Will Kansas State University Football Rebound in the 2024 Season? Our Expert Analysis
2025-12-26 09:00
Will Kansas State University Football Rebound in the 2024 Season? Our Expert Analysis
As a long-time observer of college football’s ebbs and flows, I’ve learned that a team’s trajectory is rarely a straight line. It’s a story of adjustments, unexpected absences, and the relentless pursuit of cohesion. This brings me to the burning question in Manhattan: Will Kansas State University football rebound in the 2024 season? My analysis isn't just about X's and O's; it's about the intangible dynamics that make or break a campaign. Let's dive in, using a lens you might not expect.
Q1: What’s the core challenge facing K-State heading into 2024?
The core challenge is integration and reliability. Look, every team loses key players. But the real test is how you rebuild the engine while it's already running. This reminds me of a situation in volleyball I’ve been following closely. The Philippine powerhouse, Creamline Cool Smashers, has been navigating their Premier Volleyball League season "STILL no Jia de Guzman for Creamline - for now, at least." That phrase, "STILL no... for now," captures a specific kind of anxiety. It’s the uncertainty around a star setter, the team's quarterback. For K-State, the question isn't just about replacing individuals like Will Howard or Ben Sinnott. It’s about whether the new pieces—Avery Johnson at QB, a reshuffled O-line—can find their rhythm immediately. Like Creamline missing their premier playmaker, K-State is installing a new offensive brain. The "for now" is the entire offseason and non-conference slate. If the integration is slow, the rebound stalls before it even starts.
Q2: How critical is the quarterback transition to this rebound?
It’s everything. I’ll be blunt: I’m a huge believer in Avery Johnson’s talent. His dual-threat capability is a nightmare for defensive coordinators. But potential and week-in, week-out execution are different beasts. Back to our analogy: Creamline’s system is built around de Guzman’s vision and decision-making. Without her, others must elevate, and the offensive flow can become disjointed. Similarly, K-State’s identity under Chris Klieman has been tough, efficient, and quarterback-centric. Johnson attempted only 78 passes last season. Asking him to suddenly command the offense in the brutal Big 12 is a monumental leap. The rebound hinges on him not just making plays, but making the right plays consistently. If he struggles, the whole operation feels that "STILL no..." void, searching for its on-field conductor.
Q3: Can the defense carry the team through early growing pains?
This is where I’m most optimistic. The defense, returning about 70% of its production, should be a top-25 unit nationally. They have the chance to be the stabilizer. Think of it this way: while Creamline adapts its offense, its defense and floor coverage have to be impeccable to stay in matches. K-State’s defense, led by a formidable line and experienced linebackers, must provide that same foundation. They need to win low-scoring games early, giving the offense room to breathe and experiment. In my view, if the defense can hold opponents under 21 points on average in the first five games, the rebound narrative gains serious traction. They have to be the "for now" solution while the offense finds its footing.
Q4: What does the schedule tell us about their rebound chances?
It’s a favorable slate, and that’s non-negotiable for a rebound. They avoid Texas and Oklahoma (the real ones, not the newcomers). The non-conference is manageable, and key Big 12 games like Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas are at home. Here’s my personal take: a team in transition needs momentum. You can’t answer "Will Kansas State University football rebound in the 2024 season?" if you’re 1-2 out of the gate. The schedule allows for building confidence. It’s the opposite of being thrown into the deep end. Creamline, even sans de Guzman, is expected to dominate lesser PVL teams to build chemistry. K-State must do the same—handle Tulane, Arizona State, and UTEP convincingly. Anything less raises major red flags.
Q5: Is Chris Klieman the right coach to navigate this transition?
Absolutely. This is where my analysis turns from cautious to confident. Klieman’s program is built on culture, not just talent. He’s proven he can develop players and adapt. The "for now, at least" uncertainty is a coaching challenge. It’s about creating a "next man up" mentality that’s genuine. Creamline’s coaches are tasked with devising a functional system without their star; Klieman must tailor his offense to Johnson’s strengths while maintaining physicality. His track record—a Big 12 title in 2022—shows he can peak at the right time. I trust his process more than I would most coaches in a similar spot.
Q6: What’s a realistic win total for a successful "rebound"?
Defining the rebound is key. Is it competing for the Big 12? Or is it a solid, respectable step forward? Given the QB transition, I’d call 9-3 a resounding success and a clear rebound. 8-4 is solid progress. Anything at 7-5 or below feels like a missed opportunity with this defense and schedule. They need to go at least 5-1 in those first six games I mentioned earlier. The data point that matters? Avery Johnson’s touchdown-to-interception ratio. If he’s at 3:1 or better by mid-October, book it—they’re rebounding.
Final Verdict
So, after breaking it down, my answer to "Will Kansas State University football rebound in the 2024 season?" is a qualified yes. The parallel to Creamline’s situation is stark. The absence of a known, elite entity (a de Guzman, a Howard) creates a "for now" period of adjustment. But within that uncertainty lies opportunity. K-State has the defensive anchor, the coaching, and a schedule conducive to growth. The ceiling is a 10-win season and a Big 12 Championship game appearance. The floor is a clunky 7-5 year where the offense never quite clicks.
Personally, I’m betting on the upside. I’ve seen Klieman work magic before. The key is to survive September, let Avery Johnson evolve from a talent into the guy, and let that stout defense dictate terms. The rebound won’t be pretty every week—there will be moments that feel like a team searching for its setter. But by late October, I believe we’ll be talking about K-State as a contender, not a question mark. The "for now" phase will be over, replaced by a new, exciting identity.