​FRISCO, TX — Collin Klein is no stranger to the media days that helped shape his rise to Kansas State football lore as the program’s quarterback. This week, he will step into a new role, making his first appearance as the Wildcats’ head coach at Big 12 Media Days. Klein will lead his squad from The Star in Frisco on Wednesday, July 8, in an event broadcast live on ESPNU from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He’ll be joined by quarterback Avery Johnson, running back Joe Jackson, linebacker Rex Van Wyhe, and defensive back Wesley Fair.
Ahead of the session, here are some of the topics fans and observers hope Klein and the Wildcats will address in Texas. We’ll be looking to gauge how open Klein will be about his offensive vision for the season opener. A primary question will be whether he will preserve the spread-based approach that relied on single-tight-end sets during his time at Texas A&M, or if he plans to deploy more substantial, multi-tight-end formations that could reshape the offensive identity.
Tight end is positioned to be a strength for Kansas State, a label that first appeared before last season. Garrett Oakley possesses a pro-ready frame that could elevate his NFL stock, and Linkon Cure has yet to realize his full potential at the college level. Klein’s comments on how he intends to utilize that position could provide clear expectations for the offense’s ceiling.
Conjecture about Klein’s answers suggests he may opt for restraint, keeping the playbook flexible and withholding a definitive path until a major test—potentially even after a test against an FCS opponent—tests the Wildcats’ adaptability. The aim would be to keep opponents, including programs like Washington State and Tulane, guessing in the early weeks of Klein’s tenure.
Quarterback1 will be in the room, and he could stand to benefit significantly from the new NCAA eligibility rules that expand opportunities for players whose careers extend beyond a single season. In practical terms, this means Johnson might not be constrained to a final year in 2026 and could be eligible to play in 2027 if he desires, whether that season comes at Kansas State or elsewhere. That reality introduces a continuing question about whether Johnson will be the Wildcats’ starter in the following year.
The 2027 NFL Draft class is widely regarded as deep at the quarterback position, and Johnson’s name isn’t currently a top filter in the discussion. A standout season, however, could alter that perception, though for the moment the most financially prudent move for Johnson appears to be returning to college for another year—heightened by conversations around a potential increase in the revenue-sharing cap for major college programs. Those financial dynamics naturally feed into the question of whether Johnson will remain at Kansas State. A successful season for Klein could boost those odds, though it could also prompt Johnson to seek a change of scenery for his final collegiate year.
As for Johnson’s own stance on the new rules, the media day will offer initial insights, but nothing likely to be groundbreaking. The Big 12 did not publish a preseason poll last year, yet many pundits and fans will still construct their own projections—often with Kansas State topping the lists in SEO and chatter.
In short, Klein’s first big-stage appearance as head coach will surface questions about offensive style, personnel utilization, and quarterback timing for the near and distant futures. The event on Wednesday will set the tone for Klein’s era and how the Wildcats intend to navigate the evolving landscape of college football in 2026 and beyond.