It’s been 110 days since Collin Klein officially took over as Kansas State’s head football coach, a position deeply connected to nearly 20 years of his life. On Wednesday, the 36-year-old former Heisman Trophy finalist fresh off two highly successful seasons as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator walks into the Vanier Family Football Complex wearing a lavender hoodie, greeting reporters by name before settling in for his first 30-minute press conference ahead of spring practice.
“I’m fired up to finally get out on the field with these guys,” Klein says. “We had an outstanding winter.”
Klein’s office is spotless, empty of trophies or reminders that he was once among college football’s elite players and remains one of K-State’s all-time greats. The only keepsake visible is a small “FAMILY” block from the 2011 team the gritty squad that climbed from a ninth-place preseason prediction in the Big 12 to a No. 15 finish in the final AP Poll.
A two-time captain, Klein knows the importance of building a foundation the right way.
And he learned from some of the best.
“I’ve been blessed to work under some incredible coaches Coach Snyder, Coach Klieman, Coach Elko,” he says. “Each taught me something different. Our job now is to move this program forward as efficiently as possible and give our players and staff the best chance to succeed. That’s my approach every single day. We’re attacking it day by day.”
For 110 straight days, Klein has done just that, guiding a 2026 roster that began winter workouts as a mix of veterans and newcomers but quickly bonded under strength coach Jeremy Jacobs. On Thursday morning, the team finally hits the indoor facility next to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to begin spring practice.
“This winter, our motto was ‘strain and finish’ pouring more into every rep and learning how to finish every rep,” Klein says. “And they bought into it.”
Klein explains that the winter was focused on precision and accountability, pushing players to realize they’re capable of more than they think: “The more I give, the more I have to give.” According to Klein, the mindset clicked and the progress showed.
In just three months, 27 players added over 10 pounds of lean muscle. Five broke all-time K-State positional squat records: WR Derrick Salley Jr. (505 lbs), S Jet Dineen (510 lbs), OL Keiton Jones (605 lbs), QB Jacob Knuth (495 lbs), and LS Andrew Johnson (505 lbs).
“That’s a lot of weight,” Klein says. “Coach Jacobs and his staff crushed it, and the players attacked the program. We’re in a great spot heading into spring.”
Practice structure will look slightly different under Klein, with longer sessions to accommodate roster changes and maximize player reps. With 97 players available, K-State plans to practice aggressively 12 of 15 sessions in full pads with heavy emphasis on fundamentals, competition, and depth building.
Klein’s early impressions?
“We’ve got really good length across the board,” he says. “Receivers, offensive line, secondary we’re long.”
And position battles?
“Everywhere,” Klein says. “We have pieces on the offensive line that I’m excited to see compete. The secondary, especially at safety and nickel, has a lot of parts that need to fit together. Linebacker is deep, and defensive tackle is shaping up really well. It’ll be fun seeing how it all plays out.”
Leadership, however, is firmly in place beginning with senior quarterback Avery Johnson.
“Avery stands out,” Klein says. “He and Joe Jackson have been huge in driving energy and leadership. Rex Van Wyhe, Jordan Allen, Zashon Rich all those guys have been great.”
Johnson, entering his senior year, is already tied for the school record in passing touchdowns (48) and ranks among K-State’s all-time leaders in passing yards, rushing yards by a quarterback, touchdowns responsible for, and total offense.
Klein says Johnson will take most first-team reps early to build comfort with the new system and surrounding personnel before the staff shifts focus to developing depth behind him.
Running back Joe Jackson is also poised for a breakout junior year after rushing for 911 yards and breaking Darren Sproles’ 21-year-old school record with a 293-yard performance at Utah. He’ll lead a deep running back room that includes transfer Jay Harris (Oregon) and sophomore Rodney Fields Jr. (Oklahoma State).
“We’re one of the best offenses in the country for running backs,” Klein says. “We create space, matchups, and ways to get the ball in their hands. It’s going to take a group, and that’s exciting.”
Klein recalls the whirlwind early days of his hiring nonstop calls, staff building, and recruiting: “It was one of the craziest two weeks of my coaching career. Everything moves fast. But I’m proud of how we handled it.”
Meanwhile, Manhattan continues to buzz. Klein No. 7 jerseys are selling fast, and Bill Snyder Family Stadium is already hyping the new era with “Manhappiness” stretched across the videoboards.
The fan response?
“Unbelievable,” Klein says. “They’ve always been special. I’ve felt that as a player and coach. What we’re going to do together these next few years we’ll need everyone. It’s an honor.”
Klein knows this is just the beginning, and he’s committed to building the program the old-school way: fundamentals, mindset, and mastery of the small things.
With spring practice set to kick off, Klein is energized.
“I’m thrilled with every step we’ve taken,” he says. “Tomorrow, it gets real.”
