Kansas State and Iowa State Clash in Ireland Season Opener
The 2025 college football season is being launched in a way that feels both historic and dramatic. Kansas State and Iowa State are not just playing another matchup; they’re opening their campaigns in Dublin, Ireland, in what’s known as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This event is more than just a novelty overseas—it’s a critical Big 12 showdown with championship implications right from Week 0.
The game, often referred to as “Farmageddon,” carries a lot of weight because both programs have high expectations this year. Kansas State enters the season ranked No. 17, while Iowa State comes in at No. 22. For the Wildcats, it’s about building on the foundation set by head coach Chris Klieman, who has guided his team to 28 wins in the last three seasons. With quarterback Avery Johnson stepping into the spotlight, Kansas State is expected to be a real contender. Johnson’s first season as a starter had its rough patches, but he still managed to set a school record with 25 touchdown passes, and he’ll now have more weapons around him thanks to transfer wide receivers.
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On the other side, Iowa State is fresh off the best season in school history. Matt Campbell’s squad won 11 games last year and even reached the Big 12 Championship Game. Campbell has completely flipped the script in this rivalry. When he first took over, Iowa State had lost 10 straight to Kansas State. But since then, he’s won five of the last seven meetings, including last year’s 29-21 victory, which sealed the Cyclones’ first-ever 10-win season.
The spotlight is also on the quarterbacks in this one. While Johnson is trying to cement himself as the face of Kansas State’s program, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht has already established himself as one of the most consistent passers in college football. Over the last two seasons, Becht has thrown for more than 6,600 yards and 48 touchdowns, making him a steady leader for the Cyclones. Even though Iowa State must replace a couple of NFL-caliber wide receivers, the coaching staff is optimistic about new additions like Xavier Townsend and Chase Sowell stepping up.
And of course, there’s the setting itself. Dublin’s Aviva Stadium provides an international stage, though the rain and slick field conditions have already influenced the game’s start. The opening quarter saw turnovers, sacks, and even a muffed punt, proving once again why college football is loved for its unpredictability. Early on, Iowa State struck first with Becht tossing a beautiful touchdown pass to Dominic Overby, giving the Cyclones a 7-0 lead. But Kansas State’s defense quickly reminded everyone of its strength, forcing turnovers and pushing back against Iowa State’s offensive line.
This isn’t just an ordinary early-season contest. The loser not only takes a hit in the standings but also surrenders a tiebreaker to a direct Big 12 competitor. That kind of loss could haunt a team all the way into December when championship spots are decided. For fans, it’s the perfect kickoff: a heated rivalry, star quarterbacks, two of the league’s top coaches, and a setting halfway across the globe.
Farmageddon has gone international, and from the looks of it, this clash in Ireland is living up to the hype.
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