If the first part of Collin Klein’s philosophy is rooted in tradition, the second is built around adapting to a new version of college football.
Name, image and likeness. The transfer portal. Constant roster movement.
It’s a reality far different from the one that defined Kansas State football for decades.
But those around Klein believe he’s uniquely positioned to bridge that gap.
Curry Sexton, a former K-State wide receiver who became a leader in the program’s NIL efforts, said Klein saw the shift coming before most.
“He’ll be excellent in that regard,” Sexton said. “Back in 2022, he played a key role in spearheading some NIL efforts and discussions at K-State, including getting key donors involved. He identified the critical need in NIL more than three years ago.”
That experience only expanded during Klein’s time at Texas A&M, where NIL became a central part of building a roster.
“He’s gone to a place where NIL is utilized more extensively than almost anywhere in the country — they were all-in on NIL before it was cool,” Sexton said. “He’s seen how that works firsthand, and his experience in that space is going to be critical as we move into 2026 and beyond.”
Klein’s experiences also show up in recruiting. Sexton said Klein’s background as both a player and coach gives him a unique advantage, particularly at the quarterback position.
“Quarterbacks are going to want to come play for this guy, especially dual-threat quarterbacks,” Sexton said. “You see what he did in his career — kids are going to love the idea of playing for a Heisman finalist.”
But Sexton pointed to Klein’s coaching track record as just as important.
“He coached Jake Waters, who set school records. He coached Skylar Thompson, who set records and has been in the NFL for several years. He helped develop Will Howard, who went on to win a national championship and became an NFL draft pick. And he was a key part of recruiting and developing Avery Johnson,” Sexton said.
“With his experience and his knowledge, he’s a guy who can really resonate with quarterbacks. That’s going to be huge for both retention and recruiting moving forward.”
Still, the system Klein inherits is not the same one that built Kansas State football into a consistent winner.
Bill Snyder, who defined the program for decades, acknowledged the shift — and the challenges that come with it.
“I’m pleased that there’s now a possible way to help young people out financially,” Snyder said. “I’ve always wished it was something the NCAA would allow programs — not outsiders and not fans — to provide for the student-athlete.”
But Snyder also pointed to the uncertainty created by the current model.
“It’s a shame that it has to come from people outside the program,” he said. “And therein lies the capacity for buying players. I don’t think that’s the intent, but it leaves it open.”
Those realities frame the environment Klein now steps into. It’s one built less on long-term development and more on constant change.
The challenge in front of Klein isn’t just adapting to that system, but doing it without losing what made K-State football successful in the first place.
And that’s where the “new old school” takes shape.
With help from GoPowercat publisher Tim Fitzgerald, the "New Old School" is presented as a new tune to capture the arrival of Collin Klein as the Wildcats' next head coach.
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