Joel Klatt lists Kansas State as sneakiest team in Big 12

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt named Kansas State the sneakiest team in the Big 12 going into the 2023 season. The Wildcats are the defending conference champions, but aren’t talked about as the favorites such as Texas or even Oklahoma this fall.

Led by quarterback Will Howard, some may be underestimating Kansas State this season. At least, that’s how Klatt sees it.

In the final year for 2024’s realignment, the Big 12 could see a repeat champion wearing purple.

“The sneakiest team in the Big 12: Kansas State,” Klatt said on his podcast. “Just watch out for Kansas State. I love their O-line. I really like Will Howard and defensively they are just kind of tough as nails. I like what they do at Kansas State.”

Howard played in just seven games last year but eventually was the starter over transfer Adrian Martienz. He finished the year with 1,633 yards, 15 touchdowns, four interceptions, a 59.8% completion percentage and three rushing touchdowns.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Howard was a three-star recruit out of Downingtown (Pa.) West, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 10 overall prospect in the state, the No. 64 quarterback in the class and the No. 959 overall prospect in the class.

Kansas State can win Big 12 Championship with Will Howard

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman is quite confident in quarterback Howard. It seems like the whole team is behind Howard and the fact he can win a Big 12 Championship.

The defending conference champions have him under center full-time now. There was some back-and-forth between Martinez and Howard last season. But going into 2023, Howard is a new version, a better version.

“Confidence, belief,” Klieman said of Howard. “Those are the two things I think of when I think of Will Howard. He’s had an incredible journey at Kansas State, and he’s had some ups and downs. But he’s always weathered the storm. He’s always bet on himself and believed in himself.

“Most importantly, I would tell you as we come into fall camp, the whole football team believes in Will Howard. The whole football team knows that you can win a Big 12 Championship with Will Howard at quarterback.”Heck, Kansas State did it last season with Howard. He tossed two touchdowns in a win over TCU.

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