Kansas State Wildcats is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +9.8. Kansas State Wildcats enters the season with a power rating of +9.8, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Kansas State Wildcats host Nicholls next in Week 1. In 2025, Kansas State Wildcats went 6-6 overall, 5-7 against the spread, and 7-5 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Kansas State Wildcats Power Rating of +9.8 is 9.6 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Kansas State Wildcats have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 5,510 miles, ranking 98th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Nicholls | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Washington State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | Tulane | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Cincinnati | 648 mi | 1,296 mi |
| Week 5 | — | Bye | |
| Week 6 | Houston | Home | 1,296 mi |
| Week 7 | Kansas | Home | 1,296 mi |
| Week 8 | Arizona State | 942 mi | 3,181 mi |
| Week 9 | Colorado | 466 mi | 4,113 mi |
| Week 10 | Oklahoma State | Home | 4,113 mi |
| Week 11 | TCU | 450 mi | 5,012 mi |
| Week 12 | Arizona | Home | 5,012 mi |
| Week 13 | Iowa State | 249 mi | 5,510 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Kansas State enters 2026 with first-time head coach Collin Klein, a former Heisman-contending quarterback for the Wildcats. The offense reunites senior QB Avery Johnson with Klein, who was his offensive coordinator in 2023. Johnson is the program's single-season and career co-leader for touchdown passes, but he struggled in 2025 while working with his third coordinator in three years. Klein's system remains a question: will he lean into power run and two-tight end sets, or spread the field with 11 personnel? The answer will define the offense.
The offensive line lost most of its 2025 starters and relied on the transfer portal for reinforcements, making it the unit's biggest question mark. At running back, Joe Jackson finished 2025 with a school-record 293 rushing yards against Utah, and Rodney Fields Jr. arrives from Oklahoma State to form a reliable duo. Wide receiver Jaron Tibbs steps into the top role after a strong 2025, with transfers Josh Manning and Izaiah Williams adding depth. Former 5-star tight end Linkon Cure could be an X-factor as a pass catcher.
K-State lost nearly all of its defensive starters from 2025 and focused the portal on edge rushers and safeties. Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma State) and Elijah Hill bring proven pressure, while corners Zashon Rich and Donovan McIntosh return. However, stopping the run is the biggest vulnerability for this rebuilt defense. The unit's ability to hold up against physical ground games will determine whether the Wildcats can compete in the Big 12.
Special teams have declined in recent years, with K-State finishing in the bottom half of the Big 12 in net punting each of the last three seasons. Kick returner Bryce Noernberg provides a spark but has fumbling issues. Placekicking is solid, but winning field position through punting remains a critical weakness that could cost close games.
The offense should be Big 12-caliber with Johnson and Klein reunited, but the defense's holes and offensive line inexperience make an immediate league title unlikely. The Wildcats will need time to gel under a new coaching staff and integrate many transfers. If the run defense holds up and the offensive line stabilizes, K-State could surprise, but fans should expect growing pains in Klein's first season.
Kansas State Wildcats is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Kansas State Wildcats holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +9.8, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Kansas State Wildcats's home field advantage rating is 3.1 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Kansas State Wildcats travels 5,510 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 98th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Kansas State Wildcats: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +9.8.
