ALERT: Houston’s Willie Fritz Ready to WRECK Kansas State’s Season Again—CAN Wildcats Strike Back? |

Kansas State seeks redemption against Houston after a 2024 collapse that derailed their season—can Collin Klein and Avery Johnson ignite a resurgence in Manhattan? The upcoming conference home opener looms large as both programs look to prove last year’s turning point was more than a fluke.Parker Ainsworth and Christian Rauh dissect Kansas State’s must-win matchup, spotlighting Avery Johnson’s growth under new head coach Collin Klein and Houston’s ambitions with veteran QB Conner Weigman. They discuss key returners, high-impact transfers, and how coaching continuity could fuel each team’s success. With schedules favoring fast Big 12 starts, the hosts break down pivotal stretches, quarterback duels, and the emerging rivalry that could shape both teams' postseason paths. Will Kansas State reclaim momentum, or will Houston solidify its Big 12 status? Don’t miss this high-stakes college football preview packed with insider analysis.00:00 Intro & 2024 Recap01:06 Kansas State’s Collapse02:02 Coaching & Season Stakes03:10 Importance of 2026 Matchup04:14 Houston’s Early Schedule05:28 Kansas State Home Advantage06:06 Scheduling Gauntlet for Houston07:10 Potential for Wheels Off Houston08:01 Houston’s Expectations09:19 QB Continuity Discussion12:13 Avery Johnson’s Development15:16 Big 12 QB Landscape16:24 Houston’s QB Packages18:03 Johnson’s Growth Path19:57 Season Expectations for Both21:01 Houston’s 2026 Schedule21:12 Weigman’s Keys to SuccessBecome an everydayer! Subscribe to the Everydayer or All-Access tier of Locked On Coogs for even MORE Coogs! https://lockedoncoogs.supercast.com/Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.