Kansas State landed at No. 21 in ESPN’s latest Football Power Index (FPI) for the 2025 season, making the Wildcats the highest-ranked team from the Big 12 in the preseason computer model.
K-State is coming off a 9–4 campaign in 2024, including a 5–4 mark in Big 12 play. The Wildcats capped their season with a 44–41 victory over Rutgers in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, showcasing their offensive explosiveness and resilience in tight games.
NEW: ESPN’s computer-generated FPI has updated for the 2025 College Football season👀https://t.co/ZQxmtKVmx9 pic.twitter.com/jsmFgvjnTX
— On3 (@On3sports) June 3, 2025
The Wildcats edged out reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State, which came in at No. 24.
Notably, other potential Big 12 contenders such as Texas Tech, BYU, and Iowa State were left out of the Top 25 entirely, raising questions about the conference’s overall national perception heading into the fall.
Meanwhile, the SEC continues to dominate the rankings. Twelve SEC teams made the Top 25, including former Big 12 members Texas and Oklahoma. The Longhorns topped the list at No. 1, while the Sooners came in at No. 16 despite a disappointing 6–7 finish last season.
Kansas State’s ranking reflects a strong returning core on both sides of the ball.
Junior quarterback Avery Johnson is expected to take another leap after flashing star potential last season. He’ll be joined by explosive playmakers Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and wide receiver Jayce Brown. On defense, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne return to anchor a unit that brings back valuable experience.
The Wildcats also addressed key needs in the transfer portal. Offensive linemen Terrence Enos (Pittsburgh) and J.B. Nelson (Penn State) are expected to make an immediate impact up front.
National expectations are currently growing. K-State is also ranked No. 12 in USA Today's preseason poll and No. 16 in Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt’s post-spring Top 25.
With multiple top-25 placements across national outlets, the Wildcats are gaining traction as a legitimate dark horse in the College Football Playoff conversation.
The Wildcats, however, know preseason rankings don’t win games—and they’re preparing to back it up on the field.
READ MORE: Avery Johnson drops dimes in spring practice, sends K-State fans into frenzy
READ MORE: Despite WR room overhaul, QB Avery Johnson confident in pass-catching group
READ MORE: Ranking the K-State 2025 Schedule from Most Difficult to Easiest