Kansas State could not have asked for a much better start to the Collin Klein era. The competition takes a real step up in Week 2.
The Wildcats host Washington State on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. Kickoff is 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET on TNT and HBO Max. It is the first meeting between the two programs.
How to watch
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET, 9 a.m. PT)
- Site: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas
- TV: TNT
- Stream: HBO Max
- Records: Kansas State 1-0, Washington State 0-1
- Line: Kansas State by about 17.5 to 19.5, total around 48.5–50.5
What Week 1 told us
Kansas State opened with a 71-3 win over Nicholls. The Wildcats piled up 559 yards and allowed 122. They rushed for 312 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Avery Johnson went 15-of-21 for 199 yards and three scores, plus a rushing touchdown. He also became K-State’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 51. Rodney Fields Jr. ran for 101 yards.
Washington State is 0-1 after a 24-10 loss to No. 17 Washington in the Apple Cup. The Cougars’ defense showed fight. Three turnovers hurt. Quarterback Caden Pinnick, a UC Davis transfer, threw for 142 yards with two interceptions and ran for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Now K-State gets its first FBS test. Washington State is trying to avoid 0-2 under first-year coach Kirby Moore after a short week and a long trip east for a morning kick.
Storylines
Klein’s debut was a blowout. Eighty-five Wildcats played. This week is different. Washington State is not Nicholls. The Cougars made life hard for Washington’s offense. K-State’s offensive line looked good in Week 1. WSU’s front will be a better measuring stick.
Pinnick can run. That is Washington State’s best chance to stay in the game. If Kansas State forces him into obvious passing downs, the gap should show.
The Cougars also have the travel problem. Apple Cup on Sunday, then two time zones, then an 11 a.m. local kick. That is a tough spot for an 0-1 team.
Predicción
Kansas State should win at home and stay unbeaten. Washington State’s defense can keep this from becoming another 71-3. The Wildcats’ run game and Johnson’s dual-threat ability should still be enough.
Pick: Kansas State 31, Washington State 16
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