Here are 5 transfer portal predictions for Kansas State football

5 days ago 2

MANHATTAN — A lot will happen with Kansas State football over the next few weeks, setting up what the 2026 season will look like for the program's first year under Collin Klein.

The Wildcats' roster will see plenty of changes when the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2. They'll lose players and add players, hoping to build something better than the 6-6 roster that ultimately disappointed in 2025.

Much can change in an instant, whether a key player decides to leave or if a big name decides he wants to sign on to play for Kansas State as it enters its new era.

Here are our predictions for this transfer portal cycle before the window opens on Friday.

Kansas State will hang on to Avery Johnson

The most important roster move would be keeping Avery Johnson as the program's starting quarterback. While this could change at any point over the next few weeks, Johnson staying in Manhattan seems to be the consensus.

Johnson staying in purple would be because of his relationship with Collin Klein, who wants his former recruit to lead the Wildcats into the new era. Klein has an impressive resume with quarterbacks, and he could help develop Johnson into the pro that he wants to be.

K-State needs to make sure Johnson has weapons to throw the ball to. The Wildcats have to make sure there's enough around him to succeed, and they will have to prove it by building up the offensive line and reloading at wide receiver via the portal over the next month.

Kansas State will add an elite-level pass rusher

It wouldn't be a surprise if K-State makes a splash here. The Wildcats have lacked an elite-level player to get after the quarterback in recent seasons, and this might be the spot they put a lot of investment in.

K-State should feel confident in its secondary, and it has established a great-looking trio of coaches to lead it. A few additions are likely, but the defensive line is what the Wildcats will have to focus on the most.

The Wildcats' offense is already expected to take a step forward with Klein now calling the shots. A great pass rusher would provide a lot of excitement for the defense.

Texas A&M names follow Collin Klein to Kansas State

A handful of Aggies are already portal-bound, and it's easy to connect with some of the coaches moving from College Station to Manhattan. A few Aggies may look good in K-State unis.

Joe Jackson will have a new running mate in the backfield

There are early indications that the Wildcats hope to bring reinforcements to their backfield. Joe Jackson broke out over the last two games of the season, showing some promise that he could be the guy moving forward, but an additional starting-caliber running back wouldn't hurt.

Kansas State will persuade a few players to return

Just because someone enters the portal doesn't mean they can't come back. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Wildcats found a way to keep a few players.

Safety Qua Moss has teased a potential return already, while Donovan McIntosh straight-up said he's coming back after initially thinking of leaving. Maybe the Wildcats could attract someone like Austin Romaine or Chiddi Obiazor to stay as well.

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football transfer portal predictions

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