Did Kansas State's Collin Klein Get Slighted In Latest Big 12 Football Rankings?
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Kansas State football has been predicted to be an upper-echelon Big 12 team over the past few months, largely because of Collin Klein's return as the head coach. The program legend's success with the Wildcats over his career gives many the confidence that he will replicate that as the man in charge this time around.
But obviously, this isn't a guarantee. In fact, recent history illustrates a grim outlook for Klein in his first year coaching any program. CBS Sports published its Big 12 coach rankings for next season, placing Klein last among his competitors.
"Klein is the only one of the Big 12's four new faces who has never served as a head coach in a game," the article wrote. "The last six Power Four coaches with no prior head coaching experience combined to go 37-42 in their debut seasons.
Klein has served in many roles for Kansas State after graduating, including as the offensive coordinator when it won the conference championship in 2022. He then went to Texas A&M for two seasons, helping develop Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed into one of the best in the country. During his departure, Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson struggled to elevate beyond his freshman year, logging decent but underwhelming numbers. He failed to push the ball downfield and truly unleash his dual-threat passing ability.
Last season specifically was a sign that Johnson needs redirection. He dropped in nearly every statistical category in a year when his numbers were supposed to skyrocket. Johnson's turnovers, while few, were late-game blunders that basically sealed his team's fate. Whether it was play-calling or just general regression, the Kansas State signal-caller took a huge step back, calling for change.
That's where Klein's return is slated to be a catalyst for Johnson, and in turn, the team as a whole. His return as the primary play-caller will hopefully give Johnson the breakout season everyone anticipated since 2023.
And that's where CBS Sports – and many prominent outlets – have faith in Klein's role despite his newness to the position.
"The good news for Kansas State is that Klein won't have to learn the program from scratch," the article wrote. "He starred at quarterback (2008-12) before spending seven seasons on the Wildcats' coaching staff (2018-23), including the final two as offensive coordinator."
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