Chris Klieman: Big 12 has 'tremendous parity'

Chris Klieman didn’t hold back when giving his feelings on the Big 12’s competition level entering the 2023 season.

The Kansas State Wildcats may be the conference’s defending champions, but Klieman recognizes that every other team is chomping at the bit to get a title. Speaking with the media at Big 12 Media Days, Klieman waxed poetic regarding the parity in the Big 12.

“Well, there’s tremendous parity in the Big 12. You saw that last year with the amount of teams that either won one-score games or knocked people off, and every week you had to have your A game or you were going to get beat,” explained Klieman. “I think that’s what college football is starting to become, as well. Recruiting is never ending. The transfer portal is never ending. So there’s so many players switching teams, so you’re always going to have increased parity.

“Some of the guys that maybe weren’t playing as much for you are on another team. Sometimes even in the same league. That always is going to increase competition. College football is really healthy, and I’m excited about the direction it’s going, especially once we get to the 12-team playoff.”

Of course, there are plenty of teams who can capture the Big 12 crown in 2023, but Kansas State remains atop the mountain until somebody knocks them off. Parity be damned, the Wildcats are coming for that repeat.

Chris Klieman addresses how Kansas State will replace Deuce Vaughn

If Chris Klieman and the Kansas State Wildcats are to repeat as Big 12 champions, they’ll have to achieve the unenviable task of replacing star running back Deuce Vaughn in 2023.

Sitting in AT&T Stadium — Vaughn’s new home in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys — Klieman explained how difficult it’ll be, and that the former Wildcats running back is simply a player that doesn’t just grow on trees.

“Well, you don’t replace Deuce Vaughn,” started Klieman. “And if you want to come here on Sundays, he’s going to be playing here every Sunday, and he’s going to be having a heck of an NFL career and I love the kid because of his passion for football.

“Him allowing me to be in his life, what a great, great young man, a great football player but a better person, a better family. We probably aren’t going to be able to do that with one guy.”

Nevertheless, Klieman is excited for his running back room to get their shine next season, and he specifically mentioned Florida State transfer running back Treshaun Ward as someone who can breakout for Kansas State this season. They’ll need him to do so to have success this season.