Collin Klein made a strong impression at Big 12 media days this week, and not just because of the way he carried himself in front of the cameras. Kansas State’s new head football coach came across with the kind of edge and certainty that has quickly become part of the conversation around the Wildcats heading into the 2026 season.
One of the clearest messages from Klein was what he wants from quarterback Avery Johnson.
“I want him to be in attack mode and cut it loose from the jump.”
That’s the kind of instruction that fits the tone Klein has been setting. Johnson, who spoke about the change in the building, said, “Everybody just has a newfound energy.”
Klein also made it clear that toughness is non-negotiable in his program.
“I tell them it’s gonna be hard. I tell them it’s an honor to wear that PowerCat.”
That kind of message is already resonating with people around the program. Klein’s presence at media days drew plenty of attention, and his style of communication stood out as much as anything else he said.
There was also a glimpse into the football mind behind the coach. When asked about old play calls, Klein showed the kind of recall that impressed observers.
Kansas State's Collin Klein has the recall of Sean McVay when you ask him about old play calls.
Beyond the football talk, Klein also spoke about what drives him personally.
“Top to bottom, my faith, my relationship w/Jesus is the most important thing. These situations are completely because of him & everything that he has blessed me & my family with.
It's not because of how hard I've worked, how smart I am. It has…”
Recruiting has been another early bright spot. Klein’s first class at Kansas State is already drawing notice, with the Wildcats sitting No. 2 in the Big 12 and No. 31 nationally. Players in the class have pointed to why they believe in what’s being built in Manhattan.
Klein also addressed a Facebook post from a fan that had aged poorly 15 years ago.
And there was one more detail that added to the picture of how serious he was about the opportunity. Klein flew to Utah on his own dime for the job interview and showed up in a suit and tie. Utah did not offer him a scholarship, a miss that now looks costly from their side.
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Joe Jackson Embraces New Backfield Competition At Kansas State
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Kansas States additions of Rodney Fields and Jay Harris only seem to have sharpened that mindset. Jackson has talked up the way their skill sets fit together and the relationship the three have already built, a sign that the Wildcats are trying to create more than a simple depth chart battle. For Jackson, the competition is part of the appeal, and how that rotation settles in could shape one of the more important position groups on the roster. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State Is Already Pushing Hard To Build Its Next Wave
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Lewis and Snell are both deep into crowded recruiting battles, while Snow is also hearing from some of the biggest names in the sport. Even the younger names in the mix show how wide Kansas State is casting its net as it tries to stack talent well ahead of time, and the real question now is how many of these early relationships the Wildcats can turn into something more down the road. [Read more 🡒]