2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 9-4, Win vs. Rutgers in Rate Bowl (44-41)

It was a tale of two seasons for Kansas State in 2024. The Wildcats began the season with three consecutive victories, including a blowout win against Arizona. they lost to BYU before logging four more wins. Following a 7-1 start, Kansas State went downhill and lost three out of four to end the year. The Wildcats ended the season with a win against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.

OFFENSE: Wildcats Back to Running the Ball

There is a three-headed monster that can take over the rushing attack this season.

Avery Johnson struggled with turnovers at times but was elite running the ball. He threw 10 turnovers, which will have to be cleaned up, but rushed for 600 yards and seven touchdowns. With Johnson are backs Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson.

DJ Giddens is gone and Edwards will step into the lead back role after averaging over seven yards per carry last season. Jackson is the perfect complement as a strong back with great size.

The run game will have the luxury of working with one of the best offensive lines in the Big 12. Carver Willis transferred to Washington but the Wildcats return starters along the interior. Center Sam Hecht and guard Taylor Poitier.

DEFENSE: LBs Lead a Loaded Group

As good as the offense has a chance to be, the defense can outshine it.

the group of linebackers are among the best in the nation. Austin Romaine is back after leading the Wildcats with 96 tackles last season. Desmond Purnell is another star in the middle while Ogio State transfer Gabe Powers provides depth.

The front seven is rounded out by an experienced defensive line. Jayshawn Ross was a major addition from Alabama on the edge. Damian Ilalio is the big body in the middle while Travis Bates will be in the mix as well. At 340 pounds, Uso Seumalo will provide depth against the run.

The secondary also benefited from the transfer portal. VJ Payne is the experience in the system after finding second on the team in tackles. Gunner Maldonado comes over from Arizona to team with Payne. On the outside, it will be Amarion Fontenberry and Justice James.

2025 KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 23: vs. Iowa State
• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. North Dakota
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Army
• Friday, Sept. 12: at Arizona
• Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. UCF
• Saturday, Oct. 4: at Baylor
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. TCU
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at Kansas
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Texas Tech
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Oklahoma State
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at Utah
• Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. Colorado