The Kansas State Wildcats certainly didn't gain any new fans when they played the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin, Ireland, for their Week 0 matchup.
After traveling more than 4,000 miles, the Wildcats flailed about for four quarters and struggled to put any points on the scoreboard. With two fumbles, a muffed punt, and a failed fourth-down attempt by Kansas State, the Irish crowd might not have switched their loyalty from their football (soccer) to American football.
Kansas State's now veteran quarterback, Avery Johnson, completed just 21 completions for 273 yards and a disappointing two touchdowns through the air. He also ran for the Wildcats' opening touchdown of the day.
Simply put, when the Kansas Jayhawks kicked off their season a few hours later, they weren't worried about their future matchup against their in-state rivals.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) August 23, 2025
Kansas and Kansas State face each other in the Sunflower Showdown every year, with this season's game taking place in the Jayhawks' new-and-improved Booth Stadium. When the Wildcats come to town, the Jayhawks will have to ensure that they don't drop to the disappointing level that they saw Kansas State play at in Week 0.
The Wildcats fell in a miserable 24-21 loss to the Cyclones that had college football fans turning to the next game of the day, and eagerly awaiting Week 1 of the season.
Sure, Kansas State's defense looked impressive against the Cyclones as the two ranked teams clobbered each other's offenses. However, the less-than-imposing offense left a lot of questions surrounding the Wildcats, who entered the game as one of the preseason favorites for the Big 12 title.
Devastatingly for the Wildcats, but fortunately for their upcoming opponents, star running back Dylan Edwards exited early with an injury, which he apparently suffered during his muffed punt return, and was sidelined for the remainder of the game.
Kansas and Kansas State are scheduled to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 25, for their 123rd matchup. Heading into the 2025 season, the Jayhawks lay claim to a 65-52-2 record over the Wildcats. Kansas will face Iowa State just a few weeks later on Nov. 22.