Kansas State’s new-look defense is already drawing praise, and first-year coach Collin Klein isn’t hiding his excitement about what he’s seeing from Wendell Gregory.
Gregory, the defensive end transfer from Oklahoma State, has been one of the Wildcats’ most talked-about newcomers. But he’s not alone. Jordan Allen has also made a strong early impression, and Klein said both players have given the staff plenty to like.
“Their ability to rush the passer is real,” Klein said. “They have really, really good hands.
They have good twitch and ability to bend, and both of them have been extremely diligent in the weight room this offseason. Not that they were sitting in a bad place, but Coach (Jeremy) Jacobs, the weight program, and credit to their effort - they've done a heck of a job preparing themselves for the season.
That shows up on tape. They're both high-motor guys, and they show up around the football a lot.”
Allen’s production last season included 17 tackles, five for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games. With Gregory now in the fold, there’s reason to think those numbers could climb.
Gregory arrives with a strong résumé of his own. He was considered arguably the No. 1 player in the transfer portal after last season at Oklahoma State and was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Kansas State is also still waiting for clarity on offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick. Klein said earlier this week at media day that Fitzpatrick and his family have met with team doctors, but the process is still ongoing.
Fitzpatrick missed last season after a preseason medical emergency, even though he had been expected to step in as the starting left tackle following his transfer from Ohio State. His absence created an opening that John Patore filled, and Patore is now a preseason All-Big 12 pick. Even so, the Wildcats would welcome a healthy Fitzpatrick this fall.
All of that feeds into what feels like one of the most anticipated seasons in recent Kansas State memory. It’s the first year of the Collin Klein era, with the former Wildcats star taking over after Chris Klieman resigned unexpectedly following last year’s 6-6 finish. Klein’s goal is clear: push Kansas State back into the Big 12 race.
Fans will get a chance to see Klein and the team up close on Aug. 22 at the annual “Meet the Cats” event at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m.
In Other News...
Kansas State Is About To Put A New Name On Its Jerseys
Kansas State is getting ready to take a step that has become familiar across college sports but still feels new enough to draw attention in Manhattan: putting a sponsor patch on football jerseys. Athletics director Gene Taylor said the school is close to finalizing a football-specific deal, and the details should be announced soon. It is the latest sign of how programs are finding new ways to use their uniforms and branding in an era when outside corporate support has become increasingly visible.
The Wildcats have already offered a clue about where this is headed, with practice jerseys featuring a green Irish clover tied to a company that has long had connections to the university. For a fan base that pays close attention to every uniform tweak, the move adds another layer to a season in which the look of the team may change before the on-field product does. The remaining question is not whether the patch is coming, but how quickly Kansas State will make the arrangement official and what name will soon be stitched onto the jersey. [Read more 🡒]
Collin Klein Is Bringing Back A K-State Standard Fans Know Well
Collin Kleins return to Manhattan has a familiar feel for Kansas State fans who remember the Bill Snyder era for its discipline, structure and no-nonsense expectations. Klein is leaning into many of the same standards, with demanding practices and a clear emphasis on work ethic, while still bringing his own imprint to the job. The programs identity has always been tied to habits as much as hype, and Klein appears intent on keeping that foundation intact.
He also differs from Snyder in ways that matter around the edges, including a more media-friendly presence and a visible emphasis on family priorities. For the Wildcats, the bigger picture is how that blend translates on the field, especially with Avery Johnson drawing outside attention as a possible Heisman Trophy name. The buzz is understandable, but history suggests that kind of leap remains a long shot, which only adds more intrigue to a season that already has plenty riding on it. [Read more 🡒]
Jace Adler Embodies What Kansas State Fans Love About This Program
Jace Adler arrived in Manhattan with the kind of rsum that usually comes with a scholarship and a spotlight, but he took a different path. The Andover Central product was a standout in high school, piling up state-level honors and helping lead his team to a championship, then turned down scholarship chances elsewhere to walk on at Kansas State. In May, the Bill Snyder Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation recognized that choice with a scholarship of its own, a nod to both his accomplishments and the kind of commitment this program has long celebrated.
Adlers first season of action with the Wildcats offered a small but meaningful glimpse of what that decision can look like in practice. The walk-on safety saw the field in three games in 2025 while keeping his redshirt intact, a modest early step for a player who arrived with a decorated pedigree and a clear willingness to earn everything he gets. For Kansas State, players like Adler fit the culture as much as the depth chart, and his path is the sort of story fans tend to appreciate even before it becomes a bigger one. [Read more 🡒]