What Is 2006 Kansas State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Kansas State football team finished with a 7-6 record under head coach Ron Prince, winning the 2006 Texas Bowl against Rutgers 35-34 in double overtime. The season marked the team's first bowl victory since 2001.

Key Facts

Finished with a 7-6 overall record and 4-4 in Big 12 Conference play
Defeated Rutgers 35-34 in double overtime in the 2006 Texas Bowl
Head coach Ron Prince was in his first season at Kansas State
Quarterback Josh Freeman started nine games as a true freshman
The team played home games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, KS

Overview

The 2006 Kansas State Wildcats football team represented Kansas State University during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by first-year head coach Ron Prince, the team competed in the Big 12 Conference's North Division and finished with a 7-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in conference play.

The season was notable for its dramatic conclusion and the emergence of young talent. After a mid-season slump, the Wildcats rebounded to secure a bowl berth and delivered an exciting performance in the Texas Bowl, marking a turning point in the program's rebuilding phase.

7-6 record: The team ended the season with seven wins and six losses, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 2-10 mark under previous leadership.
First bowl win since 2001: Their 35-34 double-overtime victory over Rutgers in the Texas Bowl was the program’s first bowl win in five years.
Ron Prince’s debut season: Hired in 2006 after Bill Snyder’s retirement, Prince brought an aggressive offensive philosophy and a renewed sense of energy to the program.
Josh Freeman’s emergence: True freshman quarterback Josh Freeman took over midseason and became a cornerstone for future seasons, throwing for 1,383 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Home games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium: Located in Manhattan, Kansas, the stadium hosted all home games and averaged over 47,000 fans per game during the 2006 season.

How It Played Out

The 2006 season unfolded with a mix of promise, inconsistency, and eventual redemption. After a strong start, the team struggled in conference play but rallied late to become bowl-eligible, culminating in a thrilling bowl victory.

Season opener vs. Washington State: The Wildcats opened with a 24-20 win in Houston, showing early signs of competitiveness under new leadership.
Midseason quarterback change: After senior Allen Webb struggled, true freshman Josh Freeman started against Oklahoma and remained the starter for the rest of the season.
Upset win over #14 Colorado: A 31-21 victory in October was the team’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2003 and boosted bowl hopes.
Defensive improvement: The defense allowed only 17.5 points per game in the final five contests, a major factor in their late-season surge.
2006 Texas Bowl appearance: Earned a spot in the bowl game after defeating Kansas in the regular-season finale, ending a five-year bowl win drought.
Double-overtime thriller: The Texas Bowl victory over Rutgers featured 35 points and a game-winning two-point conversion in the second overtime.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2006 season compared to surrounding years in key statistical and performance categories:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Key Player
2004	5-6	3-5	No bowl	Ell Roberson
2005	2-10	1-7	No bowl	Allen Webb
2006	7-6	4-4	W 35-34 (Rutgers, Texas Bowl)	Josh Freeman
2007	5-7	3-5	No bowl	Josh Freeman
2008	5-7	3-5	No bowl	Grant Gregory

The 2006 season stands out as a bright spot between two prolonged losing stretches. While future seasons under Prince failed to maintain momentum, the 2006 campaign demonstrated potential and laid groundwork for Freeman’s development.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was pivotal in maintaining fan engagement and setting the stage for future development at Kansas State. Despite long-term struggles, the year provided hope and a template for competitive football in the Big 12.

Restored bowl relevance: Ending a five-year bowl win drought was crucial for morale, recruiting, and program stability.
Launched Josh Freeman’s career: His performance as a true freshman led to a successful NFL career, including being drafted 17th overall in 2009.
Validated Ron Prince’s hiring: The season temporarily quieted skepticism about replacing a legend like Bill Snyder.
Boosted recruiting in Texas: The Texas Bowl appearance increased visibility in a key recruiting region.
Set attendance benchmarks: Average home attendance of 47,247 showed strong fan support despite recent losing seasons.
Highlighted resilience: Overcoming a 2-10 season in 2005 proved the program could rebound quickly under new leadership.

The 2006 Kansas State football team may not have achieved national prominence, but its blend of youth, perseverance, and dramatic success made it a memorable chapter in the program’s history.