Kansas State Wildcats
· 2026-06-30
Kansas State Wildcats enter the 2026 season with a new offensive line coach, Mike Schmidt, who is already proving himself as a valuable asset to the team's coaching staff.
Mike Schmidt, the former San Diego State running game coordinator and offensive line coach, has impressed in his early months as Collin Klein's offensive line coach.
The team's standout center was destined for the NFL, and Schmidt needed to replace the entire unit's interior.
Schmidt's offensive lines have consistently led some of the best rushing attacks in the country, and he's developed multiple NFL Draft selections over his young career.
He added six offensive linemen via the transfer portal, including Tanner Morley, a Colorado State transfer who is likely to start at left guard.
The Kansas State Wildcats will face Nicholls Colonels on September 5, 2026, and getting a better push up front will be critical to the team's success.
Schmidt had a lot of work to do once he took over the Kansas State job, but he's making progress in retooling the offensive line.
The team finished eighth in the Big 12 in rushing in 2025, down from 11th in the country the year before.
And with Schmidt's experience, the Wildcats are looking to improve their rushing attack.
But the new coach knows it won't be easy, and the team needs to show up every day ready to attack.
So the Wildcats are working hard to develop their offensive line and get ready for the upcoming season.
The most important thing to the team is their attitude, and Schmidt wants his players to develop and get out of their comfort zone.
Mike Schmidt said, "I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to compete at the highest level."
He played at San Diego State from 2005-08 and got his start as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater.
Schmidt followed with stints at Syracuse and Mississippi State before returning to the Aztecs.
He wasn't looking to leave San Diego State until he received a phone call from former Kansas State offensive line coach Conor Riley.
Schmidt went through the interview process and was offered the job, which he accepted.
Now he's working hard to get the Wildcats' offensive line ready for the 2026 season.
The team has added more depth to its running back room, but getting a better push up front will be critical to their success.