These injured K-State and KU players have been ruled out for Sunflower Showdown
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- K-State ruled out eight players, including RB Dylan Edwards, for Sunflower Showdown
- Kansas listed three absences; RB Leshon Williams remains questionable for Saturday
- Bryce Noernberg and JB Nelson return to availability, aiding K-State special teams
Nearly a dozen injured football players have already been ruled out for the Sunflower Showdown.
Kansas State has declared that eight of its players will not suit up for Saturday’s game against rival KU in Lawrence, including top running back Dylan Edwards.
The Jayhawks have announced that three of their players will also miss the game.
Edwards was the most significant name on the game’s initial availability report, which was released by the Big 12 on Wednesday night. But his inclusion did not come as a surprise. K-State head coach Chris Klieman announced earlier this week that Edwards would “probably” not play in this game as he recovers from an injury to his right foot.
K-State has struggled to keep Edwards healthy this season, as he has only been 100% healthy for one game — a 166-yard performance against UCF. He was limited in three other games and missed the others entirely.
Because he has only appeared in four games this season, he still has the option to redshirt and preserve a year of college eligibility.
These K-State players have also been declared out: Colby McCalister, JB Price, Tobi Osunsanmi, George Fitzpatrick, Joe Vickers, Gus Hawkins and Leyton Simmering.
Hawkins could be a notable loss on the offensive line. He has started one game this season at right tackle and usually is part of the rotation up front.
But the Wildcats did get some good news. Bryce Noernberg appears to be healthy, which means he should be able to return kicks after suffering an injury last month against UCF. That could be an underrated addition for K-State. He has returned 12 kickoffs for 387 yards and a touchdown this year.
JB Nelson also appears healthy and ready to contribute on the offensive line.
For Kansas, it is notable that running back Leshon Williams is listed as questionable. He has rushed for 309 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries this season.
Jason Strickland, Conlee Hovey and Jaden Nickens have been declared out by the Jayhawks.
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 5:15 AM with the headline "These injured K-State and KU players have been ruled out for Sunflower Showdown."