2016 record: 9-4, 6-3 (fourth Big 12)
Projected 2017 record: 9-3, 6-3 Big 12
Key Starters lost: DE Jordan Willis, DB Dante Barnett, OL Terrale Johnson, LB Elijah Lee, LB Charmeachealle Moore.
Key Starters returning: QB Jesse Ertz, RB Alex Barnes, OL Dalton Risner, WR Byron Pringle, DB D.J. Reed, DE Reggie Walker.
Leading the charge
Jesse Ertz was a good quarterback last season. K-State is counting him being great this season. The Wildcats have historically had their best seasons when they return a quarterback with starting experience.