K-State football coverage from 2025 regular-season finale

Kansas State secured a bowl game with a 24-14 win against Colorado in its regular-season finale, punctuating a season filled with ups and downs. Joe Jackson's relentless performance on the ground stood out as he rushed 142 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Now, all eyes turn to the postseason. The Wildcats' possible participation in the Independence Bowl remains a topic of interest, with discussions on how their final record influences their bowl placement.

Coach Chris Klieman expressed pride in the team despite the season's challenges, acknowledging their perseverance from a difficult start to bowl eligibility. Running back JB Price intends to transfer, and quarterback Avery Johnson contemplates his future with K-State, adding personal decision layers to the season's end narrative.

Quarterback Avery Johnson #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats throws a pass against defensive end London Merritt #44 of the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. By Peter Aiken

NO. 1: TAKEAWAYS FROM KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL’S BOWL-CLINCHING VICTORY OVER COLORADO

It’s been a long and frustrating year for the Kansas State football team, but the Wildcats were in a celebratory mood as they walked off the field Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. | Published November 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Chris Klieman of the Kansas State Wildcats looks on before a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

NO. 2: CHRIS KLIEMAN WANTED A BETTER SEASON, BUT HE’S STILL PROUD OF THIS K-STATE TEAM

How would you rate Kansas State’s football season? | Published November 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Quarterback Kaidon Salter #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes runs up field past defensive tackle Uso Seumalo #99 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. By Peter Aiken

NO. 3: REPORT CARD FROM K-STATE’S VICTORY OVER COLORADO AND A LOOK AHEAD TO BOWL SEASON

At various points this season, Kansas State football fans have wondered what the Wildcats were playing for. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

NO. 4: WHAT’S NEXT FOR K-STATE QB AVERY JOHNSON? HERE’S WHAT HE SAID AFTER COLORADO WIN

The time has come for most college football players to start thinking about their futures. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson is aware of that. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

A football on the field before a game between the UCF Knights and Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. By Peter Aiken

NO. 5: THIS KANSAS STATE RUNNING BACK PLANS TO TRANSFER AFTER TWO SEASONS WITH WILDCATS

It didn’t take long for one of Kansas State’s running backs to make a decision about his future. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Running back Joe Jackson #4 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates after scoring touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. By Peter Aiken

NO. 6: WHERE WILL K-STATE FOOTBALL END UP THIS BOWL SEASON? HERE ARE THE LIKELY OPTIONS

Chris Klieman and the Kansas State football team will finish out the season in a bowl game. | Published December 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.