TJ Chapman
Lead Columnist, Editor
The 2025 college football season kicks off with “Farm O’ Geddon” in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland. The Classic will be a clash of Big 12 foes, Matt Campbell’s Iowa State against Chris Klieman’s Kansas State. This is the first time since 2003 that Big 12 opponents have faced each other in Week 0 or Week 1. (Nebraska v. Oklahoma State)
The Cyclones capped off an 11-win 2024 season with a victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, 42-41. K-State also won its bowl game, over Rutgers in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, 44-41, to finish 9-4. Both teams are riding the wave of momentum after the bowl victories.
Offense: Quarterback Rocco Becht, who landed on numerous preseason watch lists, threw for 3,505 yards with 25 TDs and 9 INTs in 2024. Becht was a threat running the ball as well, adding 318 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs. Becht loses a lot of production at wide receiver but has tremendous tight ends in Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer. Becht is currently on an 18-game streak of throwing at least 1 TD pass.
Defense: Cornerback Jontez Williams also found himself on a number of preseason watch lists. The redshirt junior burst on the scene last year, getting 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 5 passes broken up and 4 INTs. Williams only allowed 1 TD pass in 2024.
Offense: Avery Johnson found his name on a number of preseason watch lists as well. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound junior threw for 2,712 yards with a school record 25 TDs and 10 INTs. Johnson is the leading returning rusher for the Wildcats, gaining 605 yards on the ground with 7 rushing TDs. Even though 2024 was his first season as a starter, Johnson is poised to enter the top 10 in school history for a number of offensive categories.
Defense: Completing the theme of being named to numerous preseason watch lists is Wildcats linebacker Austin Romaine. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound junior led K-State in tackles in 2024 with 96, becoming the first Wildcat to get at least 90 tackles in a season since 2017. Romaine also had 2 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4 QB hurries.
Both teams are picked to finish at or near the top of the Big 12 Conference standings by multiple media outlets. Both defenses are solid, but the offensive edge goes to Iowa State. Can the Cyclone defense contain Johnson and the Wildcats’ offense? Has Becht developed chemistry enough with his receivers to outscore K-State?
As far as opening games go, a Big 12 rivalry is a huge victory for college football fans. So, grab a pint of your favorite Irish ale and let the games begin!
These two teams have only met once on the gridiron, in 1990
Stephen Leonard
Ohio State Writer
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