Kansas State's Collin Klein Ready For Challenge Of Leading Alma Mater

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Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein knows what he's up against. 

A coach returning to lead his alma mater is never easy. Some have succeeded. Many have failed. 

But Klein is more than up for the difficult task. That is the message he relayed Wednesday during Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas. 

“I don’t think even as much as you walk yourself through it mentally," Klein said. "You really even understand until your boots are on the ground and you’re in it."

Klein, who starred as the Wildcats' quarterback in the early 2010s, is making his second coaching stint in Manhattan, Kan. He also served as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator before leaving for Texas A & M in 2024. 

But now is back as the guy in charge. He already has plans of turning the Wildcats into winners again. For starters, he wants recruits to realize playing for him isn't going to be easy because he expects peak effort at all times.

“I tell recruits it’s going to be hard,” Klein said. “I tell them it’s a badge of honor to wear that Powercat. I tell them that the most valuable things in life you’re going to have to pay the most for. We’re going to make that price really freaking high to play at Kansas State."

Klein is among the four new coaches in the Big 12. The others are Eric Morris of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Jimmy Rogers (Iowa State Cyclones), Morgan Scalley (Utah). 

So far, Klein has won over his new players. After a strong spring, they are excited about things going live in a few weeks once preseason camp opens. No one is more ready to go under Klein than quarterback Avery Johnson. 

“Everybody has a newfound energy,” Johnson ⁠said. “We’ve all been super grateful for Coach Klein to come back, and I think we’re ​all excited for the season.”

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com 

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