Kansas State has been relatively quiet in most Big 12 predictions for next season.
But the latest conference incident has shaken things up. Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been investigated for gambling, which could raise legal concerns over the next few weeks. He has taken an "immediate indefinite leave of absence," seeking treatment for his gambling addiction.
Sorsby was one of the top quarterback transfers in the country, expected to extend the Red Raiders' 2025 ascension with even better production as the signal-caller. With his future now uncertain, the conference has slightly opened up to a new look.
CBS Sports now has Kansas State (+1500) with the third-best odds to win the conference outside of Texas Tech. The major outlet put the Wildcats right ahead of Houston but still substantially behind BYU (+600) and Utah (+750). Regardless, their being this high after their plethora of losses is pretty impressive and should instill some confidence in the fanbase.
Per usual, the first name mentioned as the Wildcats' X-factor was quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson is projected to have a career year with Collin Klein back in the building, after a disappointing 2025 season.
"Collin Klein's first season as the Wildcats' coach comes with a disclaimer — if Avery Johnson is as good as advertised as a senior under his former lead recruiter, Kansas State's offense should flourish," the article wrote. "Klein convinced 27 transfers to join him this cycle, along with 16 early enrollees at a program in transition with its first-year staff."
And once again, edge rushers Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill are lauded as huge parts of the equation for Kansas State's success.
"Most of the talent comes within a defensive unit that's expected to produce seven new starters from the portal," the article wrote. "Former Oklahoma State star Wendell Gregory is a game-wrecker off the edge and should help the Wildcats absorb losing a pair of starting pass rushers to Indiana. Like BYU and Utah, Kansas State also misses Texas Tech on its Big 12 slate."
Klein has expressed some optimism in his second spring ball interview, but fans will await the full product in the fall. Still, positions like the linebackers, running backs, and wide receivers are big ups for a fanbase looking for major improvements after last season, even with the significant departures.
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