The Kansas Storytelling Festival is holding 3 qualifying competitions this September and October to prepare for the 2027 Tall Tales storytelling contest. Any amateur Storyteller is welcome to enter these preliminary events to become one of 4 finalists who will compete at the Storytelling Festival on April 23-24, 2027, in Downs, KS. The public is also invited to come, listen and help choose the next Kansas “Tall Tale Champion”. All qualifier events are free to attend.&nbsp;

A tall tale is a unique form of American Story Telling in which the narrator usually has a part in the story. Telling a Tall Tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are. A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. Professional storytellers cannot compete. Information and rules for the Tall Competition are posted at Tall Tales | Mysite&nbsp;

The first qualifier will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Tonganoxie Historical Society; 201 W. Washington St.; Tonganoxie, KS. beginning at 5:00pm. Art Events &amp; Workshops | Arts Council. One finalist will be chosen at this event. Following the Tall Tale contest at about 7:00, nationally known Storyteller Bil Lepp will perform a family-friendly story concert. Beginning at 2:00pm that afternoon, Bil Lepp will present “Learning to Lie, A Tall-Tale Telling Workshop”. The workshop is free and open to all ages.&nbsp;

The second qualifier will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Mid-America All-Indian Center; 650 N. Seneca St.; Wichita, KS from 1:00-3:00pm. One finalist will be chosen at this event. Following the contest, previous Kansas Tall Tale champions and historical Legends will perform. Information at Tall Tales | Mysite. Register by email at kansasstorytelling@gmail.com or contacting Mike at (785) 545-5285.&nbsp;

The final qualifier will be held in Downs, the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas” on Saturday, October 17, 2025 at the Zion Lutheran Church; 1018 Blunt Street; Downs, KS. The Downs event begins at 7:00pm. Two finalists will be chosen at this event. Following the contest, previous Kansas Tall Tale champions and historical Legends will perform. Information at Tall Tales | Mysite. Register by email at kansasstorytelling@gmail.com or contacting Jeri at (785) 454-1177.&nbsp;

Interested individuals can enter any of the events, or all of them if not selected as top qualifier. For more information or to register for each event, please go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/ or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival.&nbsp;

If you are not able to attend one of the qualifier events, mark your calendars to attend the 33rd Annual KS Storytelling Festival on April 23-24, 2027 in Downs, Kansas. Kansas Storytelling Festival

SubmittedThe Kansas Storytelling Festival is holding 3 qualifying competitions this September and October to prepare for the 2027 Tall Tales storytelling contest. Any amateur Storyteller is welcome to enter these preliminary events to become one of 4 finalists who will compete at the Storytelling Festival on April 23-24, 2027, in Downs, KS. The public is also invited to come, listen and help choose the next Kansas “Tall Tale Champion”. All qualifier events are free to attend.&nbsp;A tall tale is a unique form of American Story Telling in which the narrator usually has a part in the story. Telling a Tall Tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are. A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. Professional storytellers cannot compete. Information and rules for the Tall Competition are posted at Tall Tales | Mysite&nbsp;The first qualifier will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Tonganoxie Historical Society; 201 W. Washington St.; Tonganoxie, KS. beginning at 5:00pm. Art Events &amp; Workshops | Arts Council. One finalist will be chosen at this event. Following the Tall Tale contest at about 7:00, nationally known Storyteller Bil Lepp will perform a family-friendly story concert. Beginning at 2:00pm that afternoon, Bil Lepp will present “Learning to Lie, A Tall-Tale Telling Workshop”. The workshop is free and open to all ages.&nbsp;The second qualifier will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Mid-America All-Indian Center; 650 N. Seneca St.; Wichita, KS from 1:00-3:00pm. One finalist will be chosen at this event. Following the contest, previous Kansas Tall Tale champions and historical Legends will perform. Information at Tall Tales | Mysite. Register by email at kansasstorytelling@gmail.com or contacting Mike at (785) 545-5285.&nbsp;The final qualifier will be held in Downs, the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas” on Saturday, October 17, 2025 at the Zion Lutheran Church; 1018 Blunt Street; Downs, KS. The Downs event begins at 7:00pm. Two finalists will be chosen at this event. Following the contest, previous Kansas Tall Tale champions and historical Legends will perform. Information at Tall Tales | Mysite. Register by email at kansasstorytelling@gmail.com or contacting Jeri at (785) 454-1177.&nbsp;Interested individuals can enter any of the events, or all of them if not selected as top qualifier. For more information or to register for each event, please go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/ or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival.&nbsp;If you are not able to attend one of the qualifier events, mark your calendars to attend the 33rd Annual KS Storytelling Festival on April 23-24, 2027 in Downs, Kansas. Kansas Storytelling Festival

Kansas storytelling festival sets tall tale preliminary contests

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Listen, we look forward to getting the season started and we know we’re playing a real good opponent, the Denver Broncos. Look forward to the challenge of playing them. They’re well coached, and they’ve got obviously a good roster there, players. As far as our roster goes, pretty good chance that (QB) Patrick (Mahomes) will go ahead and start unless something were to come up here in the next couple days. But most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there. As far as Josh Simmons goes, I know that’s another question people have, we’ll just see where that goes. But if he’s not able to go, then we’ll be in with (T) Kahlil (Benson) at that spot, and we’ll roll from there. We obviously try to play the five best guys. So, we made that decision on that. Josh is rehabbing; he's working his tail off. It's not—this isn't something that, anything other than him having an issue with his back and it's a matter of time here but he continues to work hard with (Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance) Rick (Burkholder) and do his part there. So, anyways with that, time's yours.”

Q:&nbsp;When it comes to QB Patrick Mahomes and what you'd like to see this week, you obviously feel comfortable enough to start him, but what are some of the things that would make you feel like he’s fully ready to go?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean (QB Patrick Mahomes) he's shown everything there, Pete (Sweeney). He hasn’t missed a day as you know, and you guys have seen him out there, so you know what it looks like, him running around and doing his stuff. Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he's always done and throwing the ball like he's always done. So, I think we're fine there.”

Q:&nbsp;Just to clear up, would T Kahlil Benson step in on the right and OL Jaylon Moore move over to the left?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we'll see where all that goes. I'm not telling you that, but we're comfortable with (T) Kahlil (Benson) on either side. I mean, he's been playing the left side, so feel comfortable with that. We'll just see. We'll end up playing the five best guys, and right now, he's one of them.”

Q:&nbsp;How many practices does a player need for you to feel comfortable for them to play in a game? How does this impact T Josh Simmons?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, listen, there's a good chance (T) Josh (Simmons) doesn't play this week. I mean, that's where we're at. So, we have that in our mind, and he has an issue there that he's working through, and I'm not putting any time restraint on when he can come back or when he could practice and how many practices he needs and all that. I just want to make sure he's healthy and okay to go, but other than that, we move forward, so that's what we do.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you weigh deciding who goes left and who goes right on the offensive line since you do rotate those guys so often?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, the guy playing left is (T) Kahlil (Benson). So, I mean, he's been the one over there. You guys are out at every practice, you see it. He's the one that's been in there going and doing a nice job with it.&nbsp; So, if he has to be the left tackle, then he's left tackle. We roll with it. I mean, that's just how it goes.”

Q:&nbsp;You had some defensive starters out last game. What is the status for CB Chamarri Conner and S Alohi Gilman?

REID:&nbsp;“(CB) Chamarri (Conner) would be the stretch. The other guys, (S Alohi) Gilman was out there practicing and doing this thing. He'll be ready to go, I think.”

Q:&nbsp;You and Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton go back a ways. What's it like when you face off with an old friend like this?

REID:&nbsp;“I mean, we're (Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton) cordial. We've known each other a long time but we’re both competitive guys and want our teams to do the best and we both understand that. So, we know we're going to get each other's best shot, and we're blessed to have good teams.”

Q:&nbsp;On the Broncos, they've obviously been improving the last couple of years. They almost made the Super Bowl last year. When you look at what they have this year, how much different do they look than what you saw late last year?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it doesn't look like they lost too many guys, and so there's some continuity there. They play hard and they've got good schemes, good coaches. That's what I see.”

Q:&nbsp;How would you assess WR Rashee Rice and his readiness and health? What do you expect from him early this season?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I like the way (WR Rashee Rice) he's progressed here, Vahe (Gregorian), coming off the knee and every day he's gotten better and stronger and his endurance is better. So, he had a chance to play in the last game, a few plays, the last preseason game, I'm saying, and I thought that was important. I think he'll be fine going in this game.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from T Diego Pounds?

REID:&nbsp;“(T Diego Pounds) He's just kind of getting used to what we do offensively. (I) like what I've seen. I mean, he looks like he has some talent there, and he's willing to work hard. So, it's just a matter of him getting a little time under his belt.”

Q:&nbsp;Last time we talked to you about T Kahlil Benson, it was after that Tampa game, which obviously wasn't his best showing. What have you seen from him since?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 8, 2026OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Listen, we look forward to getting the season started and we know we’re playing a real good opponent, the Denver Broncos. Look forward to the challenge of playing them. They’re well coached, and they’ve got obviously a good roster there, players. As far as our roster goes, pretty good chance that (QB) Patrick (Mahomes) will go ahead and start unless something were to come up here in the next couple days. But most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there. As far as Josh Simmons goes, I know that’s another question people have, we’ll just see where that goes. But if he’s not able to go, then we’ll be in with (T) Kahlil (Benson) at that spot, and we’ll roll from there. We obviously try to play the five best guys. So, we made that decision on that. Josh is rehabbing; he's working his tail off. It's not—this isn't something that, anything other than him having an issue with his back and it's a matter of time here but he continues to work hard with (Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance) Rick (Burkholder) and do his part there. So, anyways with that, time's yours.”Q:&nbsp;When it comes to QB Patrick Mahomes and what you'd like to see this week, you obviously feel comfortable enough to start him, but what are some of the things that would make you feel like he’s fully ready to go?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean (QB Patrick Mahomes) he's shown everything there, Pete (Sweeney). He hasn’t missed a day as you know, and you guys have seen him out there, so you know what it looks like, him running around and doing his stuff. Other than having a brace on his leg, everything looks normal. He’s running around the same way he's always done and throwing the ball like he's always done. So, I think we're fine there.”Q:&nbsp;Just to clear up, would T Kahlil Benson step in on the right and OL Jaylon Moore move over to the left?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we'll see where all that goes. I'm not telling you that, but we're comfortable with (T) Kahlil (Benson) on either side. I mean, he's been playing the left side, so feel comfortable with that. We'll just see. We'll end up playing the five best guys, and right now, he's one of them.”Q:&nbsp;How many practices does a player need for you to feel comfortable for them to play in a game? How does this impact T Josh Simmons?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, listen, there's a good chance (T) Josh (Simmons) doesn't play this week. I mean, that's where we're at. So, we have that in our mind, and he has an issue there that he's working through, and I'm not putting any time restraint on when he can come back or when he could practice and how many practices he needs and all that. I just want to make sure he's healthy and okay to go, but other than that, we move forward, so that's what we do.”Q:&nbsp;How do you weigh deciding who goes left and who goes right on the offensive line since you do rotate those guys so often?REID:&nbsp;“Well, the guy playing left is (T) Kahlil (Benson). So, I mean, he's been the one over there. You guys are out at every practice, you see it. He's the one that's been in there going and doing a nice job with it.&nbsp; So, if he has to be the left tackle, then he's left tackle. We roll with it. I mean, that's just how it goes.”Q:&nbsp;You had some defensive starters out last game. What is the status for CB Chamarri Conner and S Alohi Gilman?REID:&nbsp;“(CB) Chamarri (Conner) would be the stretch. The other guys, (S Alohi) Gilman was out there practicing and doing this thing. He'll be ready to go, I think.”Q:&nbsp;You and Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton go back a ways. What's it like when you face off with an old friend like this?REID:&nbsp;“I mean, we're (Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton) cordial. We've known each other a long time but we’re both competitive guys and want our teams to do the best and we both understand that. So, we know we're going to get each other's best shot, and we're blessed to have good teams.”Q:&nbsp;On the Broncos, they've obviously been improving the last couple of years. They almost made the Super Bowl last year. When you look at what they have this year, how much different do they look than what you saw late last year?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it doesn't look like they lost too many guys, and so there's some continuity there. They play hard and they've got good schemes, good coaches. That's what I see.”Q:&nbsp;How would you assess WR Rashee Rice and his readiness and health? What do you expect from him early this season?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I like the way (WR Rashee Rice) he's progressed here, Vahe (Gregorian), coming off the knee and every day he's gotten better and stronger and his endurance is better. So, he had a chance to play in the last game, a few plays, the last preseason game, I'm saying, and I thought that was important. I think he'll be fine going in this game.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from T Diego Pounds?REID:&nbsp;“(T Diego Pounds) He's just kind of getting used to what we do offensively. (I) like what I've seen. I mean, he looks like he has some talent there, and he's willing to work hard. So, it's just a matter of him getting a little time under his belt.”Q:&nbsp;Last time we talked to you about T Kahlil Benson, it was after that Tampa game, which obviously wasn't his best showing. What have you seen from him since?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-8-26

GAME 2Washington State at&nbsp;K-State

Date:&nbsp;Saturday, September 12, 2026

Stadium:&nbsp;Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

K-State&nbsp;Radio:&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/kansas-state-university:oas-1358/content/kstate:allaccess-Live-6228" target="_blank">Listen</a>)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines)

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 174 or 238, and on the SiriusXM App

<a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a>

X Updates:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/kstatefb" target="_blank">@KStateFB</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.x.com/kstatestatsinfo" target="_blank">@KStateStatsInfo</a>

WILDCATS AND COUGARS BATTLE ON FORT RILEY DAYFollowing a dominant 71-3 win over Nicholls in Collin Klein’s debut as head coach, K-State welcomes Washington State to Bill Snyder Family Stadium this Saturday for an 11 a.m. contest. The Fort Riley Day game will be shown on TNT with J.B. Long (play-by-play), Mike Golic, Jr. (analyst) and Jared Greenberg (reporter) on the call, while the K-State Sports Network begins its coverage at 9 a.m., with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), Stan Weber (analyst) and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action.

JOHNSON SETS SCHOOL CAREER PASSING RECORDQuarterback Avery Johnson became K-State’s all-time leader in touchdown passes with 51 following last week’s three-touchdown performance against Nicholls. The Wichita, Kansas, native made his 27th career start against Nicholls, which is tied for fifth among K-State quarterbacks since 1990. He entered the 2026 season tied for 12th nationally in career starts but second among those who have not transferred in their careers. He was 15-of-21 for 199 yards and three scores in the opener with a 10-yard TD run.

TRANSFERS MAKE AN IMPACT IN GAME ONEK-State overhauled the roster with 58 new players this season, 26 of which are Division I or II transfers. Many of those made an impact in the 2026 season opener. Running back Rodney Fields Jr. rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, Brandon White returned a punt 65 yards for a score, wide receiver Josh Manning hauled in an 11-yard touchdown, safety Koy Beasley earned the start and had four tackles, and defensive ends Jayden Bryant and Elijah Hill each had a pair of tackles.

SEVEN FOR SATURDAY•&nbsp;The Wildcats’ 71 points last week tied for the fourth-most in school history and were the fourth-most nationally this season.

•&nbsp;The Wildcats’ 34 first downs last week were the second-most in a game in school history.

•&nbsp;K-State saw 16 players make their first ever starts as Wildcats last week, 10 of which are new to the team this season.

•&nbsp;A total of 85 players played in the season opener last weekend against Nicholls.

•&nbsp;K-State recorded 10 tackles for loss in last week’s opener against Nicholls.

•&nbsp;K-State allowed just 122 total yards against Nicholls, its fewest in a full game since 2009 (Tennessee Tech).

•&nbsp;This is the first time K-State is opening a season with three-straight home games since 2022.

TEAM NOTESTHE COLLIN KLEIN ERA BEGINS

•&nbsp;The 131st season of K-State football has ushered in the opening of the&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;era as the former Heisman Trophy finalist and starting quarterback of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team is in his first season as head coach in 2026.

•&nbsp;He is the first former K-State letterwinner to serve as head football coach since&nbsp;Ellis Rainsberger&nbsp;from 1975 through 1977.

•&nbsp;In fact, Klein is one of only four former letterwinners to take the helm of the K-State program as he and Rainsberger are joined by&nbsp;Lud Fiser&nbsp;(1945) and&nbsp;Ralph Graham&nbsp;(1948-50).

•&nbsp;The sixth-youngest football coach in FBS, Klein is one of five current Big 12 head coaches that are leading their alma mater along with Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, BYU’s Kalani Sitake, Utah’s Morgan Scalley and West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez.

•&nbsp;Kansas State’s 2026 roster features 58 newcomers, which is made up of 32 high school or community college enrollees and 26 NCAA Division I or II transfers.

•&nbsp;Of K-State’s 111-man roster this season, 52.3% are made up of new players from last season.

•&nbsp;K-State’s record for newcomers in one season is 72 in 2002, while the 1983, 2001, 2004, 2011 and 2013 squads each had 60 or more newcomers.

•&nbsp;K-State’s 26-man transfer class of 2026 combined for 473 games played (18.19 per player) entering the season. The 23 offensive or defensive players combined for 176 starts (7.65 per player).

•&nbsp;The most experienced transfers that entered their first year at K-State were wide receiver&nbsp;Josh Manning&nbsp;(37 games/19 starts), safety&nbsp;Adrian Maddox&nbsp;(36/28), running back&nbsp;Jay Harris&nbsp;(35/10), safety&nbsp;Ja’Son Prevard&nbsp;(33/29), linebacker&nbsp;Mekhi Mason&nbsp;(32/14), offensive lineman&nbsp;Tyler Johnson&nbsp;(27/1), cornerback&nbsp;Kaleb Patterson&nbsp;(26/15) and offensive lineman&nbsp;Delvin Morris&nbsp;(25/11).

FOUR-STRAIGHT WINNING BIG 12 SEASONS

•&nbsp;K-State has produced winning Big 12 records each of the last four seasons, its longest streak since doing so in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

•&nbsp;The Wildcats are one of only two Big 12 teams with a current four-year streak of winning Big 12 records (Texas Tech).

•&nbsp;Kansas State has totaled 149 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

•&nbsp;The Cats are 17 wins ahead of Oklahoma State (132) and 23 ahead of Texas Tech (126). The Wildcats, Cowboys and Red Raiders are the only three Big 12 teams with over 100 conference wins.

•&nbsp;K-State is also first among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011 (minimum 50 games). The Wildcats sit at 59.3% (85-55), ahead of Oklahoma State (57.0%; 77-58) and TCU (55.6%; 70-56).

•&nbsp;During that stretch, the Wildcats are 45-23 (66.2%) at home and 35-33 (51.5%) on the road/neutral in Big 12 play.

•&nbsp;K-State finished 2025 tied for eighth nationally in fewest penalties per game (4.08) and ranked 12th in penalty yards per game (38.25).

•&nbsp;Since 2022 – the year that current head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;took over as offensive coordinator – the Wildcats have averaged only 42.11 penalty yards per game (53 games) to rank eighth among Power 4 teams (min. 40 games).

•&nbsp;Last week, the Cats were penalized just once for 10 yards.

THE NATION’S LEADER IN NON-OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS

•&nbsp;K-State leads the country in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 27 seasons as it has 140 since 1999, 10 more than the second-place team (Alabama – 130) and 18 more than the second-best Big 12 program (Utah – 122).

•&nbsp;K-State recorded five non-offensive scores in both 2024 and 2025. Last year, the Wildcats had a 99-yard kickoff return against Army, a 15-yard fumble return by&nbsp;Wesley Fair&nbsp;and a 25-yard interception return by&nbsp;Des Purnell&nbsp;against TCU, while they received a 20-yard fumble return on a botched punt snap at Kansas.

•&nbsp;In the 2026 opener,&nbsp;Brandon White&nbsp;returned a punt 65 yards against Nicholls under new coordinator&nbsp;Stanton Weber.

•&nbsp;Kansas State has qualified for postseason play in 14 of the last 15 seasons (excluding COVID) as the Wildcats earned a 6-6 record in 2025 but opted to not participate in a bowl game due to the change in coaching staff.

•&nbsp;The Wildcats are one of only 15 Power 4 teams – and the only Big 12 program – to be eligible in 14 of the last 15 seasons, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Iowa, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&amp;M and Washington.

•&nbsp;Prior to the opener, Kansas State announced six team captains for the 2026 season in defensive ends&nbsp;Jordan Allen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travis Bates, running back&nbsp;Joe Jackson, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson, tight end&nbsp;Garrett Oakley&nbsp;and linebacker&nbsp;Gabe Powers.

•&nbsp;Each of them were voted captains for the first time in their careers except for Johnson, who is now a captain for a third time. He is the ninth player in school history to be named a captain on three occasions and the third quarterback, joining current head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;(2010-12) and&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(2019-21).

•&nbsp;Since 1990, K-State holds a 103-22 (82.4%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

•&nbsp;That stretch includes an 86-10 (89.6%) mark at home. Over the last 36 years, the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 18 times and unblemished marks at home on 26 occasions.

•&nbsp;Kansas State has won each of its last 11 games against FCS competition dating back to the 2014 season.•&nbsp;The last time the Wildcats fell to an FCS opponent was the 2013 season opener against defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State.

•&nbsp;The Wildcats hold an all-time record of 8-6 against current members of the Pac-12, but much of that history is made up of teams that joined the conference this season in Colorado State (5-1), Fresno State (0-2), Oregon State (1-0) and Utah State (2-3).

•&nbsp;The last time Kansas State played a current Pac-12 school was Fresno State in 2007, a 45-29 loss in Fresno, California, to close out the 2007 when the Bulldogs were part of the Western Athletic Conference.

•&nbsp;The last time K-State played a Pac-12 school when it was in the conference was a 24-7 victory over Stanford to open the 2021 season. That game was played inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

OFFENSIVE NOTESKLEIN’S BIG DEBUT•&nbsp;New K-State head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;kicked off his tenure at K-State in style with a 71-point, 559-yard showing on offense against Nicholls. The 71 points were the fourth-most in school history and the most for a season opener.

•&nbsp;In addition, nine different players scored touchdowns in the game, which also is a new school record, while the 34 first downs in the game were the second-most in school history.KLEIN’S EXPLOSIVE OFFENSES•&nbsp;New K-State head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;has been one of the top offensive coordinators in the nation the last four seasons. He earned his first offensive coordinator post with the Wildcats in 2022 and 2023 before moving to Texas A&amp;M for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

•&nbsp;During his four seasons as an offensive coordinator, Klein helped the Wildcats and Aggies to a combined 38-15 record, including a Big 12 Championship at K-State in 2022 and a berth into the College Football Playoff at Texas A&amp;M in 2025.

•&nbsp;Since 2022, Klein’s offenses have averaged 34.1 points per game, which would rank 11th among Power 4 programs.

•&nbsp;Additionally, his last five offenses have combined for 430.9 yards per game (230.4 passing yards per game/200.5 rushing yards per game) which would rank 14th among Power 4 schools.

•&nbsp;His teams the last four-plus years have combined for 257 plays of at least 20 or more yards (179 pass/78 rush), good for an average of 4.8 per game.HIGH POINT TOTAL vs. BIG 12•&nbsp;When&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;took over the K-State offense in 2022, it began a Big 12-leading trend of averaging 32.9 points per game in conference contests. Additionally, the Wildcats entered 2026 ranked 13th nationally (min. 30 games) and sixth among Power 4 teams in points per game in conference games since 2022.

•&nbsp;The Cats have hit the 30-point mark in 23 of their 36 Big 12 games since the start of 2022, which includes nine times over the last two seasons with current quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;running the offense.

•&nbsp;K-State had a four-game streak of scoring at least 30 points last year against UCF (34), Baylor (34), TCU (41) and Kansas (42), its longest streak in conference play since doing so in six-straight games during the 2003 season.THIRD-YEAR STARTER•&nbsp;Quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;is back for his third year of starting duties in 2026 having started each of the last 27 games. His 27-straight starts rank second overall in school history behind&nbsp;Josh Freeman’s 32-straight starts over his freshman through junior seasons.

•&nbsp;Johnson’s start last week against Nicholls broke a tie with current K-State head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;(2011-12) and former quarterback&nbsp;Jake Waters&nbsp;(2013-14), both of whom started all 26 games over their junior and senior seasons to close out their careers.

•&nbsp;Johnson is one of only two quarterbacks in the Big 12 in 2026 to have started for multiple years at the same school. The other is Noah Fifita, who has made 35 starts over the last three-plus seasons at Arizona.

•&nbsp;Johnson entered 2026 tied for 12th overall among all quarterbacks nationally in career starts but tied for second among those that have not transferred in their careers. He was eight starts behind Fifita and tied with Kevin Jennings (SMU) and Maddux Madsen (Boise State) in the latter category.THE SCHOOL’S ALL-TIME LEADER•&nbsp;Avery Johnson’s seven-yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs&nbsp;in the first quarter against Nicholls carried significant weight as he broke the school’s career record. Johnson went on to throw two more to push his total to 51.

•&nbsp;Johnson, who entered 2026 tied with&nbsp;Will Howard&nbsp;(2020-23), became the first K-State quarterback with more than 50 touchdown strikes in a career.

•&nbsp;A product of Wichita, Kansas, Johnson goes into his senior season in the top 10 in program history in 15 career categories (see page 48).

5,000/1,000•&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;is one of only three quarterbacks in program history to have thrown for over 5,000 yards (currently 5,775) and 1,000 rushing yards (currently 1,401).

•&nbsp;Johnson is joined on the list by&nbsp;Ell Roberson&nbsp;(2000-03) and&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;(2017-21), but Johnson was the fastest of the three to reach those numbers as he did so in his 30th career game. It took Thompson 36 games and Roberson 41 games to reach the milestone.

•&nbsp;Johnson is one of nine active players in the nation to hit those career marks, joining Alonza Barnett III (UCF), Byrum Brown (Auburn), Anthony Colandrea (Nebraska), Devon Dampier (Utah), Cam Fancher (Michigan State), Jaylen Raynor (Iowa State) and Marcel Reed (Texas A&amp;M).

•&nbsp;Of the eight quarterbacks, only Johnson and Reed – the latter of whom&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;worked with the last two seasons at Texas A&amp;M – have not transferred during their careers.OAKLEY ALSO AFTER RECORDS

•&nbsp;Senior&nbsp;Garrett Oakley&nbsp;is also looking to put his name in the top 10 of several records as he tries to lay claim as the best tight end in school history.

•&nbsp;The career record holder for touchdown catches by a tight end with 13, Oakley is also looking to hold the school’s positional records for catches and receiving yards. He currently ranks fourth with 73 catches, 33 receptions behind&nbsp;Jeron Mastrud’s record of 106 from 2006-09. Oakley ranks fifth with 819 receiving yards, 546 yards behind&nbsp;Henry Childs’ record of 1,365 from 1971-73.RUNNING IN WIDE OPEN FIELDS

•&nbsp;Junior transfer running back&nbsp;Rodney Fields Jr.&nbsp;had an outstanding start to his K-State career by rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the season opener.

•&nbsp;It was the third 100-yard rushing game of his career as he had a 163-yard effort against Cincinnati and a 113-yard performance against Tulsa, both coming last year while playing for Oklahoma State.

•&nbsp;It was the first time a Wildcat running back had a 100-yard rushing game in his debut at K-State since&nbsp;James Gilbert&nbsp;went for 115 yards in the 2019 season opener against Nicholls.ACTION JACKSON•&nbsp;Senior running back&nbsp;Joe Jackson&nbsp;returns after a stellar finish to his 2025 campaign in which he rushed for 435 yards and six touchdowns over the final two games, good for a 217.5-yard, three-touchdown average after going for just 47.6 yards and 0.2 touchdowns per game in the first 10 contests.

•&nbsp;Included in that great finish was a school-record 293-yard outburst at No. 13 Utah. That broke the 21-year old record of&nbsp;Darren Sproles&nbsp;by a single yard as the future College Football Hall of Fame member had 292 yards against Louisiana on September 18, 2004.

•&nbsp;Jackson opened up the 2026 season with 86 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns against Nicholls. He rushed for 38 yards – including an 11-yard score – while he had two catches for 48 yards – including a career-long reception of 43 yards that went to paydirt.TIBBS READY FOR YEAR TWO•&nbsp;Senior&nbsp;Jaron Tibbs&nbsp;is the Wildcats’ most experienced returning wide receiver after playing in every game with 11 starts en route to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades last year.

•&nbsp;A transfer from Purdue prior to 2025, Tibbs recorded 595 receiving yards and three scores on 47 catches a season ago.

•&nbsp;When adding in his performance over 20 games at Purdue, Tibbs enters the 2026 season with 981 career receiving yards, needing 19 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark.

DEFENSIVE NOTESA GREAT START ON DEFENSE

•&nbsp;Kansas State had a great start on defense as it allowed only 122 offensive yards against Nicholls.

•&nbsp;It represented the fewest yards allowed since the 2016 Missouri State game (54 yards), but that game was called at halftime due to weather. It was the fewest allowed in a full game since allowing only 109 against Tennessee Tech in 2009.

•&nbsp;K-State also allowed just 30 passing yards to Nicholls, the fewest since the aforementioned Missouri State game (24 yards) and the fewest in a full game since the 2000 Ball State game (5).

🏈 Wildcats and Cougars Battle on Fort Riley Day

As Kansas wheat growers prepare to put another crop into the ground, decisions made this fall could carry through harvest and onto the national stage.

The National Wheat Foundation is preparing for the 2027 National Wheat Yield Contest with changes designed to better recognize wheat productivity and quality. Sharing information ahead of fall planting allows growers to consider the contest as they select varieties and make management plans for the coming crop.

The National Wheat Yield Contest was established in 2016 to recognize wheat growers across the country and give producers an opportunity to learn from the varieties, practices and management decisions contributing to high-yielding wheat.

For 2027, the National Wheat Foundation plans to align yield categories more closely with the contest’s quality component categories. A new durum category will also be added, with 30 national winners expected to be recognized.

“The contest is continuing to evolve to better meet the needs of contestants and partners, we listened to feedback and decided that breaking down the large winter wheat-dryland category into classes made sense,” said Anne Osborne, executive director of the National Wheat Foundation. “We are still recognizing both high yield and high percentage increases over the county average. We hope to get many more hard red/white winter wheat entries from Kansas in 2027.”

The changes build on the contest’s emphasis on recognizing more than bushels alone. Contest entries must meet established quality requirements to be eligible for national awards. Samples from national winning entries are also evaluated for grain, milling and baking characteristics, with additional recognition for wheat demonstrating industry-desired quality.

For Kansas growers, preparing for the contest starts well before the traditional spring entry period. Variety selection is one of the first opportunities producers have to position a field for success.

Yield potential is important, but disease resistance, maturity, agronomic characteristics, end-use quality and a variety’s fit within an individual operation can all influence performance. Considering the contest during fall variety selection gives growers an opportunity to identify a promising field and manage it accordingly throughout the growing season.

The National Wheat Foundation is also exploring new ways for growers to participate. In 2026, Kansas was one of eight states included in a Digital Yield Pilot Category for dryland winter wheat.

The pilot allowed growers to use precision agriculture data and calibrated harvest equipment to verify yields on a larger field scale. Participating fields were required to include at least 40 contiguous acres, with growers submitting yield information from a selected 20-acre area. The pilot differed from the traditional contest, which required a minimum 5-acre field and at least 1.5 acres harvested under the supervision of an approved third-party witness.

Final 2027 categories, deadlines and contest requirements will be available on the contest website www.wheatcontest.org. Growers should review the official rules before entering. Growers should create an account today. The website will be open for the 2027 entries March 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/7/1784887511464.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS WHEATAs Kansas wheat growers prepare to put another crop into the ground, decisions made this fall could carry through harvest and onto the national stage.The National Wheat Foundation is preparing for the 2027 National Wheat Yield Contest with changes designed to better recognize wheat productivity and quality. Sharing information ahead of fall planting allows growers to consider the contest as they select varieties and make management plans for the coming crop.The National Wheat Yield Contest was established in 2016 to recognize wheat growers across the country and give producers an opportunity to learn from the varieties, practices and management decisions contributing to high-yielding wheat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>For 2027, the National Wheat Foundation plans to align yield categories more closely with the contest’s quality component categories. A new durum category will also be added, with 30 national winners expected to be recognized.“The contest is continuing to evolve to better meet the needs of contestants and partners, we listened to feedback and decided that breaking down the large winter wheat-dryland category into classes made sense,” said Anne Osborne, executive director of the National Wheat Foundation. “We are still recognizing both high yield and high percentage increases over the county average. We hope to get many more hard red/white winter wheat entries from Kansas in 2027.”The changes build on the contest’s emphasis on recognizing more than bushels alone. Contest entries must meet established quality requirements to be eligible for national awards. Samples from national winning entries are also evaluated for grain, milling and baking characteristics, with additional recognition for wheat demonstrating industry-desired quality.For Kansas growers, preparing for the contest starts well before the traditional spring entry period. Variety selection is one of the first opportunities producers have to position a field for success.Yield potential is important, but disease resistance, maturity, agronomic characteristics, end-use quality and a variety’s fit within an individual operation can all influence performance. Considering the contest during fall variety selection gives growers an opportunity to identify a promising field and manage it accordingly throughout the growing season.The National Wheat Foundation is also exploring new ways for growers to participate. In 2026, Kansas was one of eight states included in a Digital Yield Pilot Category for dryland winter wheat.The pilot allowed growers to use precision agriculture data and calibrated harvest equipment to verify yields on a larger field scale. Participating fields were required to include at least 40 contiguous acres, with growers submitting yield information from a selected 20-acre area. The pilot differed from the traditional contest, which required a minimum 5-acre field and at least 1.5 acres harvested under the supervision of an approved third-party witness.Final 2027 categories, deadlines and contest requirements will be available on the contest website www.wheatcontest.org. Growers should review the official rules before entering. Growers should create an account today. The website will be open for the 2027 entries March 1.

National wheat yield contest looks ahead to 2027

For nearly four decades, Joe Martin worked to make wheat better suited for the farmers and fields of western Kansas. Today, his influence remains planted across the state, carried through varieties, genetics and a wheat breeding program he helped shape for the future.

Dr. Terry Joe Martin, longtime Kansas State University wheat breeder at Hays, passed away August 20, 2026. He was 78.

Martin spent 37 years at the K-State Agricultural Research Center-Hays, first as a plant pathologist and later as the center's wheat breeder. His career produced wheat varieties that became some of the most widely planted in Kansas and helped advance disease resistance, hard white wheat development and the long-term productivity of Kansas wheat.

“Joe was a tremendous wheat breeder and made lasting contributions to Kansas wheat, but for me, and I know for many others, he was much more than that,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “He was a colleague, a mentor, a friend, and someone who cared deeply about wheat, the people in the industry, and the future of Kansas agriculture.”

Martin's career became part of a wheat breeding tradition at Hays stretching back decades.

Early research at the Hays station focused primarily on production practices and evaluating available wheat varieties. By the 1940s, researchers began crossing wheat varieties and selecting offspring specifically adapted to western Kansas conditions. That work eventually produced Kiowa and Bison, the first wheat varieties selected, increased and released from the Hays station.

The program continued under a succession of wheat breeders, including Ronald W. Livers, who focused on developing pure-line varieties adapted to western Kansas. Livers' work produced varieties including Eagle, Sage, Kirwin and Larned.

When Livers died in 1979, Martin moved from the plant pathology project to lead the wheat breeding program.

Born Dec. 28, 1947, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, Martin earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Pittsburg State University in 1969 and a master's degree in plant pathology from K-State in 1972. He completed a doctorate in botany and plant pathology at Michigan State University in 1974 before joining the Hays research center that same year.

Taking over the breeding program placed Martin in charge of continuing decades of wheat improvement while confronting new disease, pest and production challenges facing western Kansas farmers.

His first variety release demonstrated the direction that work would take.

Released to Kansas producers in 1982, Arkan was the first Kansas wheat variety to combine resistance to multiple pests and diseases, including leaf rust, stem rust, soilborne mosaic virus, powdery mildew, Cephalosporium leaf stripe and Hessian fly.

Arkan eventually replaced Newton as the most popular wheat variety in Kansas in 1987 and 1988.

Dodge and Norkan followed in 1985. They were the first varieties released from Hays that were truly semidwarf in stature and carried the same source of dwarfing genetics associated with the Green Revolution.

But one of the most consequential shifts during Martin's career came as K-State looked beyond traditional hard red winter wheat.

In 1987, Kansas wheat breeding resources began a major push toward developing hard white wheat varieties for western Kansas. Previous research indicated the region could successfully produce white wheat and that the class could create additional market opportunities for Kansas producers.

For roughly the next 12 years, much of the Hays breeding program's effort focused on that goal.

The program provided experimental hard white wheat KS84HW196 to the American White Wheat Producers Association in 1989 to help begin developing markets. A decade later, the Hays station released Trego, a high-yielding hard white wheat with performance in western Kansas that exceeded available hard red varieties.

Trego combined yield potential with winter hardiness, strong test weights, tolerance to preharvest sprouting and resistance or tolerance to several important wheat pests and diseases. Its performance helped demonstrate that hard white wheat could be a viable option for western Kansas producers.

Lakin followed in 2000, combining bread-making quality with characteristics suited for Asian noodles, further connecting breeding decisions in western Kansas fields with potential customers around the world.

Martin's program also continued developing hard red winter wheat. Ike, released in 1993, became one of the most popular varieties in western Kansas, while Stanton brought Russian wheat aphid resistance to producers.

His later releases included Danby, which became the most planted hard white winter wheat variety in the southern Great Plains in 2004, and Clara CL, a hard white winter wheat with Clearfield herbicide resistance and Martin's final variety release before retiring in 2012.

Martin's work also contributed important wheat streak mosaic virus resistance. RonL became the first commercially released variety carrying resistance that would later be identified as Wsm2, providing genetics that would continue to influence wheat improvement today.

“I know many within the KWA seed network and Kansas wheat industry knew Joe personally or worked with him over the years,” said Bryson Haverkamp, Kansas Wheat Alliance CEO. “His contributions to Kansas wheat were significant, and his influence can still be seen in the varieties being grown and developed today.”

One of the clearest reminders of Martin’s influence came after his retirement, when a new hard white wheat variety was named Joe in his honor. Developed through the Hays wheat breeding program and released by wheat breeder Guorong Zhang, Joe was made available to producers in the fall of 2016 for production. The variety combined genetics from Jagger, Arlin, Trego and a Colorado experimental line. Joe (the wheat variety) offered strong yield potential and resistance to several diseases, including wheat streak mosaic virus through the wsm2 resistance gene.&nbsp;

A Legacy Measured Beyond Varieties

The value of Martin's work could be seen in more than the names printed on seed tags.

Estimates of wheat yield improvement from variety development during the 20th century placed gains at approximately one-quarter to one-half bushel per acre each year. By the time Martin retired in 2012, the K-State wheat breeding program was estimated to generate $89 million annually in benefits to Kansas, representing more than $18 in return for every $1 invested in the research program.

More importantly, the genetics developed and selected through Martin's program did not stop with his retirement. They became building blocks for the breeders who followed him and for varieties developed for the next generation of Kansas wheat producers.

“I appreciated Joe on a lot of levels,” said Dr. Allan Fritz, K-State head wheat breeder. “He was a pioneer, particularly on disease resistance and his work with white wheat. There was a lot I learned from him as a breeder. He was someone who cared deeply about the producers and wanted his material to benefit growers. He was a resource to me when I was getting started.&nbsp;Joe really helped me get my program going and he was willing to be a mentor and then just as a friend.”&nbsp;

For those who worked with Martin, however, his influence went well beyond his scientific accomplishments.

“I had the good fortune to work with Joe over many years and to witness his work and the impact it had on Kansas wheat,” Gilpin said. “I will always appreciate his knowledge, his willingness to share it, and the perspective he brought to so many conversations. He had a gift of saying a lot without saying much.”

Martin and his wife, Lorna, married Nov. 4, 1966, and were lifelong partners for nearly 60 years. Together, they raised three sons, Todd, Denny and Jeffrey.

In Hays, Martin coached baseball, served as a scout leader and was a longtime member of the Hays Lions Club. After wheat harvest each summer, he enjoyed spending time at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. He also enjoyed playing Hearts or Pitch with his family, watching John Wayne movies, listening to Johnny Cash and hearing Denny Matthews call Kansas City Royals games on AM radio.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Verl and Marie Martin, and his youngest son, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife, Lorna, sons Todd and Denny and their spouses, Donna and Becky, his brothers, Dean and Ray, 11 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of the High Plains or to the Kansas State University Foundation for the Fort Hays Agricultural Research Center Fund.

The measure of a wheat breeder's career can take decades to fully understand. Varieties come and go, but the genetics behind them move forward. They become parents of new crosses, sources of resistance and foundations for the next improvement. Martin spent his career adding to that foundation for Kansas farmers.

Hays Memorial Chapel has posted an obituary page, with additional information expected as arrangements are finalized:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SAD9ujYauiwbGow3YePsh_gaZYQtrrvrT7C3I4A7LS1fCjjkOZXgiAsoHmKh3XpuIG7xLbrDWQIfsNNzVIRj2VBGcjh4KmZxsub47vliSk_RdPNPZGG4-_bSUT5OuWcCmMOms1UloXPiJHGVU__P3-Xk-OK9u0ubajZ2OJVPIziPtfsZ_rHDCYy2Djg0UUTt&amp;c=DOyP8u5UHJBHyMR1J6QeoUv6hwSYd5ETYDnPt1Vq2piPL7dW4yC7OA==&amp;ch=vP_i2ewcLXPo01tgByxV3kRTLuSTydebMLZgTFePIadd3uMtIKPuNw==" target="_blank">https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Joe-Martin</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/8/1787910274701.png" alt="Wheat Scoop courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Wheat Scoop courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatFor nearly four decades, Joe Martin worked to make wheat better suited for the farmers and fields of western Kansas. Today, his influence remains planted across the state, carried through varieties, genetics and a wheat breeding program he helped shape for the future.Dr. Terry Joe Martin, longtime Kansas State University wheat breeder at Hays, passed away August 20, 2026. He was 78.Martin spent 37 years at the K-State Agricultural Research Center-Hays, first as a plant pathologist and later as the center's wheat breeder. His career produced wheat varieties that became some of the most widely planted in Kansas and helped advance disease resistance, hard white wheat development and the long-term productivity of Kansas wheat.“Joe was a tremendous wheat breeder and made lasting contributions to Kansas wheat, but for me, and I know for many others, he was much more than that,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “He was a colleague, a mentor, a friend, and someone who cared deeply about wheat, the people in the industry, and the future of Kansas agriculture.”Hays ProgramMartin's career became part of a wheat breeding tradition at Hays stretching back decades.Early research at the Hays station focused primarily on production practices and evaluating available wheat varieties. By the 1940s, researchers began crossing wheat varieties and selecting offspring specifically adapted to western Kansas conditions. That work eventually produced Kiowa and Bison, the first wheat varieties selected, increased and released from the Hays station.The program continued under a succession of wheat breeders, including Ronald W. Livers, who focused on developing pure-line varieties adapted to western Kansas. Livers' work produced varieties including Eagle, Sage, Kirwin and Larned.When Livers died in 1979, Martin moved from the plant pathology project to lead the wheat breeding program.Born Dec. 28, 1947, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, Martin earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Pittsburg State University in 1969 and a master's degree in plant pathology from K-State in 1972. He completed a doctorate in botany and plant pathology at Michigan State University in 1974 before joining the Hays research center that same year.Taking over the breeding program placed Martin in charge of continuing decades of wheat improvement while confronting new disease, pest and production challenges facing western Kansas farmers.His first variety release demonstrated the direction that work would take.Wheat BreedingReleased to Kansas producers in 1982, Arkan was the first Kansas wheat variety to combine resistance to multiple pests and diseases, including leaf rust, stem rust, soilborne mosaic virus, powdery mildew, Cephalosporium leaf stripe and Hessian fly.Arkan eventually replaced Newton as the most popular wheat variety in Kansas in 1987 and 1988.Dodge and Norkan followed in 1985. They were the first varieties released from Hays that were truly semidwarf in stature and carried the same source of dwarfing genetics associated with the Green Revolution.But one of the most consequential shifts during Martin's career came as K-State looked beyond traditional hard red winter wheat.In 1987, Kansas wheat breeding resources began a major push toward developing hard white wheat varieties for western Kansas. Previous research indicated the region could successfully produce white wheat and that the class could create additional market opportunities for Kansas producers.For roughly the next 12 years, much of the Hays breeding program's effort focused on that goal.The program provided experimental hard white wheat KS84HW196 to the American White Wheat Producers Association in 1989 to help begin developing markets. A decade later, the Hays station released Trego, a high-yielding hard white wheat with performance in western Kansas that exceeded available hard red varieties.Trego combined yield potential with winter hardiness, strong test weights, tolerance to preharvest sprouting and resistance or tolerance to several important wheat pests and diseases. Its performance helped demonstrate that hard white wheat could be a viable option for western Kansas producers.Lakin followed in 2000, combining bread-making quality with characteristics suited for Asian noodles, further connecting breeding decisions in western Kansas fields with potential customers around the world.Martin's program also continued developing hard red winter wheat. Ike, released in 1993, became one of the most popular varieties in western Kansas, while Stanton brought Russian wheat aphid resistance to producers.His later releases included Danby, which became the most planted hard white winter wheat variety in the southern Great Plains in 2004, and Clara CL, a hard white winter wheat with Clearfield herbicide resistance and Martin's final variety release before retiring in 2012.Martin's work also contributed important wheat streak mosaic virus resistance. RonL became the first commercially released variety carrying resistance that would later be identified as Wsm2, providing genetics that would continue to influence wheat improvement today.“I know many within the KWA seed network and Kansas wheat industry knew Joe personally or worked with him over the years,” said Bryson Haverkamp, Kansas Wheat Alliance CEO. “His contributions to Kansas wheat were significant, and his influence can still be seen in the varieties being grown and developed today.”One of the clearest reminders of Martin’s influence came after his retirement, when a new hard white wheat variety was named Joe in his honor. Developed through the Hays wheat breeding program and released by wheat breeder Guorong Zhang, Joe was made available to producers in the fall of 2016 for production. The variety combined genetics from Jagger, Arlin, Trego and a Colorado experimental line. Joe (the wheat variety) offered strong yield potential and resistance to several diseases, including wheat streak mosaic virus through the wsm2 resistance gene.&nbsp;A Legacy Measured Beyond VarietiesThe value of Martin's work could be seen in more than the names printed on seed tags.Estimates of wheat yield improvement from variety development during the 20th century placed gains at approximately one-quarter to one-half bushel per acre each year. By the time Martin retired in 2012, the K-State wheat breeding program was estimated to generate $89 million annually in benefits to Kansas, representing more than $18 in return for every $1 invested in the research program.More importantly, the genetics developed and selected through Martin's program did not stop with his retirement. They became building blocks for the breeders who followed him and for varieties developed for the next generation of Kansas wheat producers.“I appreciated Joe on a lot of levels,” said Dr. Allan Fritz, K-State head wheat breeder. “He was a pioneer, particularly on disease resistance and his work with white wheat. There was a lot I learned from him as a breeder. He was someone who cared deeply about the producers and wanted his material to benefit growers. He was a resource to me when I was getting started.&nbsp;Joe really helped me get my program going and he was willing to be a mentor and then just as a friend.”&nbsp;For those who worked with Martin, however, his influence went well beyond his scientific accomplishments.“I had the good fortune to work with Joe over many years and to witness his work and the impact it had on Kansas wheat,” Gilpin said. “I will always appreciate his knowledge, his willingness to share it, and the perspective he brought to so many conversations. He had a gift of saying a lot without saying much.”Beyond the Field&nbsp;Martin and his wife, Lorna, married Nov. 4, 1966, and were lifelong partners for nearly 60 years. Together, they raised three sons, Todd, Denny and Jeffrey.In Hays, Martin coached baseball, served as a scout leader and was a longtime member of the Hays Lions Club. After wheat harvest each summer, he enjoyed spending time at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. He also enjoyed playing Hearts or Pitch with his family, watching John Wayne movies, listening to Johnny Cash and hearing Denny Matthews call Kansas City Royals games on AM radio.Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Verl and Marie Martin, and his youngest son, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife, Lorna, sons Todd and Denny and their spouses, Donna and Becky, his brothers, Dean and Ray, 11 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of the High Plains or to the Kansas State University Foundation for the Fort Hays Agricultural Research Center Fund.The measure of a wheat breeder's career can take decades to fully understand. Varieties come and go, but the genetics behind them move forward. They become parents of new crosses, sources of resistance and foundations for the next improvement. Martin spent his career adding to that foundation for Kansas farmers.Hays Memorial Chapel has posted an obituary page, with additional information expected as arrangements are finalized:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SAD9ujYauiwbGow3YePsh_gaZYQtrrvrT7C3I4A7LS1fCjjkOZXgiAsoHmKh3XpuIG7xLbrDWQIfsNNzVIRj2VBGcjh4KmZxsub47vliSk_RdPNPZGG4-_bSUT5OuWcCmMOms1UloXPiJHGVU__P3-Xk-OK9u0ubajZ2OJVPIziPtfsZ_rHDCYy2Djg0UUTt&amp;c=DOyP8u5UHJBHyMR1J6QeoUv6hwSYd5ETYDnPt1Vq2piPL7dW4yC7OA==&amp;ch=vP_i2ewcLXPo01tgByxV3kRTLuSTydebMLZgTFePIadd3uMtIKPuNw==" target="_blank">https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Joe-Martin</a>

Longtime K-State Ag Research Center wheat breeder passes away

This temporary exhibit commemorates America's 250th birthday and serves as a remarkable tribute to the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Centered around Eisenhower’s own list of top Administration accomplishments, this exhibit showcases relevant letters written to the President by American citizens.

 Ike possessed an exceptional ability to listen and connect with people from every corner of our nation—whether his trusted cabinet members or the everyday concerns of American citizens. Explore the profound impact of his administration on the fabric of American history. Reflect on the enduring impact of citizen engagement in democracy. Engage with the rich sentiments and discussions that shaped the pivotal decisions of Eisenhower's eight transformative years of peace and prosperity. Plan your visit now to feel the pulse of history and recognize the power of your own voice in shaping our future!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1788446618468.png" alt="Photo Eisenhower Presidental Museum and Library" />
 <figcaption>Photo Eisenhower Presidental Museum and Library</figcaption>
 </figure>This temporary exhibit commemorates America's 250th birthday and serves as a remarkable tribute to the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Centered around Eisenhower’s own list of top Administration accomplishments, this exhibit showcases relevant letters written to the President by American citizens. Ike possessed an exceptional ability to listen and connect with people from every corner of our nation—whether his trusted cabinet members or the everyday concerns of American citizens. Explore the profound impact of his administration on the fabric of American history. Reflect on the enduring impact of citizen engagement in democracy. Engage with the rich sentiments and discussions that shaped the pivotal decisions of Eisenhower's eight transformative years of peace and prosperity. Plan your visit now to feel the pulse of history and recognize the power of your own voice in shaping our future!

Ike's Work now open in Eisenhower Museum Special Gallery

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, really, as far as the injuries go, a couple of the new guys, I think the travel caught up to them today. So, everybody else was out there doing their thing. (OL) Kingsley (Suamataia) was sick, so that's why he came out. Other than that, it was good work today. Guys got out there, we kicked practice up a little bit earlier, just for the heat purposes, so it's going to be warm this afternoon and I thought we wanted to get outside, so I made it a little bit earlier but all in all, good work for today. Time’s yours.”

REID:&nbsp;“Yes, (DT) Chris (Jones), likewise. Chris, his back was bothering him, so I kept him out. He’ll be alright though.”

Q:&nbsp;Is T Josh Simmons still dealing with the lower back?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, that's what (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was saying. (T Josh Simmons) He had the back checked, and there was a spot in there that flared up. And now you’ve got to sit here and wait until that thing calms down. He's been here working out and doing the rehab stuff, so we'll see where it goes. The other guys are doing a nice job in there, so you got to see the linemen that were in there, so it was good to see our guys roll without Josh in there. But it was also good to see the new guys get a practice in, too.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you know for sure how the offensive line would line up with T Josh Simmons not in there?

REID:&nbsp;“We'll just see how it goes as the week goes on, but I have a pretty good idea, yeah.”

Q:&nbsp;What's your broader sense of QB Patrick Mahomes’ progress at this point and how you look at the next ten days or so to get to game day?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, (QB Patrick Mahomes) he's going to keep practicing, Vahe (Gregorian). I mean, just like he's been doing. These are more like training camp practices here. So, we get a lot of one versus one play in these next couple days. So, that's a good thing.”

Q:&nbsp;What stood out to you about the run game in the preseason?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, I like the way the guys executed up front, it starts there. And I like the way the running backs were running. I mean, they were hitting it, seeing it and hitting it, which is important. And it looks like they've got good vision, which helps you, too. So, enough patience, but yeah, good vision.”

Q:&nbsp;How important is it for you to keep four tight ends?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, we use three often, so having that fourth guy here, I think, is important to be able to step up and fill in there.”

Q:&nbsp;Is it good to have a fullback (FB Ben VanSumeren) back in the building?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it gives you some flexibility. It's a new position for (FB Ben VanSumeren) him, but he's a guy that's super aggressive and loves to play the game, but the position's new. He was a college linebacker. And so, he's just, the last couple years, he's been working in there as a fullback, but I like what I saw on tape there.”

Q:&nbsp;What's your first impression of the two new offensive linemen? With OL Joshua Ezeudu it looked like you were getting to work on both guard and tackle today.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (OL Joshua Ezeudu) he's got flex to do that. He's done both, and so (Offensive Line Coach) Andy's (Heck) getting him adjusted. It's a matter of just getting adjusted to everything from the snap count, to the plays, to the calls, and pass protection, and so on. So, it was great to get him in there. There were a couple hiccups in there, but for the most part, I thought they did a pretty good job.”

Q:&nbsp;What stood out about RB Emmett Johnson and the last few weeks that he's had?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, I would tell you (RB Emmett Johnson) his pass protection. We knew he could run the ball, but the thing we had to see was pass protection. And for him to be that number two back, you’ve got to be able to do that and he was a smart kid, and he was willing to stick it up in there. So, he did a nice job of it.”

Q:&nbsp;It seems like you have one of the harder practices in training camp. Just wonder, especially contrasting that with last year, how do you feel like that worked out, and the benefit of it?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we were able to get a couple extra practices in just by the way the days set and days off, so yeah, I think it's good, builds a foundation for you that you can build on for the rest of the year and I like the way the guys worked. I mean, you guys were up there, there wasn't complaining. They were willing to get out there in that heat and humidity like they did today and go. So, I think it builds a good foundation for you going forward.”

Q:&nbsp;When you did the offseason analysis, was that part of it? Was that pretty early on, something you decided you wanted to do?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I know where you're going with this, but I'm not telling you the team last year wasn't tough. That's not what I'm saying. We had a few obstacles we had to work around last year, but I thought we could use this, for sure.”

Q:&nbsp;I know you never want to be comfortable but are there some things over this next ten days or so that concern you about getting the roster ready or anything? Where are you on the comfort level right now?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so keep working and I think that's important as you go forward. Give them enough time to recover, but at the same time, make sure we're in good condition, football condition to play against a good football team.”

Q:&nbsp;When CB L’Jarius Sneed is healthy, what is he to the defense?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, (CB L’Jarius Sneed) he can play inside or outside. That's the advantage you gain there with him. He loves doing both, but I mean, I think in his size, he's a big kid, tough. I mean, arguably one of the best corners in the league when he left here, and now that he's back healthy and going, I'd tell you he's playing like that right now. So, he's doing a nice job.”

Q:&nbsp;You were really effective in short yardage situations with RB Kareem Hunt. What did you see from the offense this year, in short yardage situations in the preseason and how much of that is the running back versus the offensive line?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 2, 2026OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, really, as far as the injuries go, a couple of the new guys, I think the travel caught up to them today. So, everybody else was out there doing their thing. (OL) Kingsley (Suamataia) was sick, so that's why he came out. Other than that, it was good work today. Guys got out there, we kicked practice up a little bit earlier, just for the heat purposes, so it's going to be warm this afternoon and I thought we wanted to get outside, so I made it a little bit earlier but all in all, good work for today. Time’s yours.”Q:&nbsp;On DT Chris Jones.REID:&nbsp;“Yes, (DT) Chris (Jones), likewise. Chris, his back was bothering him, so I kept him out. He’ll be alright though.”Q:&nbsp;Is T Josh Simmons still dealing with the lower back?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, that's what (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was saying. (T Josh Simmons) He had the back checked, and there was a spot in there that flared up. And now you’ve got to sit here and wait until that thing calms down. He's been here working out and doing the rehab stuff, so we'll see where it goes. The other guys are doing a nice job in there, so you got to see the linemen that were in there, so it was good to see our guys roll without Josh in there. But it was also good to see the new guys get a practice in, too.”Q:&nbsp;Do you know for sure how the offensive line would line up with T Josh Simmons not in there?REID:&nbsp;“We'll just see how it goes as the week goes on, but I have a pretty good idea, yeah.”Q:&nbsp;What's your broader sense of QB Patrick Mahomes’ progress at this point and how you look at the next ten days or so to get to game day?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, (QB Patrick Mahomes) he's going to keep practicing, Vahe (Gregorian). I mean, just like he's been doing. These are more like training camp practices here. So, we get a lot of one versus one play in these next couple days. So, that's a good thing.”Q:&nbsp;What stood out to you about the run game in the preseason?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, listen, I like the way the guys executed up front, it starts there. And I like the way the running backs were running. I mean, they were hitting it, seeing it and hitting it, which is important. And it looks like they've got good vision, which helps you, too. So, enough patience, but yeah, good vision.”Q:&nbsp;How important is it for you to keep four tight ends?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, we use three often, so having that fourth guy here, I think, is important to be able to step up and fill in there.”Q:&nbsp;Is it good to have a fullback (FB Ben VanSumeren) back in the building?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, it gives you some flexibility. It's a new position for (FB Ben VanSumeren) him, but he's a guy that's super aggressive and loves to play the game, but the position's new. He was a college linebacker. And so, he's just, the last couple years, he's been working in there as a fullback, but I like what I saw on tape there.”Q:&nbsp;What's your first impression of the two new offensive linemen? With OL Joshua Ezeudu it looked like you were getting to work on both guard and tackle today.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (OL Joshua Ezeudu) he's got flex to do that. He's done both, and so (Offensive Line Coach) Andy's (Heck) getting him adjusted. It's a matter of just getting adjusted to everything from the snap count, to the plays, to the calls, and pass protection, and so on. So, it was great to get him in there. There were a couple hiccups in there, but for the most part, I thought they did a pretty good job.”Q:&nbsp;What stood out about RB Emmett Johnson and the last few weeks that he's had?REID:&nbsp;“Well, I would tell you (RB Emmett Johnson) his pass protection. We knew he could run the ball, but the thing we had to see was pass protection. And for him to be that number two back, you’ve got to be able to do that and he was a smart kid, and he was willing to stick it up in there. So, he did a nice job of it.”Q:&nbsp;It seems like you have one of the harder practices in training camp. Just wonder, especially contrasting that with last year, how do you feel like that worked out, and the benefit of it?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we were able to get a couple extra practices in just by the way the days set and days off, so yeah, I think it's good, builds a foundation for you that you can build on for the rest of the year and I like the way the guys worked. I mean, you guys were up there, there wasn't complaining. They were willing to get out there in that heat and humidity like they did today and go. So, I think it builds a good foundation for you going forward.”Q:&nbsp;When you did the offseason analysis, was that part of it? Was that pretty early on, something you decided you wanted to do?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I know where you're going with this, but I'm not telling you the team last year wasn't tough. That's not what I'm saying. We had a few obstacles we had to work around last year, but I thought we could use this, for sure.”Q:&nbsp;I know you never want to be comfortable but are there some things over this next ten days or so that concern you about getting the roster ready or anything? Where are you on the comfort level right now?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so keep working and I think that's important as you go forward. Give them enough time to recover, but at the same time, make sure we're in good condition, football condition to play against a good football team.”Q:&nbsp;When CB L’Jarius Sneed is healthy, what is he to the defense?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well, (CB L’Jarius Sneed) he can play inside or outside. That's the advantage you gain there with him. He loves doing both, but I mean, I think in his size, he's a big kid, tough. I mean, arguably one of the best corners in the league when he left here, and now that he's back healthy and going, I'd tell you he's playing like that right now. So, he's doing a nice job.”Q:&nbsp;You were really effective in short yardage situations with RB Kareem Hunt. What did you see from the offense this year, in short yardage situations in the preseason and how much of that is the running back versus the offensive line?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, you know this, but it's a combination. You can't have one without the other. So offensive lines got to present holes. You don't need these giant holes. That's not what you're looking for, but enough to get yourself a yard or two. So, that's the important thing and defenses throw a lot of combinations at you, whether they're slanting or blitzing. So, you've got to make sure that you have all those gaps covered and you're strong in the gaps with leverage, as long as you're running the football.”Q:&nbsp;What's the balancing act for you on the 14 days to prepare for Week 1?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so we'll practice tomorrow and then the guys get, I believe it's three days off and then we'll come back on Monday and have a good practice there. And then we're into our normal week from there.”Chiefs Players QuotesSeptember 2, 2026WR XAVIER WORTHYQ:&nbsp;Have you already started to look at Denver, what they presented, at least what you guys had last year versus how they look in the preseason?WORHTY:&nbsp;“Yeah, we’ve kind of just (have gotten) into it. We’re probably going to get into that next week. We’ve kind of just been getting into this—obviously the fundamentals, obviously a lot more of our scheme. We’ve probably been running plays to study and obviously just for Denver but haven’t put a name on it. So obviously just staying in tune and getting ready for the season, obviously.”Q:&nbsp;How did you put in work with QB Patrick Mahomes this offseason given that he was going through rehab?WORTHY:&nbsp;“I actually came back early to work with (QB Patrick Mahomes) him a little bit. With some of my rehab, just getting that chemistry. Obviously, on and off the field, your quarterback is obviously important, so I came back early just to get that in with him.”Q:&nbsp;On the team’s performance last season.WORTHY:&nbsp;“I mean, you kind of watched it. It’s just working on the little things. I feel like last year, we kind of weren't paying attention to that like we were the first year. We emphasized it, but like (Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy) EB says all the time, it’s the discipline. So, I feel like we didn’t have discipline in those times. You go back and look at the first game. We won a lot of those close one-point games, you go back and look at last year, we lost those games. So that’s just the margin in the league, every game is so close, so just coming out and being disciplined and winning those games.”CB L'JARIUS SNEEDQ:&nbsp;Where does the willingness to do anything on defense come from?&nbsp;SNEED:&nbsp;“Oh man, just buying in to the team, and the young players, who I can help.”Q:&nbsp;What do you think of CB Mansoor Delane? Do you see yourself in him?SNEED:&nbsp;“Yes, (CB Mansoor Delane) he’s definitely a dog. He’s one of a kind. He’s the first runner for a reason.”Q:&nbsp;What did playing in the preseason do for you in order to get ready for next week?&nbsp;SNEED: “Oh yeah, I just didn’t want to go into the season, just throw me in there (and not) get reps. I wanted to get reps before I go into the real thing.”RB BRASHARD SMITHQ:&nbsp;How special is it to make the 53-man roster as one of three running backs?SMITH:&nbsp;“I feel like it is really special, just coming in my first year, I was learning a lot. This year, I’m still learning, but I’m in a way better position than I (was).”Q:&nbsp;What is your eagerness to be apart of special teams?SMITH:&nbsp;“I love special teams. I feel like special teams is the spark that gets the offense going. I feel like special teams is the biggest part in the game, for real. Sometimes people don’t really think that, but you make a big play that gets everybody going. Everybody on offense gets to going after that, so I love it.”Q:&nbsp;What kind of little things are you working on with Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Running Backs Coach DeMarco Murray?