The third-place finisher in the Big 12 last season, Kansas State ran to a 10-3 record in the 2014-15 season. 

Two losses in the Big 12 to Baylor and TCU, however, kept the Wildcats from taking the top spot in the conference for the first time since they shared the title with Oklahoma in 2012. 

As the 11th-ranked team, Kansas State fell to the lower-ranked UCLA Golden Bears in the Alamo Bowl, 40-35. It may have told the story of the upcoming season. 

Last season’s quarterback, Jake Waters, graduated during the summer. With the offense posing many question marks, the defense may get to see the field with its experienced lineup more than in years past. 

Offense

As last season’s quarterback Jake Waters finished his last season as a Wildcat, the team was left wondering who could replace him in the upcoming season.

Waters, a pass-first quarterback, looks like he will be succeeded by quarterbacks with a run-first mentality. 

Junior quarterback Joe Hubener has the most experience in the group and saw action in games last season. 

Playing in seven games last season, Hubener threw nine completions for 235 yards and a touchdown. His big impact came on the ground, where he ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns.

Burlington, Iowa, native, sophomore quarterback Jesse Ertz has been tabbed in the race as well. He ran for 46 yards on seven attempts. 

Junior college transfer Jonathon Banks, who led his Contra Costa team to a 9-1 record last season, and freshman quarterback Alex Delton, who was ranked as the 33rd-best dual-threat quarterback by ESPN.