The 2026 Kansas State football season might be one of the most anticipated in a long time. With the arrival of new head coach Collin Klein, K-State students are excited to see what the future holds for the program.

On Jan. 21, fans received a sneak peek of what to expect with the release of the 2026 schedule. The schedule showcases opponents such as Tulane, Arizona and of course, Kansas. K-State students discussed what they think this season will look like.

What game are you looking forward to the most?

One team dominated this question: the Kansas Jayhawks. Senior Ryan Brennan is happy that the game will be back at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. 

“Probably the KU game,” Brennan said. “It’s going to be back at home, so hopefully I get to see the job get done in person.”

Fellow student Joaquin Barrea agrees. He feels there will be another win added to the 17-year streak of beating the Jayhawks in 2026. 

Out of all the games, which one feels most like a trap game?

Student Adrianna Smith feels that one of K-State’s early games, versus an unfamiliar foe in Washington State, will be the sketchiest. 

“I think the second game against Washington State might be a trap game,” Smith said. “We’ll have a new coach, and we might be working out the quirks early on in the year.”

The game Brennan has his sights on is the following week against Tulane. 

“I think Tulane,” Brennan said. “I think the first two games are gimmes, but it’s going to be hard when Tulane comes to play us.”

Barrea chose Iowa State as his trap game of the season, an opinion he feels many may not agree with.

“This might be unpopular, but I’m going to say Iowa State,” Barrea said. “They lost most of their team, including their coach, but it’s at Iowa State, and they are always tough competition.”

Which game has the biggest upset potential? For or against K-State?

Smith thinks the Iowa State game will be the game in which the Wildcats force an upset, highlighting the loss in Ireland this past year as a reason why. 

“Even though we lost this year in a close game to Iowa State, I think we can get it done on the road against them to end the season,” Smith said.

Brennan also feels an away game is where a big upset from K-State can happen, as he chose the week four matchup in Cincinnati. 

“I think if we go to Cincinnati and beat them, we will be looking really good this season,” Brennan said. 

Barrera was the only one to choose a game that could be an upset against the Wildcats, once again choosing Iowa State. 

“I mean, no one’s counting them in,” Barrea said. “I think they’re going to count themselves in. They’re going to want it more, so we’ll have to see.”

If the athletic department paid for everything, which away game would you most like to attend? 

Barrea chose Arizona State for its fans and stadium environment. 

“I think it would be a really fun trip,” said Barrea. “Nice state, really nice fans … It’s going to be a great time.”

Smith also chose Arizona State, but for different reasons. 

“It’s in October, and it will be warm out there,” Smith said. “I’d like to go and maybe do a hike in the desert or something.” 

Instead of the warm desert in Arizona, Brennan chose the cold mountains of Boulder, Colorado. 

“I would go to Boulder, Colorado, and watch Deion coach,” Brennan said. 

It’s safe to say these fans are excited for what’s to come for the 2026 K-State football season, and only time will tell if their expectations become a reality.