K-State football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
K-State beat Nicholls 71-3 in Collin Klein's head-coaching debut on Sept. 5.
The Wildcats' first real test comes next against Washington State.
Background
Collin Klein took over as Kansas State's head coach for the 2026 season, and his debut came at home against FCS opponent Nicholls on Sept. 5, 2026. The Wildcats won 71-3, their most points since 2000, dominating in all three phases. K-State ran the ball 44 times for 312 yards, with four running backs scoring touchdowns, and Brandon White returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown. The result drew attention as a strong start to the Klein era ahead of a tougher non-conference schedule.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026K-State beat Nicholls 71-3 in Manhattan in Collin Klein's first game as head coach, the program's most points since 2000.
- Sep 7, 2026K-State previewed its Week 2 home game against Washington State, billed as Fort Riley Day at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
- Sep 12, 2026K-State (1-0) hosts Washington State (0-1) at 11 a.m. CT, televised on TNT, in what previews call the Wildcats' first real challenge of the season.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- K-State's 71-3 win was a dominating performance in all three facets, with the offensive line controlling the game and the run game producing 312 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
- Caution
- The Nicholls win came against an FCS opponent, and previews frame Washington State as the Wildcats' first real test, with how K-State establishes the run the thing to watch.
Still unverified
A Capital-Journal takeaway noted that Brandon White's 65-yard punt return touchdown may have benefited from uncalled block-in-the-back penalties.