Kansas State

Collin Klein steps into the head coaching role with a clear mandate: infuse tempo and pop into a Kansas State offense that finally has the pieces to control the clock in Big 12 title contention. The Wildcats grade out at +3.1 points per game nationally (46th), with an offense that improved to +2.2 (44th) but a defense that slipped to +0.5 (57th) despite elite special teams play at +0.4 (14th). Quarterback Avery Johnson returns as the starter to anchor Klein's uptempo vision, while the roster underwent significant changes with 33 departures losing 86.2 PPA, headlined by edge rusher Ryan Davis (48.5 PPA) transferring to Baylor and receiver Jayce Brown (30.3 PPA) heading to LSU. The Wildcats added 26 transfers including Oklahoma State running back Rodney Fields Jr. (15.1 PPA), Missouri receiver Joshua Manning (12.6 PPA), and Hawaii wideout Brandon White (8.9 PPA) to complement Johnson's mobility.

JP+ projects 6.9 wins for Kansas State, suggesting the market might be sleeping on Klein's ability to maximize this roster's speed advantage in a conference known for offensive firepower. The schedule presents road challenges at Arizona State, TCU, and Iowa State, but home dates against Tulane, Washington State, and Nicholls provide opportunities for the new system to build momentum. If Klein's tempo translates Johnson's dual-threat ability and the receiving corps additions into consistent scoring drives, this team could surprise in the Big 12 race. If the defense can't compensate for the Ryan Davis loss and slow down league offenses, those 6.9 wins might represent the ceiling rather than the floor.