Kansas State football officially turned the page by handing the program to first-year head coach Collin Klein. Early spring results suggest the Wildcats are moving in the right direction on the field, but long-term success will hinge on Klein and his staff keeping that momentum alive on the recruiting trail.
Three biggest needs for Kansas State football in 2027
Finding the next quarterback
Starting quarterback Avery Johnson enters the 2026 season with only one year of eligibility remaining. By this time next year, the focus is expected to shift toward identifying Kansas State’s next starting quarterback.
Johnson has proven himself time and again, performing at a high level both as a backup and as a starter over the past three seasons. He even shared the quarterback room with Will Howard, helping oversee one of the most productive stretches at the position in recent memory.
For many fans, Johnson represented the ideal Kansas State quarterback—an in-state standout, one of the nation’s top high school prospects, and a perfect fit for the program. That sets a high bar for whoever follows him.
One early name to watch in the 2027 class is Cam Kruse, a three-star quarterback currently playing high school football in Tennessee but originally from Olathe, Kansas. Kruse chose the Wildcats over programs like Miami, West Virginia, and Northwestern. If he develops quickly, he could emerge as the frontrunner to replace Johnson.
Rebuilding depth in the trenches
Kansas State didn’t just lose a top player to the 2026 NFL Draft in former center Sam Hecht—it lost a leader and one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the country. Replacing both his production and leadership will be a significant challenge.
The job is expected to fall to Kyle Rakers, Hecht’s backup, who enters his sophomore season with upside and experience. Still, the bigger picture involves recruiting linemen who can provide long-term stability and develop into multi-year starters.
At the time of publication, the Wildcats hold just one hard commitment along the offensive line in the 2027 class: three-star Texas prospect Canaan Smith. That number is likely to increase, but adding quality and depth up front remains a priority.
Shoring up the secondary
The Wildcats also face questions in the defensive backfield after losing starting safety VJ Payne to the NFL. While there are several candidates already on the roster, no clear starter has separated himself yet.
Kansas State’s defense has been a major factor in recent seasons, including its performance in bowl games and key rivalry matchups against Kansas and Iowa State. Maintaining that level of play requires depth and development in the secondary.
Retaining experienced contributors while continuing to recruit high-upside defensive backs will be critical. Establishing the secondary as a strength of the roster will not only stabilize the defense but also serve as a major selling point on the recruiting trail.