Big 12 · 2026

Kansas State

2025 record 6–6 5–4 conference
Postseason Bowl eligible; opted out after Klieman retirement
Head coach Collin Klein Year 1; Chris Klieman retired
Scheme Spread / 4-2-5
Conference
B−

Johnson/Jackson continuity + Klein continuity hire + market respect (title +1400; O8.5) support upper-half; 6–6 opt-out baseline and portal D questions cap it

Portal
B−

Portal #9; functional class around a retained QB

Depth
C+

The depth chart is current; defensive turnover keeps two-deep from a B

Market odds

To Win Big 12
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 8.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #11 51 commits · 229.46 pts
Portal #9 27 commits· avg 85.69

Roster notes

Leading story

Klein inherits QB Avery Johnson and RB Joe Jackson

Offense

QB Avery Johnson; RB Joe Jackson; WR Jaron Tibbs / Josh Manning / Izaiah Williams; TE Garrett Oakley; OL John Pastore / Tanner Morley / Delvin Morris / Dylan Villarouel / Gus Hawkins

Defense

Wendell Gregory / Kamari Burns / Travis Bates / Jordan Allen; Rex Van Wyhe / Mekhi Mason; Zashon Rich / Logan Bartley / Koy Beasley / Donovan McIntosh / Ja'Son Prevard

Key offense

  1. 01
    Avery Johnson QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 204/341, 2,385 yds, 18 TD, 6 INT
    • 477 rush yds / 8 TD
  2. 02
    Joe Jackson RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 169 carries, 911 yds, 8 rushing TD plus 22 receptions, 119 yds, 1 TD
  3. 03
    Jaron Tibbs WR
    Portal
    • Listed WR-X
    • 2025 (regular season)

Key defense

  1. 01
    Mekhi Mason MLB
    Portal
    • Listed MLB1
    • 2025 (regular season)
  2. 02
    Jordan Allen DE
    Returning
    • Listed RDE1
  3. 03
    Zashon Rich CB
    Returning
    • Listed LCB1 on the depth chart — 2025 production still light