Kansas State Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones Prediction & Picks - NCAA
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by Travis Pulver | in NCAA Picks
The 2025-26 college football season will get underway with a Big 12 rivalry game between two ranked teams, No. 22 Iowa State vs. No. 17 Kansas State. Kickoff for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 23, in Dublin, Ireland, at Aviva Stadium on ESPN.
Iowa State was one of four Big 12 teams to end the regular season with a 7-2 conference record and ranked in the final AP Poll (No. 15). Hopes are high for the Cyclones coming into the season after making it to the Big 12 title game last year (which they lost to Arizona State. With nine starters coming back on offense, including quarterback Rocco Becht and the entire offensive line, the offense should be able to find a good baseline pretty quickly. However, with only five starters back on defense, there may be some early growing pains on that side of the ball.
As for Kansas State, the Wildcats rolled through their nonconference opponents but went 5-4 in conference play, finishing the season with a 9-4 record. But they come back this season with 11 starters (six offense and five defense) and are ranked higher than any other team in the Big 12. They’ve got a handful of skill position guys back on offense, but will have to hope the relatively new offensive line gels quickly.
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Kansas State Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones Form
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Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones Latest Matches
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Kansas State Wildcats - Iowa State Cyclones Key Points
- Iowa State leads the all-time series vs. the Wildcats 54-50-4.
- The Cyclones won last season, 29-21.
- Iowa State was 11-3 SU and 8-6 ATS last season; K-State was 9-4 SU and 4-9 ATS.
- Betting Public: 81% of moneyline tickets and handle are on the Wildcats.
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Our Kansas State Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones Prediction
Expectations are high for both teams this year, but I think the Wildcats are going to get exposed a little in this game. Yes, the talent returning at the skill positions is good, but they lost their primary running back to the NFL and only have two offensive linemen back from last year’s group. Their front seven may be the best in the conference, but they’ll have their work cut out for them against Iowa State’s veteran offensive line. But their secondary is a question mark, and Iowa State QB Rocco Becht was ranked No. 11 in passing yards last season.
I think the wrong team is favored in this game. Fans should expect a fun, competitive game to kick off the season and a Cyclones win.
Our Iowa State vs. K-State Pick: Iowa State ML
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