![[left to right] Casey Daugherty, President's Residence manager, Richard Linton, president of K-State, Willie the Wildcat, Sally Linton, first lady of K-State and Brett Engleman, events director to the president and first lady stand and smile together for a photo at Lunch with the Lintons on Sept. 4.](https://kstatecollegian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_9768-e1788836318537-1200x958.jpg)
K-State (1-0)
The highly anticipated season opener for the Collin Klein-led Wildcats was dominant, as K-State delivered a 71-3 victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Klein introduced a high-energy offensive approach that saw 85 total Wildcats hit the field, with a school-record nine different players scoring touchdowns. K-State piled on 559 total yards of offense, striking a lethal balance with 312 yards on the ground and 247 through the air.
Senior quarterback Avery Johnson led the charge, completing 15-of-21 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, along with a 10-yard rushing score. Johnson’s performance pushed his career total to 51 passing touchdowns, breaking the program record. Sophomores provided explosive depth on the ground and out wide, with running back Rodney Fields Jr. rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown in his Wildcat debut, and wideouts Jaron Tibbs and Derrick Salley Jr. securing four catches apiece.
On special teams, Brandon White provided an instant spark by taking a first-quarter punt return 65 yards to the house — marking K-State’s first punt-return score in two years. Defensively, the Wildcats allowed just 122 total yards, their lowest in a single game since 2009, behind strong efforts from safety Logan Bartley and linebacker Gabe Powers, who each had five tackles.
Washington State (0-1)
The Cougars make the journey to Manhattan seeking a crucial rebound after falling 24-10 to rival Washington in their Apple Cup season opener. Head coach Kirby Moore’s squad enters Week 2 looking to clean up execution, particularly on third downs, where they failed to convert on all 11 attempts in their opener. Establishing early-down rhythm and staying out of third-and-long situations against K-State’s aggressive front seven remains a high priority for the Cougars.
Offensively, Washington State relies on the dual-threat capability of quarterback Caden Pinnick alongside senior wide receiver Daniel Blood, who paced the Cougars with 57 receiving yards in his debut.
“I think their [Washington State’s] quarterback is dangerous and makes plays and is incredibly tough,” Klein said during his Monday press conference.
On defense, the Cougars boast a disruptive defensive line anchored by a talented pair of edge rushers, Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain, who will aim to penetrate the Wildcats’ offensive line. For Washington State to force an upset in Manhattan, they must limit self-inflicted mistakes, protect Pinnick and slow down K-State’s balanced run-pass tempo.
