Where Does Kansas State Football Rank Among The Nation Through 2027?

It's been a lot of noise around Kansas State football's 2027 class so far.

But there's still a season to account for before we can get into that. And with that said, there still aren't many national believers of the current roster, as evidenced by the latest ESPN article. The popular news outlet listed Kansas State at No. 48 in its national rankings through 2027, even though it was previously ranked No. 21.

"The familiarity Klein and several of his assistants have with K-State helped keep certain players, including Johnson and other offensive standouts, such as running back Joe Jackson and top pass catcher Jaron Tibbs," the article wrote.

Kansas State had a massive roster overhaul after a rollercoaster 2025 season and the sudden retirement of veteran coach Chris Klieman. They lost several key stars, making it even more difficult to rebound as they ushered in a completely new man in charge. The program acquired some relatively solid additions, like edge rushers Wendell Gregory and Elijah Hill, and running backs Jay Harris and Rodney Fields Jr.

"The team took hits in the portal, but filled needs at edge and in the secondary - Ja'son Prevard, Koy Beasley - while adding a Big 12 starting running back with sophomore eligibility in Rodney Fields Jr. and a young playmaker at wideout in Izaiah Williams. Klein's recruiting strategy will be interesting to track," the article wrote.

But as evidenced, it may be difficult to convince outsiders that they will remain competitive. A brand-new roster and staff expected to rebound after a rollercoaster year may be too much to ask in Year 1 for Kansas State coach Collin Klein.

Still, Klein and the program remain optimistic about his leadership and success with the Wildcats.

"We’re gonna start fast and finish faster," Klein said in one of his spring interviews. "In today’s world of college football, you have one year to develop this team. We're gonna maximize every opportunity to the fullest, and we’re going to attack it right from the jump. The only way that you get better at playing football is playing football. We’re gonna utilize every inch of capacity."

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