K-State (4-4,1-4 Big 12)
Blake Barnett makes his first career start when K-State hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday, Nov. 7, becoming the Wildcats’ fourth starting quarterback in four weeks.
Barnett threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 27-24 overtime loss at Colorado on Oct. 31. He connected with Garrett Oakley for an 8-yard touchdown with two seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force overtime.
Head coach Collin Klein said Barnett earned the opportunity with his performance. Avery Johnson has an “outside chance” of returning this season, while Jacob Knuth is trending toward missing Saturday’s game.
After consecutive road losses, K-State needs more than a change under center to get back on track. Klein said recurring mistakes have continued to hurt the Wildcats.
“We’re bleeding out right now over 1,000 little cuts,” Klein said. “We have to get them shored up, and we have to do it right now because some of the same ones are showing up and recurring and making the same mistake over and over again.”
Klein also emphasized the need for players to take responsibility in critical moments rather than waiting for someone else to make a play.
“We can’t wait for someone to hand you the game,” Klein said. “You can’t wait for someone else to make a play.”
K-State’s defense ranks seventh nationally in passing yards allowed at 151.9 per game. It will face a major test against an Oklahoma State offense averaging 41.1 points per contest.
Oklahoma State (5-3, 3-2 Big 12)
Oklahoma State has flipped its fortunes in the first season under head coach Eric Morris. After going winless in Big 12 play in 2024 and 2025, the Cowboys enter Saturday at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
The Cowboys last met K-State on Nov. 15, 2025, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. K-State won 14-6 and held Oklahoma State scoreless in the second half. Avery Johnson threw a 34-yard touchdown to Jayce Brown in the second quarter, and Joe Jackson added a 15-yard rushing score in the fourth.
This season, Oklahoma State averages 41.1 points per game, up from 14.2 last year. The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in seven straight games and lead the FBS with 190 second-half points.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 2,649 yards and 25 touchdowns through eight games, averaging 331.1 passing yards per game, second-best nationally. He has recorded seven consecutive 300-yard passing games, tying the school record.
Klein praised Mestemaker’s poise and ability to read defenses.
“He’s the whole package,” Klein said. “His demeanor is dialed in, competitive, yet calm, very poised. Accuracy is off the chart.”
The Cowboys also boast a strong rushing attack behind Caleb Hawkins, who averages 113.3 yards per game. Receivers Justin Bowick and Wyatt Young add 91.4 and 89.1 receiving yards per game, respectively.
Oklahoma State is coming off a 51-49 loss to Iowa State on Oct. 31. Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, while Hawkins accounted for 275 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
