Kansas State's rushing attack has been a staple of the program for so long that it has become a part of the Wildcats football identity.
So it was a disappointment when it took such a big step back in 2025. Dylan Edwards' early-season injury derailed the run game and offset the offensive plans. Luckily, they have an offensive mastermind at the helm this year, and he just so happens to have some experience within the school.
Wildcats coach and program legend Collin Klein will be calling the plays, something that excites fans who have seen him win as both a quarterback and an offensive coordinator. As a rushing quarterback who will oversee the dynamic Avery Johnson, he will likely implement a more run-based attack to get more motion and play-action.
"I would say this is probably as good an offense to play running back as there is in the country," Klein said in his Wednesday afternoon press conference. "We’re gonna be able to threaten people at the point of attack and run the ball effectively, and we’re gonna get them one-on-one matchups in the secondary and a lot of space to do something with it. When they get it in their hands, we have shown the ability to be able to get to them in the passing game and provide them opportunities to make plays in a lot of different ways."
This is music to the ears of Joe Jackson and incoming rushers Rodney Fields Jr. and Jay Harris. Jackson exploded as the primary option late in 2025 after Edwards' injury, rushing 64 times for 504 yards and seven touchdowns over the last three games. Fields led Oklahoma State in rushing yards and attempts last year, which could bump him to being the complementary back. Harris didn't get a ton of reps at Oregon, but he will have much more opportunity in a thinner running back room.
"It’s gonna take a group," Klein said. "Being able to tell those guys, however many opportunities they get a game, they gotta go 1,000 miles an hour. When they get a little tired, the next guy‘s gonna go in, and he’s gonna get his chances. It’s fun to recruit running backs here."
Johnson isn't a downfield passer, so Klein will probably cater to him with a heavier run game and backs coming out of the backfield for short passes.
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