​Much has already been made of the early impact new Kansas State Wildcats football coach Collin Klein has had on the program. While the season has yet to fully unfold, one theme has consistently emerged from players when describing Klein and his staff: energy.
At just 36 years old, Klein is one of the younger head coaches in college football, and that youth has helped create a different atmosphere around K-State football. Players have pointed to a more upbeat, approachable environment, saying the new coaching staff has brought a fresh spark to practices, meetings, and day-to-day preparation.
Quarterback Avery Johnson said the change has been noticeable.
“We have a lot more energy,” Johnson told the KC Sports Network during Big 12 Media Days. “I feel like our coaches are younger. They bring more energy to practices.”
For the Kansas State Wildcats, the transition marks a new chapter after the unexpected resignation of former coach Chris Klieman following last season. Klein, a former K-State star quarterback, returns to Manhattan after serving as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. His history with the Wildcats makes the move especially meaningful for fans who remember his standout playing days.
Klein was one of the most recognizable players in Kansas State football during the early 2010s. As a senior, he became a Heisman Trophy finalist and helped lead the Wildcats through one of the program’s most memorable eras. Now, he is being asked to guide K-State into a new era from the sideline.
The early response from players suggests that Klein’s familiarity with the program, combined with his modern coaching approach, could be a major factor as the Wildcats try to remain competitive in the Big 12. His ability to connect with current players, especially younger stars like Johnson, may be one of the biggest storylines for Kansas State football this season.
Former Kansas State Baseball Star Dee Kennedy Ready for Next Step
Former Kansas State shortstop Dee Kennedy knows all about the highs and lows that come with college baseball. His career did not begin with immediate success, but his persistence eventually paid off in a major way.
Kennedy struggled during his first two college seasons, including a freshman year at Texas in which he hit just .209. After transferring to Kansas State, his sophomore season included plenty of growing pains as well. He led the Big 12 with 75 strikeouts, a number that showed how difficult his adjustment at the plate had been.
But everything changed during his junior season with the Wildcats.
Kennedy broke out as one of the most productive hitters in college baseball, batting .357 and setting a Kansas State single-season record with 20 home runs. His dramatic improvement helped him climb MLB Draft boards, and the St. Louis Cardinals selected him with the No. 114 overall pick.
MLB Network analyst Jim Callis praised Kennedy’s development and called attention to just how far he had come.
“He might be the most improved player in college baseball this year,” Callis said. “As a freshman at Texas, he hit .209. Then he goes to K-State, as a sophomore he leads the Big 12 with 75 strikeouts. So I guess he’s a great advertisement for Lasik. He had Lasik surgery and he starts seeing the ball better. He winds up being a Cape Cod All-Star and then goes back to K-State as a junior and sets the single-season home run record.”
Kennedy’s rise is a strong example of player development at Kansas State and a reminder that progress is not always immediate. His ability to overcome early struggles and become an MLB Draft pick gives the Wildcats another success story on the baseball diamond.
Alcohol Sales Coming to Kansas State Football Games
Kansas State football fans will have a new option at Bill Snyder Family Stadium this season. The school announced Thursday that alcohol sales will be allowed inside the stadium beginning this fall.
Previously, alcoholic beverages were only available in designated tailgate areas outside the stadium. The new policy will allow fans to purchase drinks during games, a move that aligns Kansas State with a growing number of college athletics programs that have added alcohol sales at sporting events.
Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said the decision came after years of research and discussion.
“This has been a topic that we have carefully researched for years,” Taylor said. “We always want to keep our student-athletes and fans at the forefront of every decision we make, and that was the driver in this decision as well. While it will provide our department with additional revenue during this new era of collegiate athletics, it will also be a key piece in maintaining a competitive advantage by keeping more fans in their seats throughout the entirety of games. This is a big decision, and we will be prepared to adjust as we see fit in future seasons.”
The move is expected to generate additional revenue for K-State athletics while also improving the game-day experience for fans. Keeping more spectators inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium throughout the game is another key reason behind the decision.
As college athletics continues to evolve, Kansas State is looking for ways to remain competitive both on and off the field. Between the arrival of Collin Klein, the continued development of former Wildcats like Dee Kennedy, and changes to the fan experience at football games, it is already shaping up to be an important year for K-State sports.