Five observations from Kansas State’s first open football practice of the spring
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- K-State’s spring practices are high‑intensity and mostly in pads to build physicality.
- Collin Klein observed and took notes while assistants ran drills, like Bill Snyder did.
- Coaches used a big special‑teams rotation; several players had limited reps.
Kansas State football coach Collin Klein allowed media to observe the first few portions of spring practice on Tuesday.
Here are five observations on the Wildcats as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Intensity levels were high for a spring practice
Some people want to visit physicality. We live there.
That was arguably the most memorable quote that Collin Klein shared during his introductory news conference at K-State. It becomes obvious why he said it after watching a few minutes of a Wildcats football practice under his guidance.
Intensity levels were cranked up for practice Tuesday morning. The entire team was in pads. Players ran hard during warmup drills. Coaches treated every portion of practice like a live game. When hitting was allowed, things got physical.
This was most noticeable during a defensive drill early on. Coordinator Jordan Peterson not only challenged his players to chase balls to the sideline at maximum speed, he ran with them and encouraged them to “move” every step of the way. All the while, their performance was being monitored with technology.
A K-State coach loudly pointed out every player who wasn’t hitting his goal speed with a megaphone.
Klein has said that K-State players will spend 12 of their 15 spring practices in pads. He is taking the next month as seriously as possible.
Collin Klein likes to take notes during practice
When Klein served as K-State’s offensive coordinator under Chris Klieman, he used a hands-on approach with quarterbacks and other skill positions during practice.
On Tuesday, he was more of an observer.
He watched Avery Johnson and K-State’s other quarterbacks go through passing drills. He watched wide receivers run routes. He kept an eye on running backs and tight ends. But he rarely got involved as they worked. Instead, he let his assistants run the show.
All the while, he quietly took notes with pen and paper.
This is a similar approach to how former coach Bill Snyder ran practices, expect he often spoke into a voice recorder.
New approach to special teams?
K-State coaches sent an interesting mix of players to work on special teams at the beginning of this practice.
When it was time for the Wildcats to work on kick and punt returns, members from just about every position took part in the drill. Even backup quarterback Jacob Knuth was seen catching punts in a green no-contact jersey.
It will be interesting to see if new special teams coordinator Stanton Weber uses a big rotation of players when the season arrives.
Notable visitors were in attendance
University president Richard Linton was on the sideline as K-State football practice got underway.
He was joined by a few other notable visitors, including former K-State wide receiver Kevin Lockett and a handful of recruits who were checking out practice with tour guides Taylor Braet and Greg Svarczkopf.
Klein made sure to stop and speak with all of them before practice began. He made them all feel welcome.
Some players weren’t in uniform
Klein has previously said that a handful of K-State football players were expected to be limited this spring. He mentioned Garrett Oakley, John Pastore and Tanner Morley by name.
A few other players weren’t in pads on Tuesday.
Senior wide receiver Jaron Tibbs and junior linebacker Asa Newsom both took mental reps and supported their teammates in street clothes. Makari Bodiford, Brock Heath, Julius Wilson and Kyle Rakers were also not full participants.
It’s worth noting that absences like that are common during spring practice. None of them are expected to remain out long term.