Jimmy Coffman
Thursday, September 10th, 2026
Top 3 Takes: Collin Klein’s Monday Presser
The inaugural game of the Collin Klein era was a rousing success for players, fans and coaches alike. But what does the leader at the helm think of the win after watching the tape?
Kansas State opened their 2026 football season with a 71-3 smattering of Nicholls State, scoring the most points in a single game since 2000, when Bill Snyder’s Cats dropped 76 on Ball State. Not only is this Klein’s first time dropping more than 60 points as a member of K-State, but his first outing as head coach saw the fourth most points ever scored by the Cats in program history.
With a monumental win like that, Monday’s press conference saw a mountain of questions about how or if this team can improve from week one. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Klein’s time with the media:
The offensive line is surprisingly sound
There was a lot of concern and conversation around K-State’s offensive line after fifth-year tackles John Pastore and George Fitzpatrick suffered season-ending injuries weeks before the season began. With them sidelined, Coach Klein turned to juniors Gus Hawkins and Ryan Howard to hold down the edges. Coupling that with a pair of underclassmen guards and a young center, the offensive line quickly rose to the top of the list of concerns for this new Cats squad.
Come Saturday, the all-new K-State line showed out, allowing zero sacks and only one tackle for loss while committing zero penalties. Not only did they hide their lack of experience, but the all-new unit had one of the most efficient games in recent memory.
“The first group had no MAs (missed assignments), which was really really good. Said Klein. “I think there was a clean understanding of what we were trying to get accomplished.”
Klein specifically complimented OT Ryan Howard on his growth. “Going from a young kid to the last couple years, being able to work as hard as he has from a movement skill standpoint and a footwork standpoint, he’s been able to develop himself into a really fine player.”
Though the offensive line is so young, their output on the field on Saturday paints a picture for where they’re able to go as the season progresses. The opponent may not have been power four caliber, but the O-line handled Nicholls State incredibly well.
K-State has depth, everywhere
Kansas State’s dominant showing from their first stringers made for an explosive show in the first half. Though the first string talent was exciting, Coach Klein seemed to be more interested in what he saw in the second half from the second and third string units.
Coach Klein has spoken a lot about his emphasis on discipline and competition. Klein wants the Cats to never get complacent and has been on record multiple times saying no one’s job is guaranteed. So when the second string units got their chance, they took it and ran. “Through all of it, I think the biggest overarching thing was how much they enjoyed competing and getting their opportunity.” Said Klein. “Seeing those guys and all of the work they put in, a lot of them are younger. Those first game snaps are important and you remember those forever… I appreciate how they competed and finished the ball game.
Coach Klein was especially pleased with how backup QBs Blake Barnett performed under center. “I was proud of both of them,” said Klein. “I thought Blake, from where he’s come from a pocket presence standpoint…it was really good to see in game for his growth and development.”
Collin Klein is not just trying to win this year; he wants to win in the coming years, when second and third stringers become starters. Not only does game experience like last Saturday’s give those players confidence, but it gives Klein something to evaluate. And judging by his evaluation, some of those young players may get chances sooner than we expect.
Coach Klein acts just like Bill Snyder
One of the most exciting features of having Collin Klein as head coach is having a direct Snyder product in a place of leadership. Klein thinks like Snyder, acts like Snyder and, most importantly, he works like Snyder. Klein doesn’t really relish wins, no matter how big. For him, he enjoys the night and then gets right back to grinding the axe. “You get to enjoy (the win) right afterwards.” Said Klein. “Then, Sunday, you gotta restart the cycle. It’s 0-0 again.”
Klein also speaks about mistakes a lot like Snyder. He chases perfection, even with a 50-point lead entering the fourth quarter. As K-State premiered their all-new lighting setup with a light show to Darude’s “Sandstorm,” Klein wasn’t pleased with how the team reacted to start the fourth. “I think we had a holding penalty on the first snap after that. So, maybe we enjoyed it a little too much.”
Klein’s mannerisms, emphasis on discipline, attention to detail and even his game notes read and bleed like Snyder’s. For any experienced K-State fan, that is most definitely not a bad sign.