Kansas State’s running back room is stacked and ready to make a statement.
Led by junior Dylan Edwards and powered by newcomers, this trio offers the Wildcats a blend of speed, power, and depth that could make them the Big 12’s toughest ground game.
The Wildcats ranked second nationally in yards per carry (6.08) and 11th in rushing yards per game (215.5) last season — and they’re reloaded heading into the new 2025 campaign.
The Dylan Edwards hype is real 🔥
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) June 11, 2025
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Dylan Edwards, now a junior, returns after a breakout sophomore year in Manhattan.
The Colorado transfer rushed for 546 yards and five touchdowns on just 74 carries and added 133 receiving yards with two more scores.
He saved his best for last, torching Rutgers for 196 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in the Rate Bowl to earn Offensive MVP honors.
Joe Jackson, a sophomore, backs him up and saw action in 10 games and finished with 227 rushing yards and a touchdown on 39 carries. He added 63 receiving yards and a score, posting career highs in rushing, receiving, and receptions in the bowl game.
Antonio Martin Jr., a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana, brings a much need power-back presence. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore ran for 1,228 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
He’s expected to open the year as the third back, but his physical running style adds a valuable “thunder” component.
New offensive coordinator Matt Wells inherits the versatile trio.
Edwards can motion out or line up wide, Martin provides short-yardage toughness, and Jackson gives the group balance. With carries likely split, Kansas State should have fresh legs and reduced injury risk all season.
And there’s more depth coming too. Freshmen JB Price, Monterrio Elston Jr., and DeVon Rice will all push for reps.
Kansas State does, however, lose veteran D.J. Giddens, who was selected in the fifth round (No. 151 overall) by the Colts. Giddens posted back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons and finished his K-State career with 23 rushing touchdowns and multiple All-Big 12 honors.
Even without him, the Wildcats might be deeper than ever — and expectations are rising.
K-State enters the new season ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason poll, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — tops among Big 12 teams.
K-State opens the season on a global stage, facing Iowa State in an international edition of “Farmageddon.”
The rivalry matchup could set the tone for a Big 12 title run — and if this backfield lives up to the hype, the Wildcats might be the team to beat.