Kansas State football will travel to Dublin, Ireland, for a Week 0 showdown against Iowa State. The No. 20 Wildcats will take on No. 21 Iowa State on Saturday, Aug. 23, with kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN. Kansas State enters the game with several new starters, while Iowa State returns a mix of experience and depth across all positions. Here’s a closer look at the projected starting lineups and key matchups for the season opener.
Iowa State Starters
Offense
Quarterback: Starter Rocco Becht will lead the Cyclones.
Running Back: Carson Hansen gets the start, with Abu Sama as backup.
Tight End: Benjamin Brahmer or Gabe Burkle starts, with Cooper Alexander backing up.
Fullback: Tyler Moore starts; Keaton Roskop serves as backup.
Wide Receivers: Eli Green or Xavier Townsend (F), Dominic Overby or Chase Sowell (X), Brett Eskildsen or Carson Brown (Z) with Daniel Jackson as backup.
Offensive Line: James Neal III (LT), Trevor Buhr (LG), Dylan Barrett/Brendan Black/Jim Bonifas (C), Brendan Black/Dylan Barrett (RG), Tyler Miller (RT) anchor the front five.
Final prep in Ames ✈️🇮🇪🔜 pic.twitter.com/T4lxYTi5I7
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 20, 2025
Defense
Defensive Line: Tamatoa McDonough (DE), Domonique Orange (NG), Zaimir Hawk (DT), Ikenna Ezeogu (DE).
Linebackers: Caleb Bacon (WILL), Kooper Ebel (MIKE), Will McLaughlin/Carson Willich/Beau Goodwin (SAM).
Secondary: Marcus Neal (STAR), Jamison Patton (FS), Jeremiah Cooper (SS), Jontez Williams (CB), Tre Bell (CB).
Special Teams
Punter: Tyler Perkins or Jace J. Gilbert
Long Snapper: Drew Clausen (starter)
Place Kicker: Kyle Konrardy
Returners: Xavier Townsend (punt/kick), Aiden Flora as backup
Kansas State Starters
Offense
Quarterback: Avery Johnson (starter), Jacob Knuth, Dillon Duff, Blake Barnett (backups)
Running Backs: Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson (starters), DeVon Rice, JB Price, Monterrio Elston Jr., Antonio Martin Jr. (backups)
Wide Receivers: Jayce Brown, Jerand Bradley, Jaron Tibbs (starters), Jemyri Davis, Sterling Lockett, Adonis Moise, Caleb Medford (backups)
Tight Ends: Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson (starters), Brayden Loftin, Will Anciaux, Linkon Cure, Andrew Metzger (backups)
Offensive Line: John Pastore (LT), Taylor Poitier (LG), Sam Hecht (C), JB Nelson or Andrew Leingang (RG), Terrence Enos Jr. (RT); backups include Drake Bequeaith/Ryan Howard, Devin Vass, Kyle Rackers, Gus Hawkins
Fueling up before the long trip ✈️ pic.twitter.com/VHDWiRzg59
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) August 20, 2025
Defense
Defensive Line: Chiddi Obiazor or Travis Bates (DE), Cody Stufflbean or Tobi Osunsanmi or Ryan Davis (DE); backups Jordan Allen, Uso Seumalo, Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder
Linebackers: Des Purnell (SLB), Austin Romaine (MLB), Rex Van Wyhe (WLB); backups Ralph Ortiz, Beau Palmer, Gabe Powers
Secondary: VJ Payne (SS), Qua Moss (FS), Wesley Fair or Logan Bartley (JS); backups Jack Fabris, Mikey Bergeron, Jet Dineen, Daniel Cobbs, Kanijal Thomas
Cornerbacks: Zashon Rich, Donovan McIntosh (starters); Jayden Rowe, Amarion Fortenberry, Justice Clemons (backups)
Special Teams
Kicker: Luis Rodriguez (starter), Teagan Cobb (backup)
Punter: Simon McClannan (starter), Teagan Cobb (backup)
Long-snapper: Mason Olguin (starter)
Kick/Punt Returners: Dylan Edwards (starter), Bryce Noemberg, DeVon Rice (KR backups), Sterling Lockett (PR backup)
KEEP READING: Kansas State HC Chris Klieman Highlights Costly Mistakes That Could Aid Iowa State in Season Opener
Kansas State averaged 426.8 yards per game and 30.8 points per game on offense last season, while allowing 343.4 yards and 23.4 points per game on defense. Iowa State posted 416.2 yards per game and 31.1 points on offense, giving up 353.9 yards and 22.9 points on defense.
The Iowa State vs. Kansas State matchup in Dublin promises an exciting season opener, featuring new starters, dynamic skill players, and critical early-season test for both teams.
