Energy, toughness taking shape early under Collin Klein’s staff at K-State

Collin Klein speaking to an audience at his first press conference on Friday, December 5, 2025. Courtesy: Samuel Lowther

From the moment Collin Klein was introduced as Kansas State’s next head coach, he made one thing clear: the Wildcats would be defined by energy and toughness.

It’s a familiar message in Manhattan. It echoes the identity built under Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder. 

And early into spring practice, players say it hasn’t just been talk.

Energy, they say, has shown up every day.

“I love the old coaching staff,” junior safety Wesley Fair said. “This coaching staff just has so much energy, and they bring it every day, and I love that.

“A change is going to be great for the team, great for our future, so I’m excited.”

The new staff in place is led by Klein and coordinators Jordan Peterson (defense), Sean Gleeson (offense) and Stanton Weber (special teams). Early on, it appears the emphasis has been as much about approach as it has scheme.

For Fair, a returning contributor who appeared in all 12 games last season with 36 tackles and a fumble return touchdown against TCU, the offseason has been about matching that energy with growth on his end.

Listen to the interview clip of Wesley Fair

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“This whole winter and spring training has been about getting better in the weight room — getting stronger and faster,” Fair said. “And with the new coaches, it’s about learning as much ball from them as you can. It’s been really good.

“We’ve got some really smart guys. Coach Jordan Peterson, my position coach, and Coach Jeremiah Johnson — they’ve really gotten me right, and I’ve learned a lot.”

But beyond individual improvement, Fair pointed to a noticeable shift in how practices feel and how the defense is beginning to take shape.

“We’re going to have a lot of energy, I think that’s going to be the main thing,” he said. “There are a lot of new guys, so during spring ball we’re just getting that chemistry together, and everyone’s really enjoying it.”

Fair added that energy is being built into the details of practice.

“Literally everything we’re doing, the coaches are emphasizing energy,” Fair said. “For example, we’ll do a pursuit drill, and they emphasize running to the ball, but as you’re taking the field, they want you yelling, screaming, and then once you hit it, you want to be at top speed.

“So, everything we do, you want full intent and energy while you’re doing it, bringing guys along with you. It’s been good.”

Junior cornerback Donovan McIntosh has noticed the same thing, particularly in how Peterson operates during practice.

Listen to the interview clip of Donovan McIntosh

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“The main thing I’d say is his energy,” McIntosh said. “He’s really into practice — when one of us makes a play, he’s out there running with us.”

And according to McIntosh, it’s not something that comes and goes.

“For sure — it’s consistent,” he said. “That’s one thing I noticed right away. Everything is consistent in practice.”

That consistency, from coaches to players, has helped set a tone early as the Wildcats work through the early install portion of spring practice.

It’s also stood out to newcomers like junior offensive lineman Tanner Morley, a transfer from Colorado State who started four games at CSU last season before a season-ending injury.

“It’s been great,” Morley said. “Coach Mike Schmidt has already taught me so much. I’ve played a lot of snaps and have been playing college football for a good bit now, but he continues to teach me new things every single day.”

Morley said the energy has made an immediate impact on how he’s approached his transition into the program.

“I’m always going to be me,” Morley said. “I’m a very energetic guy — I love making people happy, but I also love bringing the juice, because that’s honestly how you get through some of these days playing football.

“So, getting the juice up every day is always my favorite thing. And coming in as a new guy, I just stayed myself and continued to be a leader.”

For Fair, the combination of a fresh start and a consistent message has created an environment where players feel free to play faster.

“Just having new coaches is a fresh start,” he said. “Not saying anything bad about the old staff, but it’s just a benefit to play loose and play free — something new.

“It’s been good, and I’ve enjoyed it.”

It’s still early, and the full picture of Klein’s first team won’t come into focus for months, but if the early returns from spring practice are any indication, the identity he spoke about on day one is already taking shape in how the Wildcats practice every day.