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· collected 2026-08-21 · by Dave Skretta The Associated Press
Kansas State University has hired former star quarterback Collin Klein as its new coach after Chris Klieman's retirement, bringing him back to the program where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Klein had been serving as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, and his ability to connect with players and fans is expected to ease his transition into the head coaching role. The Wildcats are returning quarterback Avery Johnson, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, and have an easier schedule this season that includes games against Nicholls, Washington State, and Tulane. Klein's return may help bring out the best in Johnson, who will be joined by several new pass-catchers, including transfers Josh Manning and Izaiah Williams.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-21,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
After *Kansas State* coach Chris Klieman retired, the university brought back former star quarterback Collin Klein, who will now lead the Wildcats. Klein, a Heisman Trophy finalist, had been serving as the offensive coordinator at *Texas A&M*. The team is expecting a turnaround with Klein at the helm, despite a disappointing 6-6 record last season that included losses to *Army* and *Arizona*. The return of quarterback Avery Johnson and an easy schedule should help the Wildcats be competitive in their league. Klein has already made a smooth transition, thanks to his ability to connect with players and fans.
Written for “K-State Football Coaching Change” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
This article does not take a side on a contested political
question, so it has no leaning score. That is an
answer rather than a gap: a match report or a rescue can be warmly
or critically written without being left or right, and scoring it
anyway is how approval of a subject gets recorded as a political
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No political leaning scored for article 1807 · logged 2026-08-31
Kansas State had high expectations last season, then lost its opener to Iowa State in Ireland, barely beat North Dakota, lost at home to Army and then was beaten by Arizona on the road.
asserted
State → have → road
The season, which ultimately ended in a 6-6 record, took its toll on coach Chris Klieman, who chose to retire after qualifying the Wildcats for six bowl games in seven seasons.
asserted
who → end → seasons
Don’t expect expectations to be diminished with a new coach, though.
asserted
expectations → expect → coach
Kansas State acted quickly in bringing back former Heisman Trophy finalist and famous alumnus Collin Klein, who had been serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. His whose ability to connect with players and the fanbase has made for a relatively easy transition.
“This is home for me.
asserted
This → act → me
It’s a dream come true,” Klein said, “and I’m so grateful for our administration and our players and all the effort that has been put in in the last six months as we build this thing and move it forward.
asserted
we → ’ → it
The return of electric-if-inconsistent quarterback Avery Johnson and a schedule that ranks as one of the easiest in the country — Nicholls, Washington State and Tulane out of conference, and no Texas Tech or BYU in league play — should allow the Wildcats to be in the mix for the league championship game.
asserted
Wildcats → rank → game
Strength of the Wildcats remains the offense
Johnson has been maddening in his Kansas State tenure, showing flashes of brilliance but also moments that left fans scratching their heads.
asserted
that → remain → heads
The return of Klein, who like Johnson was a dual-threat quarterback, may bring out the best in him.
uncertain
who → bring → him
Joe Jackson is back after thriving at running back last season, but much of the offensive line has turned over along with the wide receiver corps.
asserted
much → thrive → corps
Missouri transfer Josh Manning and Texas A&M transfer Izaiah Williams are among the new pass-catchers who should make an immediate impact, while returnees Jaron Tibbs and Adonis Moise will also be in the mix.
asserted
Tibbs → make → mix
Weakness could become strength if new-look defense shines
The Wildcats gave up nearly 400 yards and more than 26 points per game last season, so the fervent hope is new coordinator Jordan Peterson — who was co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M the past two seasons — can turn a weakness into a strength.
It doesn’t help his cause that edge rushers Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor transferred to Indiana.
uncertain
Osunsanmi → become → Indiana
But the Wildcats also landed one of the best edge prospects in the portal when Oklahoma State’s Wendell Gregory decided to stay in the Big 12.
asserted
Gregory → land → 12
He’ll be joined by Kennesaw State transfer Elijah Hill in a defensive front that is crucial to Kansas State’s success.
asserted
that → join → success
In the defensive backfield, Zashon Rich is coming off a breakthrough season.
asserted
Rich → come → season
Ja’Son Prevard (Virginia) and Kaleb Patterson (Illinois) are two high-profile transfers while freshman Josiah Vilmael may force his way onto the field on his sheer ability.
uncertain
Vilmael → force → ability
