Collin Klein’s Kansas State debut sets up a test against Nicholls’ defensive strength
The Wildcats open their 2026 campaign with a clash against the Colonels, a matchup that pits new coaching energy against a squad ranked fourth nationally in run defence.
Kansas State University will commence its 2026 football season on 5 September with a contest against the Nicholls Colonels, a fixture that marks the head coaching debut of Collin Klein. The match is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
For the Wildcats, the game represents the first opportunity to assess the integration of new personnel under Klein’s leadership. While the team features significant changes at several key positions, the return of quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson provides a foundation of continuity for the offence.
Nicholls enters the contest with a strong defensive profile, having finished fourth in the nation in run defence during the 2025 season. The Colonels have already played one game in the 2026 season, securing a 44-10 victory over Mississippi Valley State, which demonstrated their ability to control time of possession and maintain a balanced attack.
The two programs have met once previously, with Kansas State recording a 49-14 victory in the 2019 season opener. Last year, the Wildcats suffered an opening loss to Iowa State in Ireland, a result that impacted their subsequent performance, making the current season opener a critical early indicator of their trajectory.
Analysts predict Kansas State will defeat Nicholls 48-7, suggesting the Wildcats will eventually break through the Colonels’ defensive structure. The current consensus betting line has Kansas State as 41.5-point favourites, with an over/under of 54.5 points.
Following this fixture, Kansas State is scheduled to face Washington State and Tulane before commencing its Big 12 conference schedule against Cincinnati.
