With the Big 12 schedule now officially set, Kansas State fans can begin planning their trips and gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying 2025 season as co-favorites to win the conference title.
The Wildcats are set to face a diverse mix of opponents, highlighted by a unique season opener in Dublin, Ireland. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming schedule and key matchups.
Season Opener:
Aug. 23 vs. Iowa State
The Wildcats will kick off the 2025 season with a historic trip to Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against Iowa State. This will be the first Big 12 game ever played in Ireland, marking a significant moment in conference history.
For fans making the overseas journey, it promises an unforgettable experience. However, for the team, it’s all business. With last year’s tough loss in Ames still fresh, expect K-State to have an extra edge heading into this showdown.
Non-Conference Games:
Aug. 30 vs. North Dakota
Following its return from Ireland, K-State will face North Dakota at home. This matchup provides the Wildcats an opportunity to reset and allow younger players to gain valuable experience.
Sept. 6 vs. Army
Likely serving as the Fort Riley Day contest, the Wildcats will host Army in what should be a unique challenge. The Black Knights’ triple-option offense is historically tricky to defend, making this a critical non-conference test.
Sept. 13 @ Arizona
K-State’s final non-conference game takes the team to Tucson for a late-night battle against Arizona. With kickoff expected around 9:30 p.m. CST, the Wildcats will need to overcome past struggles in late-night road games to come away with a win.
Big 12 slate:
Sept. 27 vs. UCF
Big 12 play begins at home against UCF. With Scott Frost returning as head coach, the Knights present an element of unpredictability. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they enter this game following a bye week, while UCF faces a challenging matchup against North Carolina.
Oct. 4 @ Baylor
The Wildcats head to Waco for a road clash with Baylor. The Bears will be coming off a physically demanding stretch against Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Auburn and SMU. If K-State capitalizes on Baylor’s fatigue, it could walk away with a key road win.
Oct. 11 vs. TCU
K-State returns home to take on TCU, a team facing a grueling schedule before this matchup. The Horned Frogs will have played SMU, Arizona State and Colorado in succession, setting the stage for a hard-fought contest.
Oct. 25 @ Kansas
The Sunflower Showdown moves to late October, with KU coming off a bye week. Expect a younger team from the Jayhawks, but veteran quarterback Jalon Daniels will remain a factor in his seemingly endless collegiate career. Additionally, this game will be the first meeting in the newly renovated Memorial Stadium.
November final stretch:
Nov. 1 vs. Texas Tech
Fresh off the rivalry clash against KU, K-State returns home to battle Texas Tech. While the Wildcats have dominated the Red Raiders in recent years, Tech’s strong transfer portal class ensures this will be a tough matchup.
Nov. 15 @ Oklahoma State
K-State travels to Stillwater, a historically difficult place to play. Oklahoma State will likely feature new starting quarterback Zane Flores under a fresh offensive system. With a bye week leading into this game, the Wildcats plan to look well-rested and prepared.
Nov. 22 @ Utah
For the first time ever, K-State will face Utah. The Utes struggled over the past two seasons but remain formidable, especially at home. New quarterback Devon Dampier, a transfer from New Mexico, will lead Utah in what could be a crucial late-season test for the Wildcats.
Nov. 29 vs. Colorado
The Wildcats conclude the regular season at home against Colorado, hosting the former Big 8 foe for the first time since a 20-6 victory in 2009. The Buffaloes will endure a tough stretch leading up to this game, potentially allowing K-State to end the season on a high note.
Schedule Insights:
One of the most notable aspects of K-State’s schedule are the well-placed bye weeks. The first comes after the non-conference slate, giving the Wildcats time to regroup before Big 12 play. The second arrives before the Sunflower Showdown, offering extra preparation for the rivalry battle. The final bye week falls before back-to-back road games at Oklahoma State and Utah, a crucial stretch that could determine K-State’s Big 12 title aspirations.
The Wildcats face their toughest tests on the road, with matchups at Baylor and Oklahoma State standing out as potential hurdles. However, if K-State capitalizes on strategic bye weeks and executes in key moments, it could find itself in the thick of the Big 12 championship race.
As the season approaches, excitement continues to build. With a historic opener in Ireland, rivalry clashes and pivotal conference battles, the 2025 campaign is shaping up as one to remember for K-State football.
