K-State ranked No.16 in Sports Illustrated's preseason Top 25 - KCTV5

Kansas State has been ranked No. 16 in Sports Illustrated's college football preview issue.

The preview, which hits newsstands Wednesday, highlights Tavon Rooks as a key recruit and Travis Tannahill as a breakout player. The issue also discusses other top offensive, defensive and special teams players.

"Did I anticipate last season going exactly as it did? No. I really have a tremendous amount of respect for the young people in our program," K-State football coach Bill Snyder told Sports Illustrated.

The Wildcats were picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 last year. However, by the end of the season, the Wildcats were playing in the Cotton Bowl.

Collin Klein, the gritty run-first quarterback, is back for Kansas State and expectations are high for a team that won 10 games last season.

The season opener is Sept. 1 at home against Missouri State.

Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.)  All rights reserved.  The Associated Press contributed to this report.