2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 9-4, Win vs. N.C. State in Pop-Tarts Bowl (28-19)

Kansas State took a step back last season after a Big 12 Championship in 2022. The Wildcats dropped a Week 3 contest to Missouri and this put the team behind the eight ball early on. They also fell to Texas and Oklahoma State last season with a ranked victory over Kansas during the regular season. Kansas State ended the season with a victory in the Poo-Tarts Bowl against N.C. State.

Offense: New era in Manhattan led by Johnson

Will Howard entered the transfer portal and eventually landed at Ohio State. This opened the door for sophomore Avery Johnson to step into the starting role after signing as one of the biggest prospects to enter the program.

Johnson started the bowl game for Kansas State and led the team to a victory with 259 total yards and three touchdowns. He showed the ability to use his legs, highlighted by five rushing touchdowns in a victory against Texas Tech. The Wildcats also return major offensive weapons to work with Johnson but that does not include the offensive line.

The Wildcats lost four starters along the offensive line, along with tight end Ben Sinnott. The offensive coaching staff will have to replace big bodies up front to jumpstart what is expected to be a strong run game.

D.J. Giddens returns after totaling 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns. A trio of wide receivers return after getting their feet wet last season but will have to take a step up in role. Jayce Brown is the leading returner with 437 yards and three touchdowns last season. Keagan Johnson and Jadon Jackson will also be leaned on, along with Penn State transfer Dante Cephas.

A new quarterback and offensive line makes for some question marks within the offense but Johnson’s potential is sky-high. There is plenty of firepower as the Wildcats look to return to the top of the conference.

Defense: All-Conference talent returns at all levels

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has built an elite defense in the Big 12 during his tenure. The Wildcats have become powerhouses on that side of the ball and it has led to many wins. That is the hope once again with All-Conference talent returning.

Austin Moore, who was tied for the team lead in 2023 with 63 tackles, and Desmond Purnell return in the middle to lead the linebackers. This provides the Wildcats with strong signal callers that know the system very well. As good as the linebackers are in Manhattan, the secondary might be the strongest unit.

Safeties Marques Sigle and V.J. Payne have a chance to be one of the best duos, not just in the Big 12, but in the nation. Ball State transfer Jordan Riley is also expected to step in and make an impact right away.

The system is in place and Klanderman has a great group returning this season.

2024 Kansas State Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. UT Martin
• Saturday, Sept. 7: at Tulane
• Friday, Sept. 13: vs. Arizona
• Saturday, Sept. 21: at BYU
• Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Oklahoma State
• Saturday, Oct. 12: at Colorado
• Saturday, Oct. 19: at West Virginia
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Kansas
• Saturday, Nov. 2: at Houston
• Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Arizona State
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Cincinnati
• Saturday, Noc. 30: at Iowa State