared, the consistent breakthrough many expected has yet to happen.
Johnson has accumulated respectable statistics throughout his career, but team success has not matched the enormous expectations surrounding him.
Nineteen career victories without a conference championship or significant postseason accomplishment leave many believing there is still another level waiting to be unlocked.
Klein knows how to maximize Johnson’s talent
One reason optimism remains high is the relationship between Collin Klein and Avery Johnson.
Klein previously worked closely with Johnson during his early development at Kansas State.
He understands Johnson’s strengths perhaps better than anyone.
That familiarity could become one of the Wildcats’ greatest advantages.
Rather than asking Johnson to fit into a completely new offensive philosophy, Klein can design an offense built specifically around the quarterback’s unique abilities.
His mobility, decision-making, and explosive running ability could once again become central pieces of the Wildcats’ attack.
If Johnson takes the next step under Klein’s guidance, Kansas State’s offense could become one of the most dangerous units in the conference.
Learning from last season
The Wildcats enter 2026 carrying valuable lessons from a frustrating 2025 campaign.
Kansas State entered last season surrounded by enormous expectations.
Many experts predicted the Wildcats would challenge for the Big 12 championship and comfortably secure a postseason appearance.
Instead, an early 1-3 start placed the team in an immediate hole.
Although Kansas State recovered well enough to finish with six victories and avoid a losing season, the disappointing beginning ultimately proved too difficult to overcome.
That experience may actually help this year’s team.
Players understand how quickly promising seasons can unravel.
That knowledge often creates greater urgency throughout offseason preparation.
The Big 12 remains unpredictable
Unlike conferences dominated by one or two national powers, the Big 12 frequently produces surprising championship races.
Nearly every weekend features competitive games capable of dramatically changing the standings.
That unpredictability benefits disciplined teams capable of avoiding costly mistakes.
Collin Klein understands exactly what is required to survive conference play.
His experience as both a player and coach gives him insight into the challenges awaiting Kansas State every Saturday.
Defense will also determine success
While much attention focuses on Avery Johnson and the offense, Kansas State’s defense could prove equally important.
Winning close conference games often depends on forcing turnovers, creating pressure, and making critical stops late in games.
If the Wildcats can complement an improving offense with consistent defensive performances, they will become a difficult opponent for anyone in the Big 12.
Championship teams rarely rely on offense alone.
Balance remains essential.
Fans believe something special could be coming
Excitement throughout the Kansas State fan base continues growing as opening kickoff approaches.
Many supporters view Klein’s return as more than simply hiring another head coach.
They see the return of someone who understands the program’s identity and expectations.
That emotional connection has created renewed belief throughout the fan base.
Season-ticket sales, preseason discussions, and social media conversations all reflect increasing confidence that Kansas State could exceed national expectations.
Pressure still exists
Of course, favorable schedules and preseason optimism ultimately mean very little once games begin.
Kansas State must still execute every week.
The Wildcats cannot overlook opponents simply because outside analysts consider the schedule favorable.
Every Big 12 game presents unique challenges, and one poor performance can quickly change the direction of an entire season.
Klein has repeatedly emphasized preparation, discipline, and consistency—qualities that will determine whether preseason optimism becomes reality.
Final thoughts
Collin Klein’s first season as Kansas State’s head coach arrives with enormous expectations, but it also arrives with genuine opportunity. A favorable schedule, an experienced quarterback in Avery Johnson, and a roster eager to erase the disappointment of last season have combined to create optimism throughout Manhattan.
The Wildcats know they cannot rely on preseason rankings or favorable projections. Success must still be earned on the field every Saturday. Yet there is little doubt that the circumstances surrounding this team are encouraging. Klein brings championship experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of Kansas State football, while Johnson enters what many believe could be the defining season of his college career.
If the Wildcats stay healthy, avoid the slow start that haunted them a year ago, and capitalize on a schedule many analysts consider one of the most manageable in the nation, Kansas State could quickly emerge as one of the biggest comeback stories in college football. For Collin Klein, Year 1 is about more than wins and losses—it is an opportunity to restore belief, reestablish the Wildcats among the Big 12’s elite, and prove that the program’s next great chapter has only just begun.
