Blake Barnett’s college path has been quieter than his high school days, but the former Erie star still believes his turn is coming at Kansas State.
Barnett spent his final season at Erie High School in full command of the spotlight, the kind of quarterback who played with enough fearlessness to make coaches hold their breath. That edge helped define him.
In the fall of 2023, he became Colorado’s 11-man career touchdown leader and then capped his Tigers career by guiding Erie to the Class 4A state championship. He finished it with the final scoring drive against Palmer Ridge on an injured leg, then walked off at CSU’s Canvas Stadium in the sort of exit that fit his style: dramatic, tough and unforgettable.
Now the question is whether that same version of Barnett can emerge at Kansas State.
Since arriving in Manhattan, Barnett has worked his way through the background, trying to position himself as a future starter for the Wildcats. He redshirted in 2024, then spent last season as backup to Avery Johnson. Barnett appeared in four games, ran the ball 14 times for 40 yards and never threw a pass.
Johnson is back as the starter in 2026 under new head coach Collin Klein, the Loveland High School graduate. Johnson could also choose to return for a fifth season in 2027.
Barnett isn’t backing away from the challenge.
“Things are going great out here,” Barnett told BoCoPreps.com. “The goal this year is to just be my best self every day and play some meaningful snaps.”
Klein has not announced Johnson’s backup for 2026, but Barnett is approaching the season with a clear mission: show Kansas State what he can do when the offense is fully in his hands.
“I’m hoping I can get in and play with full access to the offense and show what I can do with my arm,” Barnett said. “If that’s this year or next year, I’ll be ready to help the ’Cats win.”
One person who likes Barnett’s chances is John Pastore, a senior offensive lineman at Kansas State who played with Barnett at Erie before following him to Manhattan. Pastore knows the patience it can take to earn a real role, and he sees Barnett growing into the kind of player who can handle one.
“I think he’s got a great shot,” said Pastore, who was named to the preseason All-Big 12 Team earlier this week. “Every year, he’s becoming more and more confident in himself, which has allowed him to be more comfortable trying to lead the team.”
Barnett’s Erie résumé still speaks loudly. Though it wasn’t recognized as an official CHSAA record at the time, he passed Christian McCaffrey’s 11-man career touchdown mark in 2023. Over three seasons as the Tigers’ starter, he piled up 159 touchdowns, more than 7,500 passing yards and more than 3,400 rushing yards.
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