Get ready for a unique and high-stakes start to the college football season, as the Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones will face off in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup to kick off their 2025 campaigns.

Dubbed the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, this "Week 0" contest will take place on foreign soil at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. For fans in the Central time zone, the game will have an early start, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

This isn't just a novelty trip; it's a critical conference game between two programs expected to be contenders for the Big 12 title. Both teams enter the season with high expectations and are featured in preseason Top 25 rankings, with Kansas State typically ranked slightly higher around No. 17 and Iowa State near No. 22.

What to Watch For

Kansas State Wildcats: The Wildcats' success will largely hinge on the development of junior quarterback Avery Johnson. After a strong 2024 season where he set a school record with 25 touchdown passes, all eyes will be on his continued growth as a dual-threat playmaker. The offense also returns key weapons, including running back Dylan Edwards and a talented group of tight ends. The defense is expected to be solid, returning its top two tacklers from a year ago, linebacker Austin Romaine and safety VJ Payne.

Iowa State Cyclones: The Cyclones will be led by their own standout junior quarterback, Rocco Becht, who threw for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He'll be joined by junior running back Carson Hansen, who found the end zone 15 times in 2024. Coming off a season where they shared the regular-season Big 12 championship, Iowa State is looking to prove they are a consistent force in the conference.

The Stakes

Starting the season with a conference game, let alone one against a ranked rival, raises the stakes immensely. The winner will gain a significant early advantage in the Big 12 standings, while the loser will face an immediate uphill battle. Early betting lines have established Kansas State as a narrow 3-point favorite, signaling that a close, hard-fought game is expected on the international stage.

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