Could Kansas State Wildcats Take Advantage Of Wide Open Big 12?
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The Kansas State Wildcats are projected as a middle-tier team in the Big 12 conference this season.
That doesn't mean they aren't in contention for the league championship. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are the favorites but many are expecting a wide-open race throughout the season. In recent years, the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Utah Utes and even the Wildcats have failed to live up to preseason expectations.
So anything is possible once the season begins.
The Wildcats are entering a new era under coach Collin Klein, who is in complete charge for the first time in his career. He replaced successful coach Chris Klieman, who surprisingly stepped down following last year's disappointing 6-6 finish. The Wildcats were among the preseason favorites but sputtered because of struggles in all phases.
One of those players who endured problems was quarterback Avery Johnson. Some would say he took a step back after a solid sophomore season, his first as a starter, in 2024. Last year he threw for 2,385 yards with 18 touchdowns against just six interceptions but most were expecting more.
Johnson is back for his third and perhaps final season with hopes of living up to those lofty expectations. In high school, he was a four-star recruit out of Maize High School and was pegged as the school's next quarterback phenom.
The Wildcats were 0-3 against Texas Tech, the Utah Utes and Arizona Wildcats, who are all among the top five in the preseason poll. They did not play the No. 2 BYU Cougars last year but do play the Houston Cougars (tied for No. 3) Oct. 10 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats also get Arizona in Manhattan, too, so this could be a year where the schedule works in their favor.
Here's the full poll:
2026 Big 12 Football Preseason Media Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Texas Tech (14) 254
2. BYU (2) 239
3. Arizona 207
3. Houston 207
5. Utah 198
6. Texas Christian 166
7. Arizona State 161
8. Kansas State 158
9. Oklahoma State 124
10. Baylor 88
11. Cincinnati 85
12. Kansas 79
13. West Virginia 76
14. Central Florida 68
15. Colorado 40
16. Iowa State 26
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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