The Kansas State Wildcats are a team experienced at being competitive in the Big 12 Conference and this season should be no exception.
Last year the Wildcats missed out on a second straight berth in the Big 12 Championship Game and finished the season 9-4 with a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The season before, the Wildcats got to the Big 12 title game and beat TCU in overtime in what might be one of the best championship games in league history.
Now, last year’s starting quarterback is now the starter at Ohio State and the Wildcats’ top recruit from a year ago has the job. And the Wildcats have their eye on getting back to Arlington in a conference remade by realignment for the second straight season.
Here’s how things could shake out this season.
KANSAS STATE OFFENSE: AVERY’S DAY
The offseason and the ramp-up to the regular season has revolved around the ascent of quarterback Avery Johnson, who flashed all Kansas State fans could want in his start at the Pop-Tarts Bowl, as he accounted for 249 yards of offense and three touchdowns. Now, the keys to the offense are his and nothing is “what if?” It starts with him.
Fortunately, he surrounded by great skill players like running back D.J. Giddens and wide receiver Jayce Brown, both of which started last year. In the transfer portal, Colorado back Dylan Edwards gives KSU a great change-of-pace back. Along with Brown, Keagan Johnson and Jadon Jackson are back, and the trio caught 70 passes.
The area to watch is up front. It’s not just the loss of Cooper Beebe to the NFL. Kansas State has to turn over three starting roles, with center Hadley Panzer and tackle Carver Wills the returning starters. Easton Kilty is the transfer to watch. A starter at North Dakota State — Klieman’s former stomping grounds — should be an immediate fit.
KANSAS STATE DEFENSE: DEPTH FOR DAYS
Some schools in the Big 12 have more returning starters than Kansas State. But it’s possible none can boast a returning two-deep roster like the Wildcats, where nearly every returning defender got some experience a season ago.
Seven of them classify as returning starters and five of their top six tackles from 2023 return. Linebacker Austin Moore is undersized but quick and he also had 12.5 tackles for loss.
Jacob Parrish is back at corner and he had four interceptions last year.
The expectation is that defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman could use different base formations throughout the season due to the unit’s experience, depth and versatility.
KANSAS STATE SPECIAL TEAMS: THE NEXT BROOKS UP
Kansas State must find a new return man after Phillip Brooks ran out of eligibility and posted some of the best return numbers in program history. Fortunately, the Wildcats have a Lockett — Sterling Lockett. He’s just the latest member of the Lockett family to play football for Kansas State. You may have heard of the others? Kevin, Aaron and Tyler? That may work out all right.
Placekicker Chris Tennant is back, while Simon McClannan is in line to handle punting.
PREDICTION: KANSAS STATE GETS BACK TO ARLINGTON
The Wildcats, along with Utah and Oklahoma State, figure to have the best shots at getting to the Big 12 Championship Game. Kansas State drew a helpful schedule, as it plays Oklahoma State early in league action and it gives the Wildcats a chance to pick up what could be a valuable tiebreaker. If KSU takes care of things in September and October, it has three straight games against teams with losing records a year ago followed by the Farmageddon game with Iowa State. The Wildcats have a path. Can they take it?
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
