Collin Klein takes over as head coach at Kansas State in 2026 after previously serving as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. Avery Johnson returns at quarterback as one of the most experienced players on the roster and enters his third season as Kansas State’s starter. Joe Jackson returns at running back, while Oklahoma State transfer Rodney Fields joins the backfield. Kansas State also returns five of its top eight receivers from last season, including leading receiver Jaron Tibbs and tight end Garrett Oakley, while Missouri transfer Josh Manning and Texas A&M transfer Izaiah Williams join the receiving corps.
The offensive line took a significant hit when full-time starter John Pastore suffered a season-ending leg injury after making 12 starts last season. In addition, injuries created movement along the line during fall camp, forcing Kansas State to work through several combinations entering the season. Tyler Johnson and Charlie Adams are among the experienced options, while Tanner Morley has been working his way back from injury.
Jordan Peterson takes over as defensive coordinator after previously coaching with Klein at Texas A&M. Kansas State returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top three. As a result, the Wildcats feature a largely new group of starters across the front seven, with linebacker Rex Van Wyhe the only returning top-eleven tackler in the group. Asa Newsom also returns at linebacker after making three starts last season. Oklahoma State transfer Wendell Gregory and Kennesaw State transfer Elijah Hill join the defensive end group, while Kentucky transfer Austin Ramsey and Cincinnati transfer Kamari Burns are among the interior additions. In the secondary, Zashon Rich, Wesley Fair, and Donovan McIntosh return, while Virginia transfer Ja’Son Prevard and junior-college transfer Micheal Graham Jr.. join the group.
Stanton Weber takes over as special teams coordinator after previously serving on Kansas State’s staff. Luis Rodriguez returns at placekicker, while Simon McClannan returns at punter after averaging 42.5 yards per punt last season. Sterling Lockett returns with return-game experience after the departure of primary kick returner Bryce Noernberg.
Overall, Kansas State enters 2026 with considerable continuity at quarterback and among its pass catchers, but significant turnover elsewhere on the roster. Johnson gives the Wildcats an experienced offensive foundation, while injuries have added uncertainty to an already changing offensive line. Defensively, Kansas State must replace seven of its top eleven tacklers and integrate numerous new contributors. Klein’s first roster has stability at quarterback, but considerable change around him and a less certain outlook.