Saturday, September 5, 2026. Kickoff 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) on ESPN+.
Collin Klein’s first game as Kansas State’s head coach is an FCS opener at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Nicholls, of the Southland Conference, is the opponent; the story is the former K-State quarterback taking over the program he played for.
| Kickoff | 7 p.m. ET · 6 p.m. CT · 5 p.m. MT · 4 p.m. PT |
| TV | None. Streaming only. |
| Streaming | ESPN+ (in the ESPN app) |
| Venue | Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas |
| Line | Kansas State heavily favored. Many books do not post FBS vs. FCS lines until game day. |
Prediction and Odds
Kansas State should win by five touchdowns or more. The value in watching is the debut: how Klein’s offense looks with his own staff, and which of the new starters get extended snaps before Washington State visits next week in the first meeting between those programs.
Our pick: Kansas State 42, Nicholls 7.
Why This One Matters
K-State plays five of its first six at home and opens Big 12 play on the road at Cincinnati on September 26. Klein needs the nonconference stretch to settle the quarterback and the secondary. See our Kansas State schedule for the full slate.
How to Watch Without Cable
ESPN+ only. Not on cable and not included in live TV bundles. Our streaming guide has the details.
The Bottom Line
Nicholls at Kansas State kicks off at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, September 5 on ESPN+. Kansas State in a rout in Collin Klein’s debut. Result on our live scoreboard.