Wildcats Host Cougars in Big Test | College Basketball News

0:00It's September 12th. You're listening to college basketball news today, AI-powered coverage of your team. I'm Corey with the story. Kansas State kicked off their 2026 season with a dominant win, a real statement game that felt like a throwback to the glory days. Coach Colin Klein got his first victory as head coach, and the team looked sharp against an opponent they were expected to beat. Now the real challenge begins as they face a much tougher opponent. This week, the Wildcats host Washington State for the first time ever. The Cougars are coming off a tough loss to their in-state rivals, falling to zero in one on the season. Their offense struggle for most of that game, but they've shown they can move the ball. The Cougars' defense is expected to be a significant step up in competition for Kansas State. While the Wildcats had their way last week, Washington State's defense features more athletic players and complex schemes. On the other side, the K-State defense will need to be ready for the Cougars' run heavy offense, which is something they haven't

1:00fully tested yet. Adding to the Wildcats' advantage, Washington State is dealing with an early start time, playing at 11am Central, which is 9am for them. This, combined with their opening game loss, has made Kansas State a 17 and a half point favorite at home. A convincing win here could be a big confidence booster early in the season. The game is set for an 11am kickoff, and will be broadcast on TNT and HBO Max, with JB Long and Mike Gollag Jr on the call. You can also cast the action on the K-State Sports Network, or streaming online.