Kansas State Wildcats football is stepping into a new chapter ahead of the 2026 season, and no position carries more weight than quarterback.
The program underwent significant changes during the offseason, highlighted by the hiring of former Wildcats quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein after longtime head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement in December.
As kickoff draws closer, optimism surrounds the program’s revamped staff, including newly appointed quarterbacks coach Christian Ellsworth.
Christian Ellsworth’s background and the meaning of the K-State QB role
Ellsworth takes on his first full-time quarterbacks coaching position entering 2026.
Before returning to Manhattan—often called “The Little Apple”—he played quarterback at Northern Iowa Panthers football from 2016 to 2019.
He later reunited with Klein at Texas A&M Aggies football, serving for two seasons in 2024 as a senior offensive analyst and tight ends coach.
His coaching journey also included brief stops with the South Carolina Gamecocks footballas a graduate assistant and the Nebraska Cornhuskers football as an offensive analyst.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a graduate assistant at Kansas State from 2020–21.
Now back where he began, Ellsworth’s return aligns perfectly with Klein’s philosophy that the program is built on family ties and shared history.
Ellsworth believes the Wildcats’ quarterback tradition doesn’t just rank among the nation’s best — it stands above the rest.
He described the role as one steeped in success and history, calling it a tremendous honor to guide the position at K-State.
Ellsworth’s confidence in Avery Johnson
Ellsworth has been impressed with the steady development of third-year quarterback Avery Johnson, who started every game last season.
He views Johnson as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, while acknowledging there’s still work to be done to fully prove it.
According to Ellsworth, the foundation is in place for a breakthrough year.
Johnson began his collegiate career in 2023 backing up former Kansas State signal-caller Will Howard, who later captured a national championship as the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football in 2024.
Despite limited early opportunities, Johnson remained with the Wildcats and continued developing.
Across the past two seasons, Johnson has thrown for more than 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns.
In 2025, he completed 59 percent of his passes and finished 11th in the Big 12 in passing, trailing current Utah Utes football quarterback Devon Dampier.
His 146.8 quarterback rating ranked among the top five starters in the conference.
Ellsworth has praised Johnson’s growth as a leader, highlighting his intelligence and eagerness to be challenged both on and off the field.
2026 schedule outlook
Kansas State is set to host seven home games in 2026, including the return of the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against in-state rival Kansas Jayhawks football.
Other Big 12 opponents visiting Manhattan include Houston Cougars football, Oklahoma State Cowboys football, and Arizona Wildcats football.
Nonconference matchups at home feature Nicholls Colonels football, Washington State Cougars football, and the Tulane Green Wave football.
On the road, the Wildcats will face Cincinnati Bearcats football, Arizona State Sun Devils football, Colorado Buffaloes football, TCU Horned Frogs football, and Iowa State Cyclones football.
With a retooled staff, a confident quarterbacks coach, and a proven starter under center, Kansas State enters 2026 believing its new era could quickly turn into another successful chapter.
