Kansas State fans are likely satisfied with their squad this upcoming season, as it boasts the best unit on paper they've had in a long time.

But it's hard not to imagine what they could've had either. AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are the top two projected draft picks next year, both of whom came out of high school as highly sought-after picks across the nation. Both visited Kansas State but ended up with the Wildcats' Big 12 rivals instead.

Dybantsa is a forward out of Utah Prep, who visited the Wildcats in late August. Ironically, the same day they lost the star wing was the day they acquired five-star tight end Linkon Cure. Meanwhile, Peterson is a guard out of Prolific Prep, who visited Kansas State in late September. Peterson had Ohio State and USC on his wish list as well before committing to the Jayhawks.

Regardless, K-State coach Jerome Tang is satisfied with his squad, acknowledging the star diversity within the projected starting lineup. The most significant factor is having such different players perform simultaneously.

“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. Multiple guys 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'S CHRIS KLIEMAN HAS TUNNEL VISION AGAINST KANSAS THIS WEEK

For Kansas State fans, this week is the ultimate matchup against their in-state rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks.

For Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, it's just another game. Like Kansas coach Lance Leipold, Klieman doesn't want to heighten this matchup to the point where the rest of the schedule is diminished in comparison.

"I try not to think about the game until the week of," Klieman said in his pregame interview. "I’ve tried to do a really good job with that because if you put all your chips in and talk about it in the off-season, and talk about it in the summer, then what’s the value of all these other games that you have played and are going to play?"

While he acknowledges the significance of this game, Klieman doesn't want to overhype it.

"I know it’s a big game for the state, the former players, the fan base, alumni, all that stuff," Klieman said. "But it’s still the next game, and our preparation has to be great Monday through Friday. Saturday's gonna get here fast enough."