The 2025 college football season officially kicked off overseas, but the celebration in Dublin, Ireland, turned sour for Kansas State fans after a heated postgame altercation. Following a tough 24-21 loss to Iowa State in the Aer Lingus Classic, video surfaced online showing a brawl involving members of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson’s family.
Viral Video Shows Brawl in Dublin
The Cyclones, ranked No. 22, edged past the No. 17 Wildcats in a tightly contested battle that went down to the wire. The game was tied 14-14 heading into the fourth quarter, but Iowa State outscored Kansas State, 10-7, in the final minutes to secure the victory.
While the on-field action had plenty of drama, it was the events afterward that drew the most attention.
I feel terrible for Kansas State QB Avery Johnson.
These family members cause more drama for their kids, when it’s not at all needed. The ‘adults’ need to grow the hell up. https://t.co/aIGYs06H66
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) August 23, 2025
Social media erupted late Saturday as clips began circulating of a fight breaking out among Kansas State supporters in Dublin. One video, captioned “Kansas State QB Avery Johnson’s father was in a fist fight with his other son in the parking lot after today’s lose” appeared to show a physical confrontation involving Avery Johnson’s father, Mark, and his older brother.
The altercation quickly escalated, with Johnson’s father ending up on the ground as several people rushed in to break it up.
Another viral tweet added fuel to the fire, reading: “I feel terrible for Kansas State QB Avery Johnson. These family members cause more drama for their kids, when it’s not at all needed. The ‘adults’ need to grow the hell up.”
Kansas State QB Avery Johnson’s father was in a fist fight with his other son in the parking lot after today’s lose😳 pic.twitter.com/CID3V8DjmD
— The Voice of Reason (@reasonlocker) August 23, 2025
The post echoed the sentiment of many fans online, who expressed frustration and disappointment that a family dispute overshadowed what should have been a showcase game for college football on the international stage.
Avery Johnson Shines Despite Loss
While the fight drew headlines, Avery Johnson’s performance on the field deserves recognition. The sophomore quarterback completed 21 of 30 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns, adding 21 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Johnson looked poised against a tough Iowa State defense, giving Kansas State plenty of reasons to remain optimistic about the season ahead.
Still, the heartbreaking loss dropped the Wildcats to 0-1, marking the first time since 2020 that Kansas State has started the season winless. For a program that entered the year with high expectations and a top-20 ranking, the setback was difficult enough, without the added spotlight of off-field drama.
KEEP READING: After Loss to Iowa State, Kansas State HC Chris Klieman and Avery Johnson Comment on RB Dylan Edwards’ Injury
Head coach Chris Klieman now faces the task of rallying his team after the disappointing opener. With Big 12 play looming, Kansas State will need to quickly regroup if it hopes to remain a contender in the conference-title race.
Johnson’s growth as a playmaker remains a bright spot, but the program will also look to refocus the narrative away from the headlines in Dublin and back onto the field.
