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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/usffan on 2025-08-04 13:25:32+00:00.
The cumulative link to the preseason rankings can be found here.
Kansas State (high = 12, low = 30) comes in at #19, the first team to be ranked in every single poll used for these aggregated rankings. They’re also the 2nd highest Big XII team, so a preseason projection for the conference championship game. Chris Klieman starts his 7th season in charge after replacing Bill Snyder 2.0 and looks sure to build on last season’s 9-4 record and continue his perfect run of winning seasons in Manhattan in non-COVID years.
Roster outlook
The Wildcats return the 51st most production in FBS, primarily on offense and primarily in the form of QB Avery Johnson. He’ll also have two of his top targets back in WR Jayce Brown and TE Garrett Oakley. Though #1 RB DJ Giddens is off to the NFL with the Colts, his back up Dylan Edwards (546 yards rushing, 133 yards receiving and 7 total TDs) is ready to step into the lead role. Klieman brought in the #2 recruiting class in the Big XII, but did so without really hitting the portal hard, accruing the 14th rated class in the conference and the 56th best overall. They did add some new weapons for Johnson, though, including Purdue WR Jaron Tibbs and Boston College WR Jerand Bradley. They also brought in Ohio State LT George Fitzpatrick to help keep Johnson upright. On defense, Ohio State LB Gabe Powers, Alabama DE Jayshawn Ross, Oklahoma CB Jayden Rowe and Arizona S Gunner Maldonado figure to fortify what was the 6th ranked defense in the Big XII last season.
Schedule and outlook
In just 19 days, K-State and Iowa State kickoff the 2025 season in Dublin. If the Wildcats avoid pulling a Florida State on the Emerald Isle, their schedule sets up well for a nice run to start the season (North Dakota, Army, at Arizona, bye, UCF). In fact, by avoiding Arizona State in the regular season, Kansas State is ranked higher than every team on their schedule (remaining schedule being at Baylor, TCU, at Kansas, Texas Tech, at Oklahoma State, at Utah, Colorado), which is what makes their over/under win total of 8.5 baffling. I’m not sure I see 4 losses on that schedule.