K-State (0-0)
The Collin Klein era begins as the former K-State Heisman Trophy finalist returns home to Manhattan following a successful playoff-qualifying stint as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 2025. Klein’s return to the program brings high expectations, as he previously led high-powered offenses under Chris Klieman.
Quarterback Avery Johnson enters his senior season making his 27th career start to become just the third K-State quarterback since 1990 to start three consecutive season openers. Johnson needs one touchdown to reach 49 career touchdowns and to break his tie with Will Howard for sole possession of the program’s all-time passing touchdown record.
“I want him to be extremely confident, to play fast, and to let his fire, his love to compete, and the care and love for his teammates show,” Klein said. “For us to attack this just like every game that we play as an opportunity to learn, to get better, to learn more about ourselves, and to just love competing and take off or throw off anything else that’s in his mind or that he’s dealing with, or any pressure or thought from anywhere else.”
The Wildcats enter the opener with significant roster turnover, welcoming 58 new players, including 26 Division I or II transfers, making up over 52% of the total roster.
Nicholls State (1-0)
The Colonels enter Week 2 with game action already under their belt after defeating Mississippi Valley State 44-10 in their August 27 season opener.
First-year head coach Tommy Rybacki took over the program following long-time head coach Tim Rebowe’s departure. Rybacki previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Nicholls features a deep backfield that utilized nine different ball carriers in their Week 1 victory, led by Tamaj Hoffman, Shane Lee and Damondrick Blackburn. The Colonels rotated three quarterbacks in their opener: Ean Rodrigue, the projected starter who threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns, alongside Preston Welch and Chase Richardson.
Nicholls is no stranger to power-conference environments, regularly scheduling Power Five non-conference opponents early in the fall. Defensive end Kyree Fuller anchors the Colonel’s front line alongside linebackers Kevin Martin Jr. and Jordan Okelo-Johnson. Their primary test Saturday will be setting the edge and containing Avery Johnson in the pocket to avoid giving up explosive plays in space.
