Kansas State football's continued struggles only give fans more reason to look forward to their basketball team emerging in just a few weeks.

And this may be the best season the team's had in a while. With the significant additions this offseason, the Wildcats are projected to be a Tournament team at minimum.

College basketball analyst Andy Katz discussed these expectations in his latest article, which details the biggest bounce-back teams of 2025. The article wrote:

"The Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in year one of the Jerome Tang tenure, advanced to the NIT in the second season and missed the tournament last season. But the addition of all-American PJ Haggerty from Memphis should get the Wildcats back to the NCAA tournament."

Andy Katz's top 10 bounce back teams for the 2025-26 men's college basketball season These are the top 10 teams that could bounce back this season, ranked by Andy Katz.

Last season, Kansas State was expected to make it back to the big dance, but fell way short. The inconsistency among the stars' performances limited any coherent play. Players like Coleman Hawkins and Dug McDaniel were unable to elevate the Wildcats to postseason contention, as they fell in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament. K-State coach Jerome Tang acknowledged the different skill sets of his new players while emphasizing the need to integrate their individual talents to play off each other.

“We’ve got a couple of dudes that are different," Tang said in his Sept. 26 press conference. "Moby’s athleticism is different. Abdi’s shot-making ability. Andre’s shot-making ability is a little bit different. Dorin’s size is different. There are multiple guys who add something a little different. Then whenever you have a returning All-American with the ball in his hands, that’s gonna help you."

K-STATE VS. TCU FOOTBALL ODDS AND PREVIEW

Game time: Oct. 11, 3:30 p.m. EST

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS

TV: FOX Sports

VITALS: Kansas State is coming off a heartbreaker against Baylor after blowing a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Avery Johnson had his best performance of the season, throwing for a season-high 344 passing yards, while rushing 10 times for 72 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, a back-breaking pick-six sealed the loss.

The Wildcats face a TCU squad that excels in the passing attack but has struggled against the run. Kansas State's defense needs a boost after being dominated by big plays over the last few weeks, primarily through the air.

Betting line: K-State (+1.5)

O/U: 55.5

Money Line: KSU -120, TCU +102

QUOTABLE: "They've got so many guys that can beat you," Klieman said in his TCU pregame interview. "Then you've got a guy who is throwing the ball really accurately, especially on deep balls. I know [Josh Hoover's] a terrific athlete and can run the ball. That's the thing that probably scares us the most. We've given up some explosive plays, and they're an explosive offense that's going to take those shots."

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