Joel Klatt Says Kansas State Is a Top CFP Breakthrough Candidate in 2025

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt revealed his top 10 programs most likely to earn a first-ever College Football Playoff berth in 2025, and he placed Kansas State at No. 8.

Klatt praised head coach Chris Klieman and quarterback Avery Johnson while cautioning that the Wildcats face a tight path to history.

“The Big 12 should be crazy, which is why I don’t have them higher than this,” Klatt explained, signaling his respect for Kansas State’s talent but acknowledging the conference’s competitiveness. “It’s a narrow path, but if someone could do it again, I’m a Chris Kleiman fan. They’ve got Avery Johnson. He had his ups and downs last year, but I love his talent.”

Klatt’s nod to Johnson follows a breakout campaign from the sophomore signal-caller, whose dual-threat play has energized the Wildcats since Will Howard’s departure. That combination of coaching stability and high-ceiling quarterback ability factored into Klatt’s decision.

While K-State checks in at No. 8, Klatt’s choice reflects his broader thesis: expanded playoff spots open doors, but it still takes elite execution and some fortune. The Wildcats’ position near the back end of the Top 10 underscores both their potential and the gauntlet-like nature of the Big 12 slate.

Coach Klieman’s recent 19‑8 record over the past two seasons, along with a 13‑5 conference record, also comes into play with sustained success. Yet Klatt tempered expectations, noting that margins will be razor‑thin in a league primed for chaos.

For Kansas State, this recognition puts pressure on the program to deliver. Klieman will lean on Johnson’s growth as the team navigates a strong nonconference slate and some of the best teams in the Big 12. Every week brings weight, and Klatt believes Kansas State has the pieces, but little margin for error.

As the Wildcats prepare for fall camp, Klatt’s projection offers a clear charge: embrace the narrow path, capitalize on your strengths, and fight for a playoff breakthrough. If anyone in Manhattan’s built for it, count on Klieman and Johnson to lead the charge.