Kansas State's 2025 season is already buzzing with high expectations — and now two of its leaders, Austin Romaine and Will Swanson, are officially on the Big 12’s radar.
Romaine, a junior linebacker, and Swanson, a senior tight end, were both named to the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the conference announced Monday.
#Big12FB preseason nods for @AustinRomaine2 and @WillSwanson11
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) July 7, 2025
⚒️ https://t.co/VD1VKmtiFy pic.twitter.com/pa8NOsFiFz
Romaine led the Wildcats with 96 tackles in 2024, adding 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and two pass breakups.
He tied for fifth in the Big 12 in forced fumbles and finished ninth in total tackles. The Missouri native also earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press — his second straight year on the second team.
Swanson, listed as a fullback/H-back, made four starts in 13 games and caught nine passes for 66 yards and three touchdowns.
He tied for sixth among Big 12 tight ends in touchdown receptions and helped the K-State tight end group lead the nation with 13 total scores.
Swanson is a key part of a K-State rushing attack that ranked second nationally in yards per carry (6.08) and 11th in rushing yards per game (215.5). He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition last season.
The Wildcats return key pieces on both sides of the ball heading into 2025. Quarterback Avery Johnson is back after a breakout year, leading an offense full of speed and versatility with playmakers like Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Jayce Brown.
Up front, Kansas State added former Pitt tackle Terrence Enos and ex-Penn State guard J.B. Nelson through the transfer portal — both expected to start.
On defense, Romaine and safety V.J. Payne provide leadership and production for a unit loaded with experience and talented youngsters.
The national buzz is picking up. The Wildcats are 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 FPI mark of any Big 12 team.
Kansas State opens the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 23, against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
After going 9–4 (5–4 Big 12) last year and edging Rutgers in a wild 44–41 bowl win, the Wildcats enter the new season with legitimate Big 12 title hopes — and a roster built to contend.