Spring practices don’t usually define a season in Manhattan, but this year could be different. With several key position battles underway and player development still unfolding, the Kansas State Wildcats are offering fans an early preview of what to expect when Bill Snyder Family Stadium fills up again this fall.
Avery Johnson’s return already shaping the 2026 season
It wouldn’t feel like a Wildcats season without fourth-year senior quarterback Avery Johnson under center, and there’s no indication he won’t retain the starting job by Sept. 5. Still, it’s reasonable to wonder whether he can elevate his play after a slight dip last year.
Johnson threw for 2,385 yards on 204 completions with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025—a step down from his 2024 campaign, when he surpassed 2,700 yards and tossed 25 touchdowns, albeit with more turnovers. Despite being sacked 13 times across the last two seasons, he remains a capable runner, posting at least five rushing touchdowns each year. Last season, he ran for 477 yards and eight scores, down from 605 yards two years earlier. New quarterbacks coach Christian Anderson has already praised his progress, but Johnson can’t afford another season of decline.
Tight end room bolstered by Linkon Cure’s return
The tight end position hasn’t typically generated headlines at Kansas State, but sophomore Linkon Cure could change that. Though he saw limited action as a freshman six catches for 37 yards he’s now being mentioned as a potential breakout candidate under new head coach Collin Klein. Veteran Garrett Oakley, who led the tight ends last season with 38 receptions for 389 yards, remains on the 2026 roster and may still command a significant share of targets as the season progresses.
Running back competition heating up
It’s no surprise that former K-State running back Dylan Edwards has moved on to Kansas, and with his injury struggles last year, Joe Jackson stepped into the starting role. Jackson delivered big moments, including setting the Wildcats’ single-game rushing record in a dramatic 51–47 loss to Utah.
Jackson returns, but he’ll face stiff competition from multiple transfers: Oregon’s Jay Harris, Oklahoma State’s Rodney Fields, and Memphis product Makari Bodiford, among others. Determining the starter will likely be one of the most competitive battles on the offense.
How high is the ceiling and how low is the floor?
Johnson’s return raises the Wildcats’ potential significantly, as he’s proven to be one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks. But one player can’t carry the entire roster, and there are still major questions at receiver, in the secondary, and elsewhere. Predicting wins or when challenges might arise is tough.
At their best, the Wildcats could cruise through nonconference play and avoid major stumbles en route to a likely bowl bid. But this is the Big 12, where chaos is common. A few early setbacks could put Kansas State in danger of slipping below .500 if things don’t come together quickly.
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