Collin Klein is back at Kansas State as the Wildcats’ new head coach, taking over the program nearly 14 years after leading the team as a starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist.
Following Chris Klieman’s departure, Klein inherits a 2026 Kansas State football team with high expectations in the Big 12, including three key matchups that could define his first season.
Key games on Kansas State's 2026 football schedule that could define the season
Nothing comes easy in the Big 12 Conference, especially during football season. It boasts some of the nation’s elite programs, with Kansas State ranking among the top.
But in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. That includes winning pivotal road matchups against the Arizona State Sun Devils, TCU Horned Frogs and Iowa State Cyclones.
Road test in Tempe could make or break Kansas State
Games against Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham in the desert are never what any team wants to see on its schedule, let alone Kansas State in Klein’s first season. In 2025, opposing teams were just 2-5 against the Sun Devils, one of the lowest marks in the conference.
And that’s not by accident, either. Their presence was also felt on the road in an away game against Iowa State, a contest that saw backup quarterback Jeff Sims break the single-game rushing record previously held by Mark Malone in 1978.
They’re known for fierce competition, most notably in recent years with former running back Cam Skattebo, who ended his career with over 2,400 yards, 1,711 of those in his senior season.
But this isn’t 2024-25. There’s still a lot to prove between now and Oct. 24, and that goes for both teams eyeing comeback seasons. If Avery Johnson finds his footing, this one could mirror last season’s 51-47 loss to Utah with the result tipping in the Wildcats’ favor.
TCU clash in Fort Worth hints at possible upset
Sonny Dykes has faced this exact matchup before – and the last time it came around in the postseason, Kansas State pulled off a 31-28 upset over the Horned Frogs. Back then, Max Duggan put in a strong performance, but it was Ty Zentner’s game-winning field goal that stole the spotlight. This year’s matchup could end up feeling eerily familiar for TCU.
Again, the names are different and so is the script. Josh Hoover is out of the picture for the Horned Frogs, and redshirt junior Jaden Craig has big shoes to fill if he occupies the starting role. The Harvard transfer steps into his new role after starting 24 games and throwing for over 6,000 yards last season.
The last two games in Manhattan swung in favor of the Wildcats, but in an environment like Amon G. Carter Stadium, opposing teams are always tested.
Does Kansas State finally have what it takes to beat the Cyclones?
Kansas State’s struggles against Iowa State go beyond last season’s 24-21 loss in Dublin. The last time the Wildcats won in Ames – 2022. You read that right, four seasons ago.
It’s a series that’s been historically close, but has only swung in the Wildcats’ favor three times in the last decade.
The Cyclones lost former head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State, and with Campbell also went the majority of the roster. Former Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor enters the picture in Ames, suiting up for the same team he nearly upset just a season ago in Little Rock.
If this one shows any resemblance of the last time these two teams met in Ames, expect a cold, borderline bone-chilling atmosphere and a one-score swing in either direction.
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