The Kansas State Wildcats football program is defined by what happens on Saturdays, but its winning culture isn’t built under the lights. Some of it actually takes shape far away from the field.
Kansas State football’s ‘frat house’ culture is paying dividends
The Wildcats coaching staff doesn’t just spend time together at the practice facility during the offseason. So far this offseason, they're also living together. But why? They're working towards eliminating obstacles.
The 'frat house' lore continues to grow.
— Kole Emplit (@KoleEmplit) March 3, 2026
"We're with each other all day. We're eating dinner together every night. We're watching 15 minutes of the news and hanging out. That personal side is huge."
LB coach Nick Toth notes living with the guys has eliminated obstacles that… https://t.co/f2VHDpd9Op pic.twitter.com/isMszcuoik
“I think that personal side of it is huge,” linebackers coach Nick Toth said. “I’ve been at staffs where you walked out of there and the guys go ‘that’s not the way I would do it,’ and I think 100% of what that frat house has done is put all of our cards on the table.”
It’s not the players that are living with the coaches. The idea of that, at least to some, might be a little weird. It’s a group of assistant coaches working together to overcome their differences and create a better experience for the student athletes while awaiting the arrival of their families.
Earlier reports point to several names, including Toth, defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson, defensive backs coach Jeremiah Johnson, outside linebackers coach Preston Mason and assistant head coach for defense Tim DeRuyter.
“It’s going to kind of get rid of some of the obstacles that could keep us from having success in the short term,” Toth said.
Kansas State’s on-field production looks positive
The new coaching staff is trending in the right direction. Incoming quarterbacks coach Christian Ellsworth’s early work with starting quarterback Avery Johnson has already produced encouraging signs, suggesting the program’s new leadership in Manhattan is beginning to take shape.
That momentum extends beyond player development. The Wildcats currently rank No. 39 nationally in the transfer portal, bolstering the roster with several former SEC contributors in this year’s class.
And if the frat house mentality takes hold beyond the coaching staff, it could bring a special connection for a turnaround during the 2026 season.
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