Kansas State College Football Preview, Prediction, Betting Ideas

Kansas State Wildcats

View from afar: Kansas State entered 2024 with big expectations. Avery Johnson took over at quarterback, and there was some electricity in the backfield, coupled with the expanded playoffs, which had people dreaming big in Manhattan. So, after a 9-4 record, it's fair to say it was a touch disappointing given how wide open the league was last year. Klieman is still at the helm and will look to get this team to Arlington. That insane turnover-laden game in Provo and the snow game vs Iowa State made for whacky games that were very costly, but maybe they will get the right breaks this season. Continuity as both the OC and DC return, and we love to see how the team finished last season with the win over Rutgers in the bowl. This is a big season for the Wildcats and hipster Heisman candidate Johnson; once again, they look to make that breakthrough and win the Big 12.

Recruiting: Kansas State comes in with the #2 class in the Big 12 for 2025. A huge leap from the 11 class they hauled in '24. This program is trending up, they are spending money and they expect results. Hawkins and Massey were 4 star recruits in '24 can they make an impact on the line this year? Linkon Cure is a 5 start tight end from Kansas (you read that right) that comes in this year, could be electric to see the kid get some playing time.

Portal: Kansas State comes in at #3 in the Big 12 portal rankings. Another indicator of how this program is trending and feeling. Ross (edge) is an interesting addition from Alabama, Medford(WR) fared well with a dual-threat QB at New Mexico, and Fitzpatrick (OT) is a welcome addition to the tight tackle room. King (CB) goes to Colorado, and Spivey(WR) goes to Arizona. I don't like to see guys moving to conference foes, but all in all, K-State didn't lose much to the portal.

Roster Intrigue: QB Avery Johnson is obviously the big name on campus. Electric dual-threat QB who could easily find himself in the Heisman conversation if the Wildcats are humming. He needs to work on his accuracy, but let's see if he makes a leap in year two. Edwards is back at RB, so the K-State running back tradition will continue. Poitier is back after a great year, but this team will need the aforementioned transfers or recruits to step up at tackle. The defense brings back all Big 12 performer Romaine (LB) and Manhattan native Iliolani (DT), Moss (S) will look to step up in class at Safety, coming over from West Georgia. This roster is interesting, I have questions at WR, OT, D line, and all over the secondary. This team certainly has considerable potential with their firepower, but will those young linemen step up? Will the transfers on the D line and secondary show up? If not, I struggle to see how this team hits its fans' expectations.

Statistical Tidbits: Kansas State came in 12th in the country for rushing yards per game at 210, Johnson being a major factor teams need to account for. They also only allowed 125 yards per game on the ground, which was third in the conference. It makes you wonder how this team didn't wind up in Arlington with such success.

Schedule: The Wildcats open proceedings in Dublin, Ireland, against fellow title hopeful Iowa State, a big litmus test for both. They get Baylor and Utah on the road as their big-league tests. Remember, the Arizona game is a non-conference game. Home games vs. TCU, Texas Tech, and Colorado round out the trickiest spots on this slate.

Prediction: It's easy to see why people like this team as the Big 12 favorite. Electric QB, sound running attack, and all Big 12 performer back at LB to guide the defense. If the offensive line is a factory in Manhattan and the incoming tackles hit, this is a scary, scary team. But for my money, this team goes 9-3 and once again misses out on the ultimate goal of the Big 12 title. I have too many questions on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and the secondary looks very thin. Road trips to Baylor, Utah, will be losses, and I think TCU or Tech gets this team at their place.

Actionable: Kansas State -3.5 vs Iowa State- I know it's Dublin and week 0, so wacky things, but I just think Iowa State is really going to struggle to replicate last year's success. K-State will be able to run all over this group and keep them at bay. Lastly, keep an eye out during this season for how this team looks post-Baylor. They'll have two bye weeks in the last 7 games of the season, so if they drop a tight one to Baylor, that may be your chance to back this team for the Big 12. I won't be partaking, but this team will have ample rest to make a run down the stretch.