Collin Klein looking to extend KSU’s streak in Sunflower Showdown
Kansas State Coach Collin Klein walks along the sideline during a timeout against Tulane Saturday September 19, 2026 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State’s Collin Klein is no stranger to the Sunflower Showdown after participating in the rivalry as a player, and an Offensive Coordinator, but this will be his first time as head coach.
The Wildcats currently have the Big 12’s longest winning streak against a Power Four rival, and Klein has every intention on extending that mark. After all, the last time Kansas State lost to Kansas Klein was just a freshman in the purple and white. Fast forward 18 years later, and the Wildcats have won 17-straight in the series, but they’re not approaching this year’s matchup at full strength.
After losing his first three games in Big 12 play, there’s a sense of urgency for Klein to get Kansas State back on the winning track, but he understands that Kansas will present some challenges on both sides of the ball.
“I think they’ve got good length at the skill positions on both sides, their secondary has good size, length. and they have a couple really, really good D-linemen with good size and good length”, Klein said. “Offensively, I think they run well outside, the quarterback keeps getting better and better week in and week out, and is creating explosive plays for them, so, it’s going to be a challenge.”
The Jayhawks are also winless in conference play, and Coach Lance Leipold will likely throw the kitchen sink at the Wildcats. Klein has several players from the state on his roster, and knows this game means a lot to them. The Governor’s Cup currently sits in the middle of Kansas State’s locker room, and Klein expect his players to lay it all on the line to keep the hardware there.
“The pride they take in this game and the rivalry is real, and that’s something we’ve embraced for a long time,” he said. “But, we understand – like I said before – it’s going to come down to doing what it takes to win and play winning football to win the game.”
There’s no denying that a win over the Jayhawks could potentially right the ship on Klein’s first season. It’s obvious Klein has a rebuilding project on his hands, and Kansas State has a leaky secondary. The Jayhawks will be battling a vulnerable squad, so Klein will have to lean on his leaders to carry the Wildcats to the finish line.
Quarterback Avery Johnson passed for two touchdowns, and also rushed for two in last year’s game. He didn’t have a great performance in last week’s loss to Houston, and will be looking to redeem himself. Klein anticipates a physical contest that will come down to the trenches.
Although the pressure is on Leipold to get the Kansas (2-3) over the hump, Klein doesn’t want to disappoint Kansas State fans by losing this game. All of the intense practices throughout the week should benefit the Wildcats, the fans are rallying behind the team, and Klein can see the hunger in everyone’s eyes. So he anticipates Kansas State (3-3) will play with passion, and discipline in front of a sold out crowd, to make up for last week’s embarrassing loss at home to Houston.
“I think our whole building has incredible competitors, incredible character, and true competitors respond when challenged, albeit a very, very painful loss, you rise up.”
