ESPN released its power rankings for all 138 FBS teams. The list incorporated recent success, recruitment, returning players, and coaching switches.
And after the last few months, they shockingly still had Kansas State in favorable positioning. The popular news site placed the Wildcats at No. 29 on the list, right ahead of Arizona and right behind SMU. The only Big 12 teams ahead of them were Texas Tech (7), BYU (18), and Utah (25).
Again, very surprising. For Kansas State to be near the top 25 after its rollercoaster season, paired with the transfer portal losses, is definitely something to marvel at. 2025 was one of the most disappointing seasons in the program's recent memory. Many outsiders, including ESPN, predicted that the Wildcats would take the next leap and establish itself as a conference juggernaut and possible playoff contender.
They didn't. Junior quarterback Avery Johnson couldn't elevate the way his squad needed, the defense regressed, and the running game deteriorated behind an offensive line without chemistry and Dylan Edwards' early-season injury. Chris Klieman's retirement ended an era and ushered in program legend Collin Klein back to the school as the head man in charge.
An already-daunting task for Klein was made even more difficult after multiple significant losses. The Wildcats lost many star rotational players, including linebacker Austin Romaine (Texas Tech), wide receiver Jayce Brown (LSU), defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi (Indiana), and safety Qua Moss (Tennessee).
But clearly, Kansas State still has a fan in ESPN. Perhaps it's the history of program success and the return of such a winning player at the top position. Maybe it's the addition of soon-to-be stars in return. Either way, it shows there's still hope the Wildcats can remain competitive despite recent struggles. Klein already established that the goal was set from the moment players officially touched down for spring ball.
"The way my mindset has been - and our entire staff and players - is just that attack mindset," Klein said in his Wednesday afternoon press conference. "We’re gonna log it away and fix it next time, but at the end of the day, we’re moving forward. We’re not wasting any time, and I think the whole staff has done a really good job with that."
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