Take A Look At Kansas State Football's New Partnership Deal

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Kansas State football is bringing in another partnership deal.

Athletic director Gene Taylor announced that the Wildcats will partner with Purple Wave Auction, an auction house in Manhattan, KS, that sells used equipment and machinery. The players will wear the company's logo on their uniforms throughout the season.

"Kansas State is set to announce a football jersey patch deal with Purple Wave Auction," Sports Business Journal reporter Ben Portnoy tweeted. "The deal, which was brokered by Learfield, marks the fifth in the Big 12, along with BYU, Oklahoma State, Kansas, and West Virginia."

Kansas State also recently announced its partnership with Progressive Insurance, illustrating the growing brand deals this upcoming year.

The Wildcats want to put on a show for those companies this season and hopefully expand visibility to other brands and larger audiences. It starts with quarterback Avery Johnson, who's looking for that breakout season that's been years in the making.

The hope is that Collin Klein's return will fuel this career season. He was Johnson's offensive coordinator in 2023, when he had the season that started all the hype. Last season, Johnson had 2,385 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing 109 times for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. With statistical drop-offs across the board, Klein's return was sorely needed for the veteran signal-caller.

The hope is that Klein's offensive mastermind tailors a game plan to Johnson's strengths, which means more designed runs and downfield passes. Johnson thrives in the play-action, but you'd have to imagine Klein wants to get the ball down the perimeter a bit more.

HERE'S WHY CONSISTENCY IS AVERY JOHNSON'S BIGGEST KEY IN 2026

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson is entering the most important season of his career. 

As a senior, this could be his last chance to compete for a Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. It could also be the final time he has an opportunity to impress NFL scouts. 

After a solid sophomore season as the full-time starter, he took somewhat of a step back last year as a junior. Most of that could be attributed to inconsistency. 

That's why being consistent is the biggest obstacle facing him this season. It will likely be the difference in the Wildcats finishing as a middle-tier in the conference or competing to play in the CFP. 

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com.

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