This week’s K-State Q&A focuses on Collin Klein, spring football updates, and basketball transfer news.
Let’s jump straight into your questions. Thanks again for sending them in.
How is spring practice going under new head coach Collin Klein?
The biggest change is the intensity. Klein has players wearing pads and hitting in 12 of the 15 sessions this spring. Every drill matters to him. Earlier this week, defensive coordinator Jordan Peterson was literally running alongside players during a turnover drill, shouting at anyone who slowed down. Coaches also monitored player speed with technology and used a megaphone to call out anyone whose pace dropped.
This is a major shift from the Chris Klieman era, when only 10 spring practices were held and the focus was avoiding injuries. Klein’s approach feels closer to the Bill Snyder days. Players say the energy and competition are way up.
Will Andrej Kostic stay at K-State?
His chances of returning look much better. Kostic recently posted Instagram photos from his freshman season with a purple heart, which is a positive sign. His skill set fits what new coach Casey Alexander wants, and the staff is interested in keeping him.
All three European players from last season enjoyed Manhattan, which helps. Still, things could shift if another school approaches him with a big NIL offer once the portal opens April 7.
Kostic showed encouraging flashes late last season under interim coach Matthew Driscoll, averaging 7.1 points over his final seven games after barely playing early in the year. If he improves his defense and keeps hitting threes, he could be a valuable piece moving forward something Jerome Tang struggled to tap into.
Is it good or bad that Casey Alexander may bring Belmont players to Kansas State?
It’s a positive. One advantage of hiring an active head coach is that he can bring players familiar with his system. A few former Belmont players could ease the transition and boost early success.
Of course, Alexander can’t simply import an entire mid-major roster there must be talent from multiple sources but he knows that. Others have won big doing something similar: Ben McCollum brought Bennett Stirtz with him across multiple stops.
So far, only two Belmont-linked recruits have committed: Jaylen Alexander and Devin Hutcherson. Tyler Lundblade chose Tennessee, and Jack Smiley stayed at Belmont. Transfers like Sam Orme, Brigham Rogers, and Drew Scharnowski remain possibilities.
Are NIL payment checks actually working?
Not really. Revenue sharing was supposed to act like a salary cap, but schools immediately began overspending. College sports now resemble Major League Baseball, where big-budget programs dominate. The NCAA hasn’t been able to rein it in, and the current guardrails aren’t effective.
What’s going on the smoker this spring? Should I add a griddle?
For the first BBQ of the season, the menu included brisket, pulled pork, and sausage each turned out great. Ribs, corn on the cob, and other veggies are on deck next time, and cobbler has also been a past hit on the smoker.
As for equipment: definitely buy a griddle. Adding a Blackstone transformed the backyard setup and even replaced the propane grill entirely. Burgers, bacon, and Philly cheesesteaks all come out better on a griddle.
