Kansas State’s football lineup will undergo major changes in Collin Klein’s debut season as head coach, but several familiar names will remain to anchor the Wildcats’ offense. Junior wide receiver Jaron Tibbs has confirmed he will return to Manhattan to close out his collegiate career, giving Klein a dependable target to build around.
Tibbs, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 212 pounds, will join quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson as returning offensive leaders. Together, the trio provides Kansas State with proven production as the program transitions into a new era.
After starting his college career at Purdue, Tibbs transferred to K-State prior to last season and quickly became a key contributor. He finished the year with 47 receptions for 595 yards and three touchdowns, operating as the Wildcats’ second option behind Jayce Brown, who has since transferred to LSU. Tibbs delivered his strongest performance against Baylor, hauling in six passes for 80 yards, and also found the end zone versus North Dakota, Army, and Kansas. His consistency stood out, as he recorded at least one catch in all 12 games.
Kansas State also bolstered its offensive line this week with the addition of San Diego State transfer Chase Duarte. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman appeared in six games as a freshman for the Aztecs, primarily at guard. Duarte will reunite with offensive line coach Mike Schmidt, who previously coached him at SDSU and recently joined the Wildcats’ staff.
The Wildcats have been extremely active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from 24 incoming players this month alone. Those additions span every position group, reflecting Klein’s aggressive approach to reshaping the roster.
At the same time, Kansas State has seen significant turnover, with 31 players entering the transfer portal and finding new destinations across the country. The departures include several starters and contributors, underscoring the scale of change facing the program as Klein begins his tenure.
Despite the roster shakeup, the return of key offensive pieces and a deep influx of transfers has positioned Kansas State to remain competitive as it prepares for the upcoming season.
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