The three best defenses Kansas State football will face in 2024

Kansas State did have a good defense last season, but they struggled to stop high powered offenses when they needed to most.

This season, Kansas State is slated to have a high-flying offense that defenses are going to want to stop. With the Wildcats favored to win the Big 12 this season, defenses are going to do everything they can to slow down the offense and get in the way of their title hopes.

We know the toughest positions Kansas State will face in 2024, but what about the toughest defenses?

There are a lot of great defenses in the Big 12 in 2024, and Kansas State has to face quite a few of them. Here are three of the toughest defenses K-State will be facing in 2024.

Oklahoma State was more known for their running game last season, but their defense wasn't something to scoff at either. The Cowboys led the Big 12 in interceptions (20), four of which they returned for touchdowns, forced fumbles (12), and fumble recoveries (10) in 2023.

With a good portion of the defense returning, the Cowboys should have another stellar defense that can force turnovers. With Avery Johnson coming in as the now full-time starter, the young quarterback could be prone to rushing passes or getting out of the pocket and turning the ball over.

Just the fact that Kansas is a rival is what makes this a tough matchup and tough defense for Kansas State. Teams always play hard, but when going up against a rival, they always seem to play a little harder than normal in order to get those bragging rights.

The Jayhawks had a solid defense last season that ranked fourth in interceptions (14) and second in forced fumbles (11) in the Big 12. First-Team All-Conference cornerback Cobee Bryant makes his return this season and should be the leader of this tough defense that made strides in 2023. Now paired with what could be an all-star offense, the defense can play comfortably.

Kansas State will end the season playing probably the toughest defense they will face all season long in Iowa State. The Cyclones had an amazing 2023 season where they were the third-ranked scoring defense in the Big 12 along with having the second most interceptions in the conference with 16.

The Cyclones had to lean on their defense last season when their offense had a slow start, and it will be the pillar of their team in 2024 as well. The Cyclones had one of if not the best defenses in the Big 12 in 2023 and it should be no different in 2024 with Texas and Oklahoma leaving for the SEC,

Johnson will have had a full season of experience by the time the Wildcats face Iowa State, but he needs to be prepared to face a tough defense that can break through the line and get after him quickly.