The 2025 football season may still seem like a long way away, but that doesn't mean fans haven't already begun to look at their team’s schedules in anticipation of what might be accomplished.
Last year’s K-State football team fell short of expectations, finishing 8–4 while breaking in a new starting quarterback and offensive coordinator.
Depth concerns at both receiver and in the secondary, along with untimely turnovers and poor special teams play, kept the team from reaching the Big 12 Championship and potentially contending for a College Football Playoff spot.
Here’s a look at the Wildcats’ 2025 football schedule, ranked from most difficult to easiest:
1. Iowa State (in Dublin, Ireland):
The Farmageddon rivals meet on a neutral field in the season opener, with both teams entering the year with high expectations. Iowa State is coming off a Big 12 Championship Game appearance and returns an extremely experienced roster.
2. @ Utah:
Utah may be coming off a disappointing 5–7 season, but Rice-Eccles Stadium remains one of the toughest venues in the Big 12. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has built a consistently strong program, and the Utes will be eager to bounce back.
3. @ Kansas:
This annual rivalry has added intrigue following last year’s dramatic finish. The Jayhawks are hungry to break their losing streak in the series and reassert themselves within the state.
4. @ Oklahoma State:
Stillwater is always a tough place to play, especially at night. The Wildcats have historically struggled there, and despite Oklahoma State being in a potential rebuild, this will be a tough test.
5. @ Baylor:
Waco hasn’t been kind to K-State either. Baylor returns a talented quarterback and running back, and they found their offensive rhythm late last season. They’re a sleeper team with upset potential.
6. Colorado:
The Buffaloes are in rebuild mode, but Head Coach Deion Sanders has added significant talent through the transfer portal. How quickly that talent comes together will determine if this game ends up being tougher than expected.
7. Texas Tech:
The Red Raiders and their coach are desperate to take the next step. They’ve made major investments and are a trendy pick to contend for the Big 12 title, even after losing several key players from last season.
8. @ Arizona:
Technically a nonconference game, this will still be challenging. Arizona has home-field advantage and a talented quarterback. K-State will be confident, having defeated them in Manhattan last year, but it won’t be a walkover.
9. TCU:
This is the ultimate wild card. Are they the team that reached the national title game a few seasons ago or just a middling bowl squad? K-State gets them at home, which matters—especially after a blowout win the last time TCU visited Manhattan.
10. UCF:
With a brand-new coaching staff, UCF’s identity and execution are big unknowns. K-State’s continuity and home-field advantage make this a game the Wildcats are expected to win.
11. Army:
A nonconference game, but no easy task. Service academies always present unique challenges, and Army is coming off a 9-win season. This speaks to the strength of the overall schedule.
12. North Dakota:
The lone true “gimme” on the schedule. This is a must-win by all accounts. If quarterback Avery Johnson is the star fans believe he is, this game should be well in hand by early in the second half.