⚡ CFB Dashboard

- ### Top Actionable Intel - Kansas State's WR room is viewed as deeper and more versatile than last year, which could be a real unlock for QB Avery Johnson and new/returning offensive play-caller Collin Klein. - The key upgrade is depth. Last year, injuries forced K-State into emergency looks, including heavy 13 personnel in a two-minute setting. The hosts think this year's room gives Johnson far more playable answers. - There may not be a clear elite WR1 like a top-15 national receiver, but the room has enough options for multiple players to trade off big games. - The market case is that K-State's passing offense can become less fragile if Klein can turn the deeper room into flexible matchups instead of relying on one star.

- ### Top Actionable Intel - Kansas State linebacker is a major 2026 swing position after losing Austin Romaine to Texas Tech and Desmond Purnell. The room has upside and more bodies, but the hosts do not treat it as a guaranteed plug-and-play replacement. - Transfers Mekhi Mason and Jacobi Oliphant Jr. are expected to compete for immediate roles. Mason is the safer run-defense stabilizer; Oliphant is the higher-upside coverage/athletic piece. - Depth and rotation are central to the handicap. The hosts tied last year's defensive fatigue issues, including Army, to the need for five or six trustworthy linebackers. - ### Team / Position Notes

- Top Betting/Intel Takeaways - Kansas State's secondary is one of the more stable rooms on the roster and is being counted on to keep the defense competitive in 2026. - Zashon Rich returning is the anchor. He started all 12 games, earned honorable mention All-Big 12 as a true sophomore, logged 837 snaps, and could again play close to every snap. - Donovan McIntosh staying after portal flirtation is a second major stabilizer. He played 11 games, started 7, had five pass breakups and one interception. - The staff turnover on defense makes retained veterans more valuable. Rich, McIntosh, and Logan Bartley give the new defensive staff system familiarity and leadership after Joe Klanderman's exit to Baylor.

- K-State Holds Football Press Conference as Spring Practices Conclude This Week This Week Apr 22, 2026 | Football Watch Klein's Press Conference Listen to Klein's Press Conference Watch Gleeson's Press Conference Watch Peterson's Press Conference Watch Weber's Press Conference Listen to Coordinator Press Conferences Share: Share: MANHATTAN, Kan.