Everything changed in Manhattan the moment Chris Klieman walked away. If you follow news Kansas State football, you know the vibe around Bill Snyder Family Stadium usually feels like a steady, predictable machine. But 2025 was weird. A 6-6 record isn't what anyone expected, and Klieman’s sudden retirement in December sent shockwaves through the Little Apple that are still rattling the windows of Aggieville in January 2026.
People are panicking. Honestly, I get it. When a coach who delivered a Big 12 title and 54 wins says he’d "die" if he kept doing the job because of the stress of NIL and the portal, you have to listen.
But here is the thing: the "doom and gloom" narrative isn't actually supported by the facts on the ground. Collin Klein has stepped into the big chair, and the moves he is making right now suggest that K-State isn't falling apart—it’s just evolving.
The Reality of the News Kansas State Football Coaching Shakeup
The most significant piece of news Kansas State football recently is the return of Thad Ward as wide receivers coach. He’s back from Illinois, where he was the assistant head coach under Bret Bielema. This wasn’t just a random hire; it was a "think purple" text from Collin Klein that brought him home. Ward and Klein are close. Like, "go-to-war-together" close.
Ward's arrival on January 2nd was a statement. While some fans were worried about a "portal exodus" after Klieman left, Klein was busy putting a cellphone in Ward’s hand and telling him to get to work. They’ve been grinding non-stop to stabilize a roster that could have easily disintegrated.
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It's also worth noting that Terence Newman just got the nod for the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. That might seem like a "history" thing rather than "news," but for a program that relies on its identity and culture, having a legend like Newman in the spotlight right now is a massive recruiting tool. It reminds these kids that you can reach the absolute pinnacle of the sport from Manhattan, Kansas.
What Avery Johnson’s 2025 Stats Actually Tell Us
If you look at the raw numbers from last year, you might be tempted to say Avery Johnson regressed. He finished with 2,385 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. On the ground, he added 477 yards and 8 scores.
Is it 2022-level efficiency? No. But context matters.
K-State played an absolute gauntlet in 2025. They lost heartbreakers to Iowa State (21-24) and Army (21-24) early on. They almost pulled off a miracle against Utah, losing 47-51 in a game where Avery actually ran for five touchdowns. You read that right. Five.
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The kid is a warrior. The news Kansas State football fans should care about isn't that the team went 6-6; it’s that Avery Johnson is staying put. In the era of the $2 million quarterback transfer, Avery’s commitment to Collin Klein’s vision is the anchor this program needs. He isn't just a dual-threat QB anymore; he’s the face of the post-Klieman rebuild.
The Transfer Portal: Who is Actually Coming In?
The portal news Kansas State football fans are tracking is surprisingly positive. The "winter-only" window has been a success. While some names left, the incoming talent is high-impact.
- Wendell Gregory (EDGE): This is a massive get from Oklahoma State. He’s 6'3", 255 pounds, and he had 12 tackles for loss as a freshman last year. He’s the "monster" this defense needs to replace some of the veteran production they're losing.
- Jay Harris (RB): Coming over from Oregon after their CFP run. Harris is a physical runner who should take the pressure off Avery Johnson in the RPO game.
- The Recruiting Class: K-State signed 24 players for the 2026 cycle. It’s a diverse group—six from Texas, four from Missouri, and some local gems like Arley Morrell from Pratt.
Addressing the "Sustainable" Elephant in the Room
Chris Klieman didn't mince words when he left. He called the current state of college football "unsustainable." He talked about how December and January have become "deal-making" months instead of recruiting months.
That is a real concern. If a guy who won four national titles at North Dakota State and a Big 12 title at K-State says he's burnt out, the system is broken.
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However, Collin Klein is younger. He’s "Manhattan-made." He understands the NIL landscape because he’s been in the middle of it as an OC. The news Kansas State football fans should focus on is that Klein isn't trying to fight the new system; he’s trying to navigate it with a "Think Purple" mindset.
Klieman’s honesty was a warning to the NCAA, but for K-State, it was an opportunity to reset with a leader who has the energy to handle the 24/7 chaos of the modern game.
What to Watch Next in Manhattan
The next few months are going to be about chemistry. We know the talent is there. We know Avery Johnson can break a game open at any second. But can Collin Klein manage the locker room as a first-time head coach?
One thing is for sure: the defense will look different. Bringing in guys like Wendell Gregory suggests a more aggressive, pass-rushing philosophy. The 2025 defense gave up 26.7 points per game, which ranked 79th nationally. That has to get better if they want to compete for a Big 12 title again.
Keep an eye on the spring game. That will be our first real look at how much the offense has changed under Klein’s full control.
Actionable Insights for K-State Fans
- Monitor the Secondary: With legends like Newman being honored, keep an eye on how the current DBs develop. The portal might still see some late additions here.
- Support the NIL Collectives: Klieman’s departure was a direct result of the "compensation package" stress. If you want the roster to stay together, the collective needs to be competitive.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The Big 12 is wide open. With no clear "superpower" in the league right now, a 6-6 team with a star QB can jump to 10 wins very quickly.
- Watch the Staffing: Thad Ward's hire was huge, but keep an eye on the defensive side. Klein needs a veteran DC to balance out his offensive expertise.
The news Kansas State football produces over the next few weeks will define the next decade of the program. It's a pivot point. But if Avery Johnson is under center and Collin Klein is calling the shots, the Wildcats are going to be just fine.