The Kansas State Wildcats finished last year 6-6. Under new head coach Collin Klein, they will aim for a better season. Kansas State enters the 2026 season with plenty of questions on offense, but there is also enough returning talent to believe the Wildcats could be one of the more dangerous units in the Big 12.

With five returning starters, the Wildcats will need several players to step into larger roles, especially with changes throughout the roster. While the offense will ultimately depend on how well the pieces fit together, three players stand out as names worth watching throughout the season.

Avery Johnson, QB

Avery Johnson passed for 2,385 yards last year, while adding 18 touchdowns and six interceptions on 59.8% passing. He also added 477 yards on the ground with eight touchdowns.

Johnson has already shown flashes of the talent that made him one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country coming out of high school. His athleticism gives Kansas State another dimension that defenses have to account for on every snap.
What makes Johnson particularly dangerous is his ability to extend plays. When the pocket breaks down, he can turn a broken play into a first down with his legs. At the same time, his continued development as a passer will be critical.

Kansas State needs Johnson to become more consistent as a passer, particularly on intermediate and deep routes. If he can take another step as a passer while maintaining his running ability, the Wildcats could have one of the Big 12’s most difficult quarterbacks to defend.

Joe Jackson, RB

Running back Joe Jackson could become an important piece of Kansas State’s offensive identity. His workload and efficiency will be worth watching early in the season. Kansas State doesn’t necessarily need Jackson to become a 30-carry-per-game back, but it does need him to consistently create positive yardage and take advantage of opportunities when defenses focus on Johnson.

Jackson led the team in rushing last season with 911 yards on 5.4 yards per carry. He rushed for eight touchdowns and added 22 catches for 119 yards. A productive Jackson would also make life easier for the passing game by forcing defenses to respect the run.

Linkon Cure, TE

Perhaps the most intriguing player on this list is tight end Linkon Cure.

Cure has the size and athletic ability to become a matchup problem for opposing defenses. At 6-foot-5 and around 240 pounds, he has the physical profile to contribute both as a blocker and as a receiving threat. His development could be especially important for an offense looking to create more passing-game opportunities.

Tight ends can be particularly valuable against modern defenses because they can force opponents to make difficult decisions with personnel. If a defense uses a linebacker to cover Cure, Kansas State could look to take advantage of his receiving ability. If it brings a defensive back into the game, the Wildcats can potentially use Cure’s size and blocking ability.