‘Cats dominant in season opener, defeat Nicholls 71-3
· Yahoo Sports
MANHATTAN (KSNT) — A dominant performance to open the 'Collin Klein' Era.
The Kansas State Wildcats kicked off the 2026 season with a 71-3 win over Nicholls on Saturday night.
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The win was highlighted by a 65-yard punt return touchdown from Brandon White to put the 'Cats up 22-0 at the end of the first.
Rodney Fields Jr. rushed 26 yards for a touchdown to open up scoring in the second, making things 29-0.
Within the last two minutes of the half, Avery Johnson found Joe Jackson for 43 yards to extend the lead to 36-3.
Monterrio Elston Jr. would pick up a huge rushing TD, for 46 yards, in the fourth quarter to continue building, 64-3.
A two-yard rush from Jacob Knuth in would close out the scoring as the 'Cats win, 71-3.
Johnson went 15-for-21 on the night with 199 yards and three touchdowns. The senior added 23 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
K-State will return to Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Sept. 12 when they host Washington State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.
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