Ranked among the nation’s top 25, Kansas State launched its 2025 fall camp this week with eyes fixed on a high-profile season opener in Ireland and a Big 12 title run.
The Cats will open their season on Aug. 23 with a global “Farmageddon” showdown against rival Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
Kansas State is 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 among Big 12 teams.
Camp mode: activated. pic.twitter.com/zeUgBi6LZk
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) July 23, 2025
If both teams meet expectations, a second matchup could come in the Big 12 Championship Game.
The Wildcats start with high expectations and a tough schedule.
Quarterback Avery Johnson returns after a strong finish last season, leading an offense that includes playmakers Dylan Edwards, Jayce Brown, and rising star Joe Jackson. On defense, veterans Austin Romaine and VJ Payne provide leadership to a talented unit.
Here’s a breakdown of the K-State roster as training camp gets underway this week.
Height & Weight
Kansas State continues its tradition of smaller, dynamic backs, following stars like Darren Sproles and Deuce Vaughn.
Four running backs measure under 5-foot-10, led by freshman Monterrio Elston Jr. (5-foot-7), the shortest on the roster. He’s joined by Dylan Edwards, transfer Antonio Martin Jr., and DeVon Rice, all listed at 5-foot-9.
On the other end, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Kaedin Massey is the tallest at 6-foot-8. Close behind are redshirt freshman Ryan Howard — younger brother of former QB Will Howard — and four-star signee Gus Hawkins.
Up front, size matters. Offensive line transfer Amos Talalele is the heaviest player at 375 pounds. Defensive tackle Uso Seumalo, back for his super senior season, weighs 340, while offensive lineman JB Nelson checks in at 325.
Speed
Speed is a major weapon for the Wildcats this season. In recent team testing, four players topped 23 miles per hour — a rare benchmark in college football.
Defensive standout VJ Payne led all Wildcats at 23.37 mph, showcasing his ability to chase down ball carriers and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Running back Dylan Edwards followed closely at 23.20 mph, confirming his status as a dynamic and elusive back. Cornerback Donovan McIntosh posted 23.13 mph, highlighting Kansas State’s defensive speed, while quarterback Avery Johnson reached 23.00 mph, showing his mobility and dual-threat capability.
Freshman safety RJ Collins impressed not only on the field but on the track, setting a Missouri state record in the 100-meter dash with a blazing 10.27 seconds. His elite speed adds a dynamic element to the Wildcats’ secondary, making him a playmaker to watch.
Jersey Numbers
Jersey numbers are coming together for 2025. Five-star tight end Linkon Cure will wear No. 0, sharing the number with sophomore transfer cornerback Amarion Fortenberry.
Defensive tackle Patrick Tackie will wear No. 95, kicker Leyton Simmering No. 96, and Uso Seumalo will once again don No. 99.
With just weeks until kickoff in Ireland, all eyes are on Kansas State’s fall camp as the Wildcats prepare for a season full of promise and pressure — and a run at the Big 12 title.