The 2025 college football season will kick off in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, Aug. 23, with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic featuring two Big 12 sides in Kansas State and Iowa State. This game, unlike many season openers, will carry heavy playoff implications due to its conference implications.
The teams also have a rich history in a rivalry known as Farmageddon, and have played the game every year since 1917. The 2024 matchup had Iowa State coming out on top 29-21.
Josh Nagel lists Kansas State as a 3-point favorite, with the over/under set at 50.5. The money line sits at -160 for K-State and +134 for Iowa State.
Kansas State vs. Iowa State Matchup Detailed Overview
Kansas State brings back a solid offense led by the quarterback Avery Johnson, who posted 25 touchdowns and approximately 3,300 total yards in the 2024 season. Weaponry around him consists of running back Dylan Edwards and wideouts like Jayce Brown, who provide plenty of depth throughout the formation.
Defensively, the Wildcats should provide pressure through a mixed 3-3-5 front and a good opportunity to run the rate of turnovers that crowned the successful bowl run.
Rocco Becht returns to the redshirt junior at quarterback for Iowa State. Becht passed 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024, which were both career highs. The Cyclones’ offense is expected to take a dip as both their star receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, left for the draft.
Tight end duo Ben Brahmer and Gabe Burkle will look to fill the gaps on the offensive side. The Cyclones have a defense that remains primarily intact and full of veterans.
Kansas State Winning Probability and Key Stats
- Spread: Kansas State -3
- Money Line: -160
- Over/Under: 50.5 total points, with trend toward the Over
- Trend Insight: Kansas State was just 4–9–0 ATS last season, while Iowa State thrived as underdogs (5–1 ATS). The Wildcats have overall improved the depth on their roster.
Iowa State Winning Probability & Key Stats
- Head-to-Head Trend: Iowa State has won 4 of the last 5 matchups, including last season’s 29–21 win.
- Spread Balance: The Cyclones were 8-6 against the spread last season.
- Underrated Factors: Neutral-site game and cold Dublin climate could make it anyone’s game.
Prediction and Betting Picks for Kansas State vs. Iowa State
Despite the Cyclones coming on top in 2024, the Wildcats seem to have an edge in almost every category in this one. The Wildcats’ secondary is the one question mark heading into this game, but quarterback Avery Johnson and the offense should give the Iowa State defense enough problems to cover the spread across the pond.
Best Bet: Kansas State -3
Read More:
College Football Predictions Week 0: Projecting Every Game Ft. Kansas State vs. Iowa State
Texas Vs Ohio State: Top 5 Players Who Will Outshine Arch Manning During Week 0 Showdown
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