Kansas State enters 2025 aiming to build on recent progress. Since winning the Big 12 in 2022, the Wildcats have shown flashes under quarterback Avery Johnson. The schedule is tough but manageable with rivalry games, national TV windows, and road trips that make every week crucial. In a parity league with no clear favorite, Kansas State is in the mix.
Why Fans Across States Are Watching
Oddsmakers have Kansas State alongside Texas Tech and Arizona State at +550 to win the Big 12, a sign of both the confidence in their potential and the uncertainty surrounding their lineup. They are respected, but the offensive line and secondary are works in progress that will determine their ceiling.
It’s not just fans in Manhattan who are watching closely. Interest in the Wildcats stretches across the Big 12 footprint, especially in Texas and Colorado. In Texas, the Big 12 race means more because of the local rivalries. Colorado fans with their state’s active betting market track conference shifts closely. Fans in the Sunshine State can turn to insights on Florida, which highlight how advanced platforms provide live odds and real-time updates so they can follow the Wildcats’ highs and lows as the season unfolds. Together, these regional perspectives show how the Big 12 has become a national product where every swing of the Kansas State season resonates beyond the Plains.
Avery Johnson’s Second-Year Leap and the Offensive Outlook
The biggest reason to be hopeful in Manhattan is Avery Johnson. The sophomore quarterback has shown why he was one of the more highly regarded recruits in recent memory. He is the centerpiece of the Kansas State offense because of his speed, arm strength, and poise in big moments.
Offensive coordinator Matt Wells has said they are building a scheme around Johnson’s dual-threat ability. The Wildcats want to stretch the field vertically and keep defenses honest with Johnson’s legs. For that to work, the offensive line has to be stable. Johnson’s ability to lead a championship run is clear, but his development will be heavily dependent on the protection in front of him and the receivers and backs being more consistent.
The Offensive Line Must Gel Quickly
Kansas State’s offensive line is the biggest variable in the title chase. With new starters in the mix, early-season struggles showed the growing pains that come with inexperience. Pass protection and run blocking remain areas to watch, as inexperience along the line could put added pressure on Johnson to create plays. Coach Chris Klieman acknowledged after the Arizona loss that the Wildcats “did not win the line of scrimmage” and that Johnson isn’t getting the time he needs to succeed.
The staff has turned to transfers and young talent to speed up the learning curve. For Kansas State to stay in the Big 12 race, the line has to be a solid unit by midseason. Their improvement will determine not only how explosive they can be but also how long they can hang with the league’s best defenses.
Defense Remains the Foundation
While the offense is still in question, the defense is the identity of the program. Underxx Joe Klanderman, the Wildcats have become known for discipline, tackling, and controlling the line of scrimmage. The front seven projects as one of the stronger units in the Big 12, blending experienced leaders with emerging talent.
The secondary has been retooled and is a concern. The updated defensive depth chart shows several new starters and transfers in key roles, underscoring how quickly this group must get up to speed against Big 12 passing attacks. The Wildcats cannot afford lapses in communication or blown coverages if they want to be competitive in close games. Creating turnovers and limiting big plays will be the measuring stick for this unit.
The Big 12 Path and Defining Matchups
The conference is wide open. Texas Tech’s offense, Arizona State’s resurgence, and Oklahoma State’s consistency are the core group of challengers, while Baylor and others are the spoilers. What makes the Big 12 interesting in 2025 is that there is no clear favorite.
For Kansas State, the schedule is both opportunity and pressure. Home games against direct contenders give the Wildcats control, while road trips to hostile environments will test their mettle. The margin for error is small, but this is where Kansas State has historically excelled.
Conclusion
Kansas State’s Big 12 title run isn’t guaranteed, but it’s possible. They have Chris Klieman’s steady leadership, Avery Johnson’s upside, and a defense capable of keeping them in contention. The hurdles are clear, but so is the opportunity in a league where parity reigns.
They know how to win the trophy. This year will show if they can do it again.