Game Details
- Matchup: Iowa State vs. Kansas State
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- TV: ESPN
Team Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones
- 2024 Record: 11–3 (7–2 Big 12)
- Head Coach: Matt Campbell
- Key Returners:
- QB Rocco Becht: 3,505 yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs
- RB Carson Hansen: 752 yards, 13 TDs
- WR Jayden Higgins: Emerging deep threat
- Strengths:
- Nation’s top-ranked pass defense in 2024
- Balanced offensive attack with underrated run game
- Concerns:
- Rebuilding offensive line
- Depth at wide receiver
- Kansas State Wildcats
- 2024 Record: 9–4 (5–4 Big 12)
- Head Coach: Chris Klieman
- Key Returners:
- QB Avery Johnson: 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 605 rush yards
- RB Dylan Edwards: 546 yards, 7.4 YPC, 5 TDs
- LB Austin Moore: Anchor of a top-25 linebacker unit
- Strengths:
- Physical defensive front
- Dual-threat quarterback play
- Concerns:
- Only two returning starters on offensive line
- New O-line coach after Conor Riley’s departure to the NFL
Matchup Analysis
- Last Meeting: Iowa State won 29–21 in November 2024
- Series History: Iowa State leads 54–50–4
- X-Factor: Iowa State’s ability to pressure Johnson without blitzing. Their secondary can lock down short routes, forcing Kansas State to stretch the field.
- Wild Card: The game is played in Dublin. Travel, time zone shifts, and weather (potentially 40° cooler than Midwest summer) could slow offensive rhythm.
Betting Angle
Why: Iowa State’s defense is healthy and disruptive. Kansas State’s offensive line may need more time to gel, and the neutral-site setting favors the more disciplined unit. Expect a low-scoring, physical contest decided in the final minutes.
GAME ODDS
Iowa State Cyclones 49.5
Kansas State Wildcats – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday August 22, 2025
