Kansas State football: Excellence and tradition in the Big 12

Kansas State football’s culture of excellence stands out in the Big 12. Their consistent home-field advantage at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, as shown by impressive performances against rivals like the Jayhawks, reflects a legacy built on discipline and resilience. This year’s team carries on the tradition, with DJ Giddens and Avery Johnson powering a formidable ground game and a defense that makes winning plays late.

Even as K-State dropped in the AP Top 25 after tough matchups, they remain contenders thanks to strong leadership and depth. With expectations of playing for another conference championship, the Wildcats showcase how steady coaching and a focused program keep their legacy strong.

Sep 9, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Phillip Brooks (8) is congratulated by offensive lineman Cooper Beebe (50) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Troy Trojans at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 1: K-STATE’S LOOKING LIKE A TEAM THAT SHOULD PLAY FOR BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: PODCAST

The Wildcats were picked to finish second in the Big 12 in football this fall. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

A look at the KU football bus program to get students to games in Kansas City.

NO. 2: AS KANSAS FOOTBALL PREPARES FOR GAMES IN KC, JAYHAWKS WILL BUS STUDENTS TO GAMES

Here’s what the Jayhawks have announced regarding plans for KU football games in Kansas City. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Gary Bedore

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self talks with guard Dajuan Harris Jr. (3) after the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 11, 2022. By Jay Biggerstaff

NO. 3: KANSAS JAYHAWKS Q&A: TALKING BASKETBALL ROTATION, DAJUAN HARRIS AND, YES, KU FOOTBALL

This week’s Kansas Jayhawks mailbag covers the KU basketball rotation, Jalon Daniels’ health and the upcoming football game vs. Illinois. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 7, 2024. By Ron Johnson

NO. 4: LANCE LEIPOLD WANTS TO SEE WHAT KU JAYHAWKS ‘ARE MADE OF’ AFTER FIRST LOSS OF SEASON

After Kansas’ loss at Illinois, coach Lance Leipold spoke about the future: “We are going to see what kind of team we are.” | Published September 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Lawrence Arnold (2) celebrates with tight end Jared Casey (47) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the UNLV Rebels in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field on Dec. 26, 2023. By Mark J. Rebilas

NO. 5: UNLV WILL TEST KANSAS FOOTBALL WITH AN ODD FORMATION. HERE ARE KEYS TO A JAYHAWKS WIN

This week’s Rock Chalk Film Room breaks down a unique UNLV formation and how the Kansas Jayhawks can combat it. | Published September 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes directs players during an outdoor practice Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Lawrence. By Evert Nelson

NO. 6: KANSAS JAYHAWKS Q&A: JALON DANIELS’ START, JEFF GRIMES AS OC & KU FOOTBALL’S PROBLEMS

Answering your top KU football questions in this week’s mailbag, including on quarterbacks Jalon Daniels, Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall. | Published September 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) runs the ball against Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) and safety Marques Sigle (21) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023. By Jay Biggerstaff

NO. 7: SEE WHERE MISSOURI AND KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RANK IN THIS WEEK’S AP TOP 25 POLL

Both the Kansas State Wildcats and Missouri Tigers dropped in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball against Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 18, 2023. By Jay Biggerstaff

NO. 8: WHO WINS SUNFLOWER SHOWDOWN? TWO PREDICTIONS FOR KU JAYHAWKS AT K-STATE WILDCATS

Everything you need to know about the Sunflower Showdown football rivalry, including a score prediction for Saturday’s game. | Published October 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha Kellis Robinett

Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold walks off the field following a loss to the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on Oct. 26, 2024. By Scott Sewell

NO. 9: HOW DID THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS’ PROMISING 2024 FOOTBALL SEASON TURN SO BAD SO FAST?

Coach Lance Leipold defended the Jayhawks after their late loss at K-State: “Pretty evident this is a good football team.” | Published October 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Millwood’s Jaden Nickens celebrates a touchdown during the Class 2A high school football championship game between Millwood and Washington at Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. By SARAH PHIPPS

NO. 10: KANSAS JAYHAWKS LAND 4-STAR WIDE RECEIVER JADEN NICKENS. HE'S A 2-SPORT ATHLETE

Four-star recruit Jaden Nickens picks KU over Georgia, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Cal. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. By Chris Jones

NO. 11: LANCE LEIPOLD REACTS TO ‘EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING’ END TO KANSAS FOOTBALL'S SEASON

The KU football season began with CFB Playoff dreams. It ended with another crushing defeat. | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

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.