K-State fans turn Dublin purple for big game

K-State fans traveled in massive numbers, effectively turning parts of Dublin purple, as showcased during a pre-game pep rally in a city park.

Meanwhile, challenges abounded for the Wildcats on the field, such as failing to convert crucial fourth-down attempts, which contributed to their close 24-21 loss to Iowa State. The Wildcats also faced a significant setback when running back Dylan Edwards was ruled out after just one play due to an injury.

Another noteworthy incident was when the K-State marching band entertained travelers during flight delays, keeping spirits high en route to Dublin.

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) fakes a handoff to running back Dylan Edwards (3) during the first quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. By Scott Sewell

NO. 1: HOW K-STATE IS HANDLING LONG, HECTIC TRAVEL SCHEDULE FOR FOOTBALL GAME IN DUBLIN

One of the hardest things associated with Kansas State’s overseas football opener against Iowa State is undoubtedly the long and hectic travel schedule the Wildcats must follow just to get to Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. | Published August 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

The K-State marching band during a pep rally held in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of the Wildcats’ season opener against Iowa State. The rally took place Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. By Kellis Robinett

NO. 2: K-STATE MARCHING BAND ENTERTAININGLY PASSED TIME BETWEEN FLIGHT DELAYS TO DUBLIN

The Kansas State marching band played with more enthusiasm than usual as it began traveling around this historic city to play pep songs for purple-clad football fans who are ready to watch the Wildcats play the Iowa State Cyclones at 11 a.m. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

A look at the K-State football pep rally held in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of the Wildcats’ season opener against Iowa State. The rally took place Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, with the game kicking off a day later. By Kellis Robinett

NO. 3: KANSAS STATE FANS SHOW UP IN HUGE NUMBERS AS WILDCATS PREPARE FOR GAMEDAY IN DUBLIN

Kansas State fans have traveled by the thousands to take over faraway cities for a weekend of football numerous times over the past few decades. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards loses the ball during the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Aug. 23, 2025. By Laszlo Geczo

NO. 4: DYLAN EDWARDS WAS RULED OUT OF K-STATE’S LOSS TO IOWA STATE AFTER ONE PLAY IN DUBLIN

Nobody associated with the Kansas State football team left Aviva Stadium in a good mood Saturday after the Wildcats lost their season-opener to Iowa State. | Published August 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Kansas State takes the field during the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Aug. 23, 2025. By Laszlo Geczo

NO. 5: WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE INSIDE AVIVA STADIUM FOR K-STATE FOOTBALL VS. ISU IN IRELAND

The Kansas State Wildcats will enter Week 1 at the bottom of the Big 12 standings following a Week 0 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin. | Published August 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Chasen, Kellis Robinett

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman during the Aer Lingus Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Aug. 23, 2025. By Laszlo Geczo

NO. 6: WHY CHRIS KLIEMAN HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT K-STATE’S 4TH-DOWN DECISIONS IN IRELAND GAME

Kansas State wide receiver Jerand Bradley was in no mood to give his opponent flowers after the Wildcats suffered a frustrating 24-21 loss against the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday at Aviva Stadium. | Published August 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kellis Robinett

Kansas State fans arrive before the Aer Lingus Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State at Aviva Stadium in Ireland on Aug. 23, 2025. By Laszlo Geczo

NO. 7: VIDEO APPEARS TO SHOW AVERY JOHNSON’S FATHER FIGHTING IN DUBLIN AFTER K-STATE LOSS

Frustrations for at least one prominent K-State football fan spilled into the streets after the Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Wildcats 24-21 on Saturday at Aviva Stadium. | Published August 24, 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.