Why Kansas State running back Joe Jackson believes he’s poised for a “much bigger” season under Collin Klein.
Kansas State’s Joe Jackson didn’t need much time to decide his football future. Almost as soon as the Wildcats’ 2025 season ended, he knew he wanted to return. His comfort with the program and familiarity with the people around him made the choice simple.
“We had unfinished business, and knowing Coach Klein was coming back made it even easier,” Jackson said after a recent spring practice.
Even after finishing his sophomore year with all-conference-level production under former head coach Chris Klieman, the arrival of new head coach Collin Klein was a major draw. Jackson rushed for 911 yards and eight touchdowns last season with most of that coming in his final two games, including a school-record 293 yards and three touchdowns against Utah, followed by 142 yards and three scores against Colorado.
Instead of entering the transfer portal after the coaching change, Jackson embraced the chance to reconnect with Klein, who originally recruited him and guided him as offensive coordinator during his freshman year.
“The first thing I told him was, ‘Let’s finish what we started,’” Jackson said. “He recruited our whole class. Once we knew he was coming back, it felt like we still had more to accomplish.”
Klein recently said he’s building an offense designed to maximize every running back’s potential, calling it one of the best systems in the country for the position. He emphasized creating space, generating one-on-one opportunities, and attacking at the line of scrimmage.
Jackson is confident he can elevate his game even further. After a quiet start to last season, he played a key role in K-State winning four of its final six games to finish 6–6.
“I feel like I can build on what I did,” he said, noting he has identified small details patience, vision, trust in his blockers, and comfort within the scheme that could unlock even bigger production.
Now entering his fourth year, the normally introverted Jackson is also working to become a more vocal leader as he aims to help the Wildcats close out their unfinished business.
