Lindy’s Sees Big Year Ahead for Kansas State Football: Here Are 3 Takeaways

The Kansas State Wildcats football team is, once again, a contender for the Big 12 championship entering the 2025 season.

In each of their past four seasons under coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats have won at least eight games, including their 10-win season in 2022 that led to a Big 12 Championship game win over the TCU Horned Frogs.

In each of the past two seasons, Kansas State has won nine games. Last year the Wildcats went 5-4 in league action, finishing in a tie for eighth place and winning the Rate Bowl.

The Wildcats have another shot at winning the Big 12 and, perhaps, claim their first berth in the College Football Playoff.

Lindy’s Sports recently published its preview for the Big 12, including the Wildcats. Heartland College Sports will weigh in with our previews later this summer. 

The magazine picked Kansas State to finish third in the Big 12. Here are three thoughts on the preview.

THE OC CHANGE

Matt Wells will be the full-time offensive coordinator after serving as the passing game coordinator last season. Lindy’s thinks that could be a boost to quarterback Avery Johnson’s passing numbers.

Last year, Johnson threw for 2,712 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 605 yards and seven touchdowns. Now, the Wildcats shouldn’t ignore Johnson’s obvious gifts running the ball. But for him — and frankly Kansas State — to elevate to a league title game he’ll need to pass a bit more effectively.

Wells has a long history as a quality offensive coach. His prized pupil was Jordan Love at Utah State. He now leads the Green Bay Packers. That could bode well for Johnson.

A PRO-STYLE DEFENSE

Lindy’s pointed out just how good the Wildcats have been at producing NFL talent. While Kansas State has its two top tacklers from a year ago back, the next four are gone. And three of them will likely be playing in the NFL come September.

That’s how good defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman and his staff are at identifying NFL talent. Next in line is linebacker Austin Romaine (96 tackles) and safety VJ Payne. Both could be playing on Sundays in 2026. For now, the Wildcats need them to produce this season.

As the Wildcats keep producing more NFL talent it’s having an impact on the transfer portal, too. One of the Kansas State’s key new defenders is from Ohio State — linebacker Gabe Powers, who could start alongside Romaine.

THE CURE ARRIVES

It’s time, finally, for Linkon Cure to take the field. The highest-rated recruit in Kansas State history has expectations coming into the season, perhaps expectations that are too high.

Lindy’s believes his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame makes him a great target in the receiving game and his size should add to the blocking game. The question is how quickly can he make an impact?

For what it’s worth, Lindy’s has Garrett Oakley listed as the starter at tight end. He caught 22 passes for 236 yards as a third-year tight end. If Cure matched that as a true freshman, that would be a win for this offense.