The Kansas State Wildcats opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion, rolling past Nicholls State 71-3 in Manhattan Friday night. It’s the most points K-State has scored in a football game since 2000.

 

The win gives first-year head coach Collin Klein his first victory at the helm after playing quarterback for the Wildcats from 2008 to 2012, providing K-State with strong momentum heading into Week 2.

 

Quarterback Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes, while six different players added rushing scores as the Wildcats found the end zone in a variety of ways. Klein praised his team and the atmosphere surrounding his first home game as head coach. 

 

K-State moves to 1-0 on the season and will host Washington State this Saturday, as Klein and the Purple and White will look for win No. 2. Pregame coverage begins at 10:00 a.m., with kickoff set for 11:00 a.m. on the Mighty 690.