College football is set to begin this weekend with our #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. picks for an exciting Big 12 showdown overseas featuring the Cyclones against the Wildcats. 

Both teams are entering the season with significant expectations, but the competition within the conference is fiercer than ever, making every early challenge vital. 

Iowa State brings back a solid core and aims to capitalize on the momentum from last season, while Kansas State seeks to roll over the momentum from their 9-win 2024 season into this campaign. 

With just a field goal difference in the betting odds, the Week 0 encounter in Dublin, Ireland, is poised to establish the hierarchy of both programs within the conference, setting up perfectly for some #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. predictions. 

 

 

 

#22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. Predictions for College Football Week 0, Saturday, 8/23 

Matt Campbell’s Cyclones bring back eight offensive starters from a squad that ranked 41st in scoring last season (31.1 PPG). Quarterback Rocco Becht is entering this year after two consecutive 3,000-yard seasons. However, there are some worries. Iowa State has lost its top two wide receivers — Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins — to the NFL, which is a significant setback for an already conservative passing game. 

These two players alone represented over 60% of the team’s targets and nearly 70% of its deep passing attempts. Transfers Xavier Townsend (UCF) and Chase Sowell (ECU) will attempt to fill this gap. The Cyclones do have four offensive linemen returning, but this group has not been particularly dominant in the trenches. 

On the defensive side, Iowa State possesses some talent, particularly with linebacker Caleb Bacon returning from injury, but this unit allowed explosive runs far too frequently last year (ranking 121st in explosive rush rate allowed). Against a Kansas State team that excels at generating big plays, this is a concerning issue. 

Under Chris Klieman, Kansas State has built a strong reputation for discipline, physicality, and consistent performance from year to year. The hiring of offensive coordinator Matt Wells, who previously coached at Texas Tech and Utah State, is a key change. His preference for a pass-heavy approach is expected to create more balance in an offense that ranked only 46th in scoring last season. 

Quarterback Avery Johnson displayed potential last year as a dual-threat player, achieving an above-average on-target rate, particularly on explosive plays. The running game continues to be a strong point.

Although DJ Giddens has departed, playmaker Dylan Edwards will step in behind an offensive line that has lost three starters. Despite some changes up front, Kansas State is still anticipated to be one of the more effective rushing teams in the league, having finished seventh nationally in yards gained before contact last season. 

Defensively, Kansas State has lost standout pass rusher Brandon Mott but retains linebackers Austin Romaine and Desmond Purnell, who are crucial for stopping the run. Alabama transfer Jayshawn Ross brings additional potential to a defensive front that is expected to keep causing disruption. 

 

 

 

#22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. Spread Pick: Wildcats -3 (-110 at DraftKings) 

When making #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. picks on paper, this matchup appears to be a close call between two equally skilled Big 12 teams. However, when considering factors like matchups and roster changes, Kansas State giving just a field goal seems to be the favorable choice. 

Iowa State's primary concern is the need to replace Noel and Higgins. Becht is a competent passer, but the Cyclones might find it challenging to stretch the field without reliable targets on the outside. While Kansas State’s secondary isn’t top-tier, Iowa State’s shortage of proven wide receivers lessens that disadvantage. Anticipate the Wildcats to stack the box, compel Becht into clear passing situations, and neutralize Iowa State’s running game. 

On the other hand, Kansas State boasts a significantly higher offensive potential this season. Johnson showed signs of uncertainty at times in 2024, but many of his issues were due to turnovers and a lack of experience. This was particularly evident in last year’s defeat against Iowa State — a game where Kansas State outperformed the Cyclones with 6.2 yards per play compared to 4.2, yet fell victim to numerous self-inflicted errors (two fumbles, a missed field goal, and even a safety). Such carelessness is unlikely to occur again with Johnson gaining experience and Wells directing the plays. 

The Wildcats’ rushing attack also offers a distinct advantage. Last season, Iowa State ranked 100th in yards allowed before contact and 127th in missed tackle rate. Even if Kansas State’s offensive line regresses, the dual-threat capabilities of Edwards and Johnson should put pressure on the Cyclones’ defense and generate big plays. Let’s back the Wildcats in our #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. predictions for Week 0. 

 

 

 

How To Watch #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. College Football Week 0 

  • Matchup: Iowa State vs. Kansas State 
  • When: Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Where: Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland) 
  • Telecast: ESPN 

#22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines 

After revealing our #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. predictions, here are the current #22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. odds from DraftKings Sportsbook: 

  • Money Line (ML): Cyclones +130 | Wildcats -155 
  • Spread: Cyclones +3 (-110) | Wildcats -3 (-110) 
  • Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -108 | U: -112) 

 

 

 

#22 Iowa St. vs. #17 Kansas St. Injury Report & Latest News 

Iowa State Injury Report 

  • LB Caleb Bacon is returning from injury and is expected to participate. 

Kansas State Injury Report 

  • None 

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