Most coaches learn about their rivals after taking a new job, but for Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, the Iowa State matchup is personal. Long before he was drawing up plays against the Cyclones, he was an Iowa kid watching the Farmageddon rivalry from the stands.
This rivalry shaped his entire football identity before he ever stepped on the sideline to coach against it.
How Did an Iowa Native End Up Coaching Against the Cyclones?
Klieman’s deep connection to Iowa State begins in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. He was a star quarterback and defensive back at Columbus Catholic High School, playing for his father, Bob Klieman. Growing up in the state, he became familiar with the Farmageddon games from an early age.
His college playing career at the University of Northern Iowa from 1986 to 1990 kept him firmly in Cyclone territory. The Panthers frequently played against Iowa State during those years, giving Klieman an up-close look at their program while he played defensive back.
Coaching eventually brought him back to the Northern Iowa Panthers on two occasions. First, he served as a graduate assistant from 1991-1993, and he later returned as the defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator from 2006-2010. These roles kept him plugged into the Iowa football scene and gave him a unique perspective on Iowa State’s evolution over the decades.
READ MORE: Top 3 Iowa State-Kansas State Offensive Players to Watch Out For in High-Stakes Opener
Following his time at Northern Iowa, his coaching path led him to North Dakota State, where he built a dynasty, winning four FCS national championships as head coach. That incredible success caught the attention of Kansas State. In December 2018, athletic director Gene Taylor, who had previously worked with Klieman at NDSU, hired him to succeed the legendary Bill Snyder.
Since taking the helm at Kansas State, Klieman has faced Iowa State six times in the rivalry he grew up watching. The Cyclones hold a 4-2 lead in those games, including victories in their last two meetings in 2023 and 2024.
Klieman has always been open about the significance of this game, stating at Big 12 Media Days, “I’m a Midwest college football fan. I know that this is a great rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State, has been for a long time.”
Why Is the Dublin Opener So Important to Klieman?
This Saturday’s season opener in Dublin, Ireland, might be Klieman’s biggest acknowledgment of his respect for the rivalry. In a rare move, he agreed to give up a home game so Kansas State could take the contest overseas.
After a visit to Dublin in February, Klieman and athletic director Taylor decided to promote the international game, even though a home matchup could potentially result in lost revenue.
🟣 Chris Klieman on why K-State and its fans are headed to Dublin this week: “I think all the pubs are going to see why.” 🍀🏈
Get ready, Ireland… the Wildcats are coming.#KState #Wildcats #CFB #Dublin #CollegeFootball #GoCats pic.twitter.com/2su4TjJgU9
— 365 Sports (@365sportsYT) August 21, 2025
The game carries major stakes for both programs as they vie for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Last season, Iowa State finished 11-3 and won the Pop-Tarts Bowl, while Kansas State went 9-4 and won the Rate Bowl.
The Dublin setting provides a global spotlight for college football’s longest continuously running rivalry, now in its 109th meeting.
For Klieman, this game is more than just another conference battle. It’s a unique opportunity for an Iowa native to secure a win against the very program he has known his entire life.
