When a program legend returns to the team as a head coach, there's obviously some excitement within for high expectations.
But it hits even harder when it's coming from a newer face. Kansas State three-star defensive tackle Carnell Jackson, who joined the team earlier last month, shared his initial thoughts on Collin Klein taking over as the head coach. Jackson is based out of Auburn High School in Auburn, AL.
"I feel like it's gonna bring a new environment," Jackson said in an interview with KStateRoundtable. "It'll be a great start for K-State. I feel like he can bring a lot of new things."
Klein needs no introduction, leading the program to two of its three Big 12 championships. He won as the quarterback in 2012 during his Heisman campaign, and then again in 2022 as the offensive coordinator with quarterback Will Howard and running back Deuce Vaughn. His history within the program, especially his success, is the ultimate encouragement for those inside and out.
Jackson is excited to enter the Wildcats family under Klein. He received offers from West Virginia, Houston, and Alabama A&M, and even committed to Arkansas. But in the end, he chose Kansas State.
"I feel like he's gonna bring the energy," Jackson said. "He'll bring that championship level out of everybody there."
Jackson also wants to help a Kansas State defensive line that struggled in 2025. They got to the quarterback pretty well, but struggled to stop the run against teams like Army and Utah. Their inability to get offenses off the field bled clock and kept the ball out of quarterback Avery Johnson's hands. Kansas State wants to return to dominating the line of scrimmage on both ends of the field, making the defensive line a point of emphasis next season.
Jackson hopes to put his imprint, especially in the middle of the defense. Last season at Auburn High, he logged 35 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries.
"I can bring a force in that running game," Jackson said. "Be able to stop the run, create that wall for the defense, stop runs up the middle, and create chaos in the pass game."
Hopefully, new defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt can help Jackson and the rest of the unit reach that point. As the defensive ends coach, Wyatt produced three of the last five Big 12 Defensive Ends of the Year: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2021, 2022) and Brendan Mott (2024).
