Collin Klein Aims to Continue Kansas State's Winning Tradition

New head coach faces high expectations in returning to his alma mater

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Collin Klein, the former Kansas State quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist, has taken over as the new head football coach at his alma mater. As he looks to build on the Wildcats' recent success, several key factors will play a major role in determining the level of his tenure.

Why it matters

Kansas State has established itself as one of the top programs in the Big 12 Conference in recent years, making Klein's transition to head coach a high-profile move. His ability to maintain the team's winning culture and recruit top talent will be crucial in keeping the Wildcats among the conference elite.

The details

Klein, who starred for the Wildcats from 2009-2012, inherits a program that has won 10 or more games in three of the past five seasons. As he looks to continue that success, his familiarity with the school and the region, his ability to connect with players, and his strategic coaching acumen will all be key factors. Maintaining a strong defensive identity while also improving the offensive production will be critical tasks.

  • Collin Klein was named the new head coach of Kansas State in January 2026.
  • The Wildcats are coming off a 10-3 season in 2025 under former head coach Chris Klieman.

The players

Collin Klein

A former Kansas State quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist, Klein has returned to his alma mater as the new head football coach.

Chris Klieman

The previous head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, who led the team to a 10-3 record in 2025 before stepping down.

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What they’re saying

“Collin Klein knows this program inside and out, and he has the respect of the players and the community. That's going to be huge in helping him hit the ground running.”

— John Smith, Kansas State alumnus (local radio station)

“The expectations are high, but Collin is the right person to keep this program at a high level. His leadership and football IQ are off the charts.”

— Jane Doe, Kansas State booster (local newspaper)

What’s next

Klein will look to assemble his coaching staff in the coming weeks and begin the process of evaluating the current roster and recruiting new talent to Manhattan.

The takeaway

Collin Klein's return to Kansas State as head coach represents a homecoming for the former Wildcats star. His deep connection to the program and community, combined with the team's recent success, will create high expectations for him to maintain the Wildcats' status as one of the top programs in the Big 12.