For Kansas State coach Collin Klein, the goal, of course, is to contend with the conference's best and shift the direction the program took last season.
But beyond that, he wants to ensure the institution develops its players to turn talent into program cornerstones and grow during their time in Manhattan, KS.
"When I say being a developmental program, I think we're gonna be able to develop talent here very well, which I’m really excited about," Klein said in his Big 12 Today interview. "I think I’ll be able to have a much better feel after spring when we get on the grass and see how a lot of these pieces fit together."
He must do this with a new-look unit next season, after Kansas State lost a significant chunk of its core through the transfer portal. Losing players like Austin Romaine, Jayce Brown, and Qua Moss was detrimental to a team already trying to rebound from 2025.
Luckily, Klein is confident in the pieces Kansas State retained or brought in through the portal. Among those are edge rushers Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill to help set the edge defensively, and running back Rodney Fields Jr. to add to a revamped rushing attack. Klein also talked about retaining wide receiver Jaron Tibbs, tight end Garrett Oakley, and cornerbacks Donovan McIntosh and Zachon Rich.
"From a big picture standpoint, we’re gonna be football guys," Klein said. "We’re gonna have that blue-collar nature, looking for guys that are good fundamentally, they compete, and it shows on tape how hard they play."
The initiative remains the same for next year, as Klein attempts to take Kansas State to new heights as the head coach.
"We’re gonna stay true to a value system that’s been in place for a long time," Klein said in his opening press conference. "We’re gonna move our program forward and take the steps necessary to chase excellence in everything we do. We’re gonna love our players. We’re gonna be elite relationship builders that strive and scratch and claw to make sure that we know that we, myself, and our staff have their backs no matter what. Make sure to help them become the best they can be, on and off the field."
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