Kansas State vs Nicholls: 2026 Game 1

We're ready to embark on not just another season of K-State football. 58 new players on the roster, a nearly complete revamp of the coaching staff. And the return of Collin Klein to the K-State sideline.

This is something many of us have talked about since his should-have-won-the-Heisman 2012 season, where Collin led K-State to a Big 12 title and one of the best seasons in school history. But it wasn't just his athletic ability. All season it was talked about how Collin was first player Snyder had that truly understood the depth of Snyder's offensive playbook, and was allowed to call his own audibles on the field. He was a leader on and off the field. And then after graduation and a visit to the NFL, he returned to the sidelines and worked his way up as an assistant.

So many times we ask "what if?" about a former player coaching. Too many times we've seen guys with K-State ties go on to have success elsewhere and not have a chance to come home. For the first time, the stars aligned for the Wildcats and our dream has come true. Collin Klein is home and leading the Kansas State football team as the head coach.

Now we have to see if the rest of our hopes and dreams can be realized.

Klein and the new staff brought in 58 new players, but will still lean on a core of strong players that Chris Klieman left him. Avery Johnson returns for his third year as starter. Joe Jackson is back to carry the ball. Garrett Oakley and Linkon Cure could be among the best tight ends in the nation. They'll work with new guys like Wendell Gregory, an All-Big 12 pick as a freshman last season at Oklahoma State.

The parts and pieces are there for a great season, but offensive line is a big early question mark after offseason injuries have taken their toll and will be a major story line to watch today. Time for the coaches to earn their paychecks, time for the players to step up and earn the money they're all getting from NIL.

Time to get out on the field and play some football.

We've got an 6:00pm CT kickoff from Bill Snyder Family Stadium being aired on ESPN+ with Mark Neely (play-by-play) and Jeff Woody (analysis) on the call.

If you haven't picked up ESPN+ yet the game can be heard across the 29-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), former K-State quarterback Stan Weber (analysis), and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action. The game will also be on SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 173 or 238, and available online via the Varsity Network app . Live stats are also available at k-statesports.com, and Twitter updates (@KStateFB) will also be a part of the coverage.