Klieman talks new-look Big 12 and new-look Wildcats at media days

LAS VEGAS (KSNT) - Kansas State football's Chris Klieman previewed the upcoming season for his 'Cats at the 2024 Big 12 football media days.

The Wildcats will play in a new-look Big 12 in 2024, which now features 16 teams after officially adding four more newcomers in Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. Coach Klieman says the conference expansion is something fans should be excited about, but it also poses a challenge to his staff behind the scenes during the busy summertime.

"We don't have the database like you'd have with attack against Baylor or TCU," Klieman said. "BYU and Cincinnati have been are in our league, but we didn't play them so we don't have much data on them. Then we've got the two Arizona schools and Colorado, so a lot of extra work, but I think it's excitement though for the fans."

Klieman anticipates Big 12 football fans will experience a high quality product in high energy environments, Bill Snyder Family Stadium included.

The product the 'Cats plan to put on the field is largely different from what fans saw in 2023. In addition to new signal callers, like offensive coordinator Conor Riley and co-offensive coordinator Matt Wells, the 'Cats have a new face under center.

Avery Johnson only has one game, the 2023 Pop Tarts Bowl, as a starter under his belt, but Klieman is confident in his young sophomore quarterback.

"He's taking a leadership role to make sure that he's getting himself the timing with those guys." said Klieman of Johnson's chemistry with K-State's offense. "He's a really confident kid, he's not arrogant, he's just confident in what he's doing."

The Wildcat head coach also discussed the depth of K-State's running back room, which features the veteran DJ Giddens, Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards and others.

K-State kicks off the season against UT Martin at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31.