Three players likely to explode in Collin Klein's first season at Kansas State

In most cases, first-year head coaches come with plenty of uncertainty. For Collin Klein and Kansas State football, that isn’t really the case. Like any head coach, he’s followed by a mix of transfers and recruits, and with the right blend of talent and opportunity, several of those players are primed to break out in their first season with the program.

Three players likely to break out in Collin Klein's first season

Izaiah Williams, Wide Receiver

The conversation starts at wide receiver, and isn't centered around one player in specific. But if we're talking about transfers, specifically from the SEC, Izaiah Williams is the first name that comes to mind.

Williams spent his first two seasons at Texas A&M, playing under the same system that Klein led as a co-offensive coordinator for the Aggies. Now in a head coaching role, it's little surprise that Williams opted to follow Klein to The Little Apple.

In his first two seasons, he hasn't seen much action. He caught just seven passes in 2025, posting a career-high three catches for 50 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina. His only other appearance that year came in a 48-0 blowout victory against Samford.

It was much the same his freshman season, minus the touchdown total. Williams caught just two passes in 2024, one against McNeese and another against New Mexico State. His decision to play for Kansas State is labeled a "full-circle moment," and has the markings of something special if he sees the field. He's currently a projected starter, so only time will tell.

Joe Jackson, Running Back

Joe Jackson has already proved his worth at Kansas State, and was arguably a breakout star in 2025. Unlike last season, however, he enters this year as the certain starter with Dylan Edwards out of the picture.

On the road against Utah last season, Jackson set the program's single-game rushing record with 24 carries and 293 yards. It was one of just three games he saw 100+ rushing yards, the other two coming against TCU and Colorado. At the time, the Utes were the 12th-ranked team, according to the AP Poll.

Entering his junior season, the uncertainty of last season is gone. There's no standing in Edwards' shadow, adn there are far more early opportunities to rack up yardage. Make a statement in the nonconference schedule, and the momentum likely carries over into Big 12 conference play.

Jacobi Oliphant Jr., Linebacker

Jacobi Oliphant Jr. joins the Wildcats after a premier season down south, with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Last season alone, he totaled 26 tackles, evenly split between solo and assisted. He also logged sacks against both Iowa State and Arizona.

But here’s where it gets interesting: he can absolutely tackle, but the sack production from the defensive line so far is still a clear concern. Even more concerning, Oliphant's position is one of the primary areas that depth is lacking.

Should his production scale beyond just making tackles into forcing fumbles and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the pocket, this season could have breakout written all over it. All he needs is a chance to see the field.

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