Kansas State Football: Wildcats will ride Deuce Vaughn back to bowl game

Offense

Vaughn is the biggest reason to be excited about the offense in 2021, but the Wildcats also bring back their entire starting offensive line, as well as some key backups.

With what should be the best offensive lineman under the current head coach, Kansas State should have a solid running game, and the passing game should be much improved with Skylar Thompson healthy at quarterback.

He threw four touchdowns compared to zero interceptions a season ago and averaged nine yards per attempt. His backup, Will Howard averaged just seven yards per attempt in addition to throwing eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Thompson will need some new targets to emerge. Vaughn was the leader in receiving yards and receptions, as well as the team’s leading rusher. He’s a dynamic dual-threat as a runner/receiver but transfer tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe should take over the starter and add a threat in the passing game.

Malik Knowles and Chabastin Taylor, a pair of wideouts over 6-foot-2, combined for 39 receptions last season and scored four touchdowns. They also averaged more than 15 yards per reception and with Thompson back in the saddle at quarterback, the K-State offense should be much improved.