Rest, reps, and rout: K-State’s built-In wins for 2025

Kansas State is coming off a solid 9–4 campaign last season that ended with a Rate Bowl win over Rutgers. As the Wildcats eye another strong season in 2025, a few matchups stand out—and not because they’ll be instant classics, but because they could provide some breathing room.

Every schedule has its soft spots. For K-State, here are three games that could feel more like extra bye weeks—chances to develop young talent, fine-tune the game plan, and rest key starters.

1. North Dakota (Week 2)

The Wildcats host FCS program North Dakota in their second game of the season—a team that limped to a 5–7 record last year and closed the season with five straight losses.

This one’s a classic early-season tune-up. Expect plenty of rotation, especially for players who saw limited action in the opener. Last year, K-State cruised past UT-Martin 41–6 in a similar spot.

2. UCF (Big 12 Opener)

Kansas State kicks off its Big 12 slate against Central Florida, a team undergoing a reset with returning head coach Scott Frost.

The Knights have never beaten the Wildcats (0–2 all-time) and come into the season dealing with major turnover via the transfer portal. Combine that with the challenge of a new coaching staff and a road environment in Manhattan, and this shapes up as a potential “get-right” game for K-State—especially for young players looking to make an early-season impact.

3. Kansas (Rivalry Game)

It’s called a rivalry, but it’s been one-sided for a while now.

Kansas State has beaten in-state rival Kansas 16 straight times, including a 29–27 win last October. Until the Jayhawks prove otherwise, this game feels like a reliable “W” on the calendar.

With local standout Avery Johnson under center—a rising star who grew up knowing the weight of this matchup—don’t expect the Wildcats to sleepwalk through it.

The bottom line: Not every game on the schedule is a grind. For a team with Big 12 title hopes, these three games offer something just as valuable: a chance to regroup, reload, and roll.