Kansas State Football's 2026 Season Will Hang On One Major Factor
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In about 1.5 months, Kansas State football fans will finally get to see the product that's been building since program legend Collin Klein returned at the top position.
And according to outside hype, it's a season they should look forward to. While it won't be the same conference championship hype they entered 2025 with, many anticipate the program will have a much better season than originally thought.
But of course, it's contingent on one major factor: quarterback Avery Johnson. CBS Sports was the latest major outlet to endorse the Wildcats, but only if the veteran signal-caller has a career year.
"Kansas State jumps out because quarterback Avery Johnson is also quite volatile, the article wrote. "In one moment, Johnson is capable of making an exhilarating play, especially with his legs. In the next, he'll make a critical mistake. Can program legend and new coach Collin Klein help Johnson reduce some of the mistakes and produce a few more big plays?"
His performance, paired with the favorable schedule, is the biggest factor playing into Kansas State's success.
"If Johnson can elevate his game – and the offense as a whole – it's not crazy to think the Wildcats could reach the conference title game and play for a CFP berth," the article wrote. "The schedule, which doesn't include the top three teams in the Big 12, provides a very favorable path."
But of course, the program is banking on Klein's return to aid Johnson. Klein has been adamant about giving Johnson his breakout season in 2026.
"He’s a very stoic, laid-back guy, but that processor is going, and his motor is going hot under there," Klein said about Johnson during Big 12 Media Day. "That’s why we got so close and why we fit … We both love the game of football, we both love competing and winning."
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