Chris Klieman’s impact at Kansas State keeps earning national recognition, as he joins the 2025 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List after building one of the Big 12’s top programs in just six seasons.
The prestigious award, presented by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, honors college football’s top head coaches who combine winning records with leadership, integrity, and academic excellence.
College Football’s most coveted coaching award.
— The Dodd Trophy (@thedoddtrophy) July 7, 2025
The 2025 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watchlist is here 👏🏆
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In six seasons at Kansas State, Klieman has compiled a 48-28 record — the second-most wins in school history — including five seasons with eight or more wins.
Since 2019, the Wildcats have notched five victories over AP Top 10 teams — the most among active Big 12 programs — and eight wins against Top 20 opponents, tied for second in the conference.
Their overall records over the last two (18-8), three (28-12), and four (36-17) years all lead the Big 12.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Dodd Trophy honors coaches who exemplify legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s values of scholarship, leadership, and integrity, alongside on-field success.
Eligible coaches must have at least two years at their current program and maintain an Academic Progress Rate (APR) above the national average of 969.
This year’s preseason watch list features 21 coaches: eight from the SEC, five each from the Big Ten and Big 12, four from the ACC, two from the AAC, and one from the Mountain West. First-year head coaches are not eligible.
“Over the last half century, this award has stood for more than just wins on the field,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “We honor coaches who lead in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Kansas State returns key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Avery Johnson is coming off a breakout year, leading a dynamic offense featuring playmakers Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Jayce Brown. Defensively, veterans Romaine and safety V.J. Payne anchor a unit bolstered by transfers Terrence Enos and J.B. Nelson, both expected to start.
The Wildcats are generating national buzz, ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s post-spring rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — the highest FPI among Big 12 teams.
Kansas State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 23 against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland. After a 9-4 finish and a thrilling 44-41 bowl victory over Rutgers, the Wildcats are positioned to contend for the Big 12 title with a roster built to compete at the highest level.