As Collin Klein transitions to Kansas State's top position, his biggest challenge will be inheriting a team that went wildly off its tracks in 2025.
And it starts with the offense. CBS Sports did a story highlighting the biggest Big 12 storylines before spring football, attributing Klein's biggest challenge to the offensive side of the ball. Klein was the offensive coordinator for Kansas State a few years ago, helping the team win its 2022 Big 12 championship.
"Klein is returning to his alma mater in hopes of pushing Kansas State back to the top of the Big 12," the article wrote. "To do so, he'll have to reinvigorate an offense that has gotten stale, and Klein has a proven track record of doing just that in Manhattan. As the Wildcats' offense coordinator in 2022 and 2023, Klein orchestrated the No. 37 and No. 10 scoring offenses in the country, respectively."
That challenge starts with quarterback Avery Johnson, who threw for 2,385 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. He hardly unleashed his dual-threat passing attack, failing to really rush the ball or push it down the field to his receivers. Part of that is the scheme and personnel, so Klein will be tested to shift that.
"One of the keys for Klein, now the head coach, will be to get the most out of quarterback Avery Johnson," the article wrote. "The rising senior cut down on turnovers last year, but he also saw a dip in passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing yards."
Klein is confident he can help Johnson reach prime form. As one of the best rushing quarterbacks in college history, Klein can align with Johnson's play style. The Kansas State legend will likely implement a heavier rushing attack and more downfield plays to get weapons on the perimeter. The biggest thing for Johnson is building his confidence back up after a disappointing season.
"We’re gonna start fast and finish faster," Klein said in an interview with KCSN. "In today’s world of college football, you have one year to develop this team. We're gonna maximize every opportunity to the fullest, and we’re going to attack it right from the jump. The only way that you get better at playing football is by playing football. We’re gonna utilize every inch of capacity."
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