The New Old School. Are you familiar? Collin Klein coined the appealing term as the 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and one of the finest quarterbacks in the history of the Big 12 Conference stood upon a stage at his introductory news conference as Kansas State head coach on December 5, 2025, at Morgan Family Arena. Just hours prior, Klein, the second-year offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, boarded a private jet with his family, and peered out of a window as the Bill Snyder Family Stadium that he once dominated floated into view, and now he stood inside a packed arena in a dark suit about 20 yards from Bill Snyder, his mentor and the 86-year-old Hall of Famer wore a smile the size of Manhattan upon a face that suddenly seemed younger, as Klein, who helped deliver 10- and 11-win seasons and a Big 12 Championship during his college career, was back at the place he knew full well, the place he loved more than any other, with purple pouring through his veins, eager to lead the program that he's known for nearly two decades.
"Nothing but excitement, man. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt honored," beams a smiling Mekhi Mason, a 6-foot-2, 233-pounder dressed in a purple hoodie with the Nike Swoosh that reads in all white caps: "K-STATE WILDCATS." It's Monday at 10:47 a.m., and it's five days until Mason takes the field for his first game as a Wildcat. The K-State defense, under the direction of new coordinator Jordan Peterson, features two linebackers — a middle linebacker and a weakside linebacker — and Mason, who transferred to K-State from Louisiana Tech, and who began his college football career at Syracuse, is expected to make his first career start at a Power 4 school when he lines up as the middle linebacker shortly after the 6 p.m. kickoff against Nicholls on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Collin Klein hasn't yet decided upon the first play that he'll call from the sideline as the new head coach and seasoned play-caller officially takes over the reins of a proud program and Kansas State opens its 2026 season against Nicholls on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Does the story start with Conor Riley sauntering over to speak with Oliver Miller, a young up-and-coming sophomore offensive lineman after practice at Cherry Creek High School? Does the story start with Miller hosting Kansas State offensive line coach-turned-tight ends coach Brian Lepak in his parents' living room last May 19? Or does it begin with Miller discussing his journey ahead as an incoming freshman with the Wildcats one late December night — and less than two days after Miller's final game in a celebrated high school career?
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