Dylan Edwards left a strong first impression on Kansas State football fans in last season's Aer Lingus Classic against Iowa State. Now, in a plot twist few saw coming, he's gearing up for the 2026 season in Crimson and Blue.
Former Kansas State star Dylan Edwards makes first media appearance with rival Kansas Jayhawks
The 2025 season wasn't kind to Edwards. After suffering an ankle injury in the season-opener in Dublin, Ireland, things never really got back on track.
A native of Derby, Kansas, Edwards appeared in only four games last season. First it was against the Cyclones, followed by Arizona, Central Florida and Baylor. Now, he appears optimistic on the other side of the colored Sunflower Showdown rivalry.
Today we heard from Dylan Edwards for the first time since he transferred from K-State to KU.
— Jason Kinander (@WIBWJason) March 28, 2026
Although coaches were concerned at first with how he'd mesh, Edwards told me his new teammates have embraced him with open arms so far.
Full story coming tonight at 6 @WIBWsports pic.twitter.com/Rw5F732elD
Only one of Edwards' games at Kansas State resulted in a win, that being a 34-20 home victory over the Knights on Sep. 27. In that game, Edwards rushed for a season-high 20 carries and 166 yards.
But that proved to be the extent of it. Injuries derailed much of his time, paving the way for former backup Joe Jackson to occupy the starting role. With Spring practice still on the horizon, it's Jackson who's emerging as the frontrunner for that same spot.
How Edwards ended up on the wrong side of the equation
In 2024, Edwards looked consistent. He closed the season with a 196-yard performance against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl, not long after taking down his current team 29-27 just two months prior. All signs pointed to something special if he stuck around, but that was short-lived.
Rumors first began circulating after the second-year running back announced his intention to enter the transfer portal in November. Between then and January, there was no indication of where he might end up.
Not long after, he reportedly appeared inside Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 16 on his official visit to the university. He must have liked what he saw, because just two days later he announced his commitment to the Jayhawks.
But history can't be made unless Edwards occupies the starting role. Should he land the spot, he would become the first player in the Sunflower Showdown’s transfer portal era to suit up for both teams in the rivalry.
Jackson ready to shine in role previously held by Dylan Edwards
Jackson first became a household name to Kansas State fans after breaking the school's single-game rushing record last season against Utah. Against the Utes, he logged 24 caries for 293 yards and three touchdowns.
That included an 80 yard score and an average of 12.2 yards. It was the highest single-game average per carry by a Kansas State running back all season. It wasn't the only game he logged over 100 yards, either.
He rushed for 110 yards on 27 carries against TCU and added 142 yards on 26 attempts against Edwards' former team, the Colorado Buffaloes, in the regular season finale. Unfortunately for Wildcats fans, there was no opportunity to see him in the postseason after the team opted out of a bowl game.
Should he earn the starting role this season, Jackson could do more than break records; he might also showcase his readiness for the next level.
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