As Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson enters his final season with the program, the institution will have to go searching for its next signal-caller.
Well, they've already entered the race for a top prospect at the position. John Hersey High's Jake Nawrot, a four-star from Arlington Heights, IL, is the No. 2-ranked quarterback recruit in his 2027 class. He is scheduled to visit Manhattan, KS, on Apr. 9, after touring the school a few months ago.
Last season, he threw for 3,078 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, rushing for 124 yards and eight additional scores. He is also drawing interest from Iowa, Florida State, and Kentucky.
COLLIN KLEIN'S TOP OBJECTIVE IN FIRST SEASON AS KANSAS STATE COACH
Kansas State coach Collin Klein wants to hit the ground running in his return to Manhattan, KS. While no one truly expects the team to shift completely in Klein's first season, there are things they can do to "win" in his first year. He had three simple tasks for his players to make his job easier in 2026.
"Block, tackle, and finish," Klein said in a recent interview. "We need to fundamentally improve how we block, tackle, and then get our motor ramped up for how hard we play collectively on both sides. If we walk out of those 15 practices with those three things, I think we've got a chance to be pretty good."
Very simple advice, but very necessary considering how last season went for the Wildcats. Missed tackles, poor offensive line play in the ground game, and just overall underwhelming performances caused the 2025 season to unravel. They not only lowered the preseason hopes of winning the conference, but also lost the program's identity. Kansas State is typically a hard-hitting physical team defined by strong defenses and solid rushing attacks. Without either, the team fell way off track.
That's one of the biggest goals for Klein as he steps into the mantle. The traits that have made the Wildcats successful and such a Big 12 staple need to be reinstated for future success.
"We’re gonna be a blue-collar outfit," Klein said. "We’re gonna work extremely hard, we’re gonna have a very high level of preparation, and we’re gonna be a disciplined, tough physical ball club. I think I’ve said it a couple of times, but we’re gonna be the new old school."
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!