Kansas State – Will Skylar Thompson take the step up?
2020 will be the third full year of Skylar Thompson under center for Kansas State, with a steady increase in production year to year. The issue, however, is Thompson is still completing less than 60% of his throws and only throwing 12 touchdowns.
Also seen as a threat in the ground game, when Thompson was successful last season, he was also getting it done by running the ball. In the upset win against Oklahoma last season, the junior 18-28 with 213 yards in the air, but pounded in four touchdowns on the ground.
For the Wildcats to see success next season, Thompson must take the next step up and join the top tier of Big 12 quarterbacks. Sam Ehlinger, Brock Purdy, and even Spencer Rattler are already on the list, but Kansas State needs an elite quarterback to compete with the top of the conference.
Wide receiver Malik Knowles will be the top returning receiver next season, after having 27 catches for 397 yards and two touchdowns in 2019.
In year two of Chris Klieman, the Wildcats could be a spoiler team in the conference. To be more than a spoiler and a contender to push for a Big 12 championship spot, Thompson must elevate his game towards the top of the conference.