The quarterback who broke records by running like a fullback
In short: In 2011, Collin Klein redefined the dual-threat archetype at Kansas State. He didn't just lead the offense; he physically overwhelmed it, setting national records for rushing touchdowns while navigating a high-powered passing game. His journey from a versatile wide receiver to a record-breaking icon is a masterclass in positional evolution.
In 2009, Collin Klein began his collegiate career at Kansas State as a wide receiver and special teams contributor. Rather than moving to quarterback instantly, he worked on spot duty throughout 2010 until his initial career start faced the Texas Longhorns. During that debut, he showcased his early dual-threat potential by rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns, becoming one of only two Big 12 quarterbacks that year to record two 100-yard rushing games.
The 2011 season served as Klein's breakout year. He led the Wildcats to a 7–0 start, including a notable upset of the 15th-ranked Baylor Bears. That specific game was a milestone, marking the first time since 2004 that a Kansas State quarterback surpassed 100 yards in both rushing and passing in a single contest. Klein finished the year with 27 rushing touchdowns, matching two national benchmarks: the highest seasonal total for a Big 12 athlete and the most by a Football Bowl Subdivision quarterback.
Klein's physical dominance was reflected in his volume; he led the Big 12 with 317 rushing attempts, the most in team history. His efforts earned him First Team All-Big 12 honors and a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2012. Despite a professional transition that saw him try out for the Houston Texans and play briefly in the Canadian Football League, Klein returned to his alma mater. He climbed the coaching ranks from graduate assistant to offensive coordinator before being named head coach in December 2025, returning to lead the program where he first made his mark.
His legacy is defined by versatility. From his high school days in Colorado setting all-purpose yardage records to his collegiate career where he finished 15th all-time in NCAA rushing touchdowns, Klein bridged the gap between traditional playmaking and modern, high-volume rushing styles.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Collin Klein
- Also: Wikidata — Collin Klein · CC0
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