Kansas State Wildcats 2026 Preview
Kansas State are 1-0 in 2026. They went 6-6 (5-4 in the Big 12). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Kansas State in 2026
- New head coach in Collin Klein (Texas A&M Offensive Coordinator)
- New offensive coordinator in Sean Gleeson (Missouri QB Coach) and new defensive coordinator in Jordan Peterson (Texas A&M Co-Defensive Coordinator)
- Avery Johnson returns at QB after a 2025 season of 2,385 yards, 18 TDs, and 6 INTs, as well as 477 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs
- Joe Jackson returns at RB after a sophomore season of 911 yards and 8 TDs
- Top player in terms of receiving yards is gone, with the top returner being Jaron Tibbs (595 yards, 3 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start at WR in Missouri transfer Joshua Manning (318 yards, 2 TDs) and Texas A&M transfer Izaiah Willaims (64 yards, 1 TD)
- Returning one starting offensive lineman with two transfers expected to start
- 2025 PPG/YPG: 28.6 ppg (43rd out of 136), 361.4 ppg (82nd out of 136)
- Returning three starters on defense in CB Zashon Rich (57 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start including Louisiana Tech transfer LB Mekhi Mason (68 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and Virginia transfer DB Ja’son Prevard (3 INTs)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Kansas State Wildcats 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State | Neutral | — |
| 2 | North Dakota | Home | — |
| 3 | Army | Home | — |
| 4 | Arizona | Away | — |
| 5 | UCF | Home | — |
| 6 | Baylor | Away | — |
| 7 | TCU | Home | — |
| 8 | Kansas | Away | — |
| 9 | Texas Tech | Home | — |
| 10 | Oklahoma State | Away | — |
| 11 | Utah | Away | — |
| 12 | Colorado | Home | — |
Get the printable Kansas State Wildcats 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
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TCU Horned Frogs
Texas Tech Red Raiders
UCF Knights
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Kansas State Wildcats betting FAQ
Kansas State Wildcats play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Iowa State. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Kansas State is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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