AP Top 25 Poll

#18 Kansas State Wildcats

2024

Overall Record

9-4

Last Game

vs North Carolina State W 28-19

Conference Record

6-3

Next Game

@North Carolina State 12/28/2023

Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (34) is chased by Kansas safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

No. 23 K-State rallies from 11-point deficit to beat Kansas 31-27 in Sunflower Showdown

Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for the go-ahead score, and No. 23 Kansas State took advantage of two special teams blunders by rival Kansas for a 31-27 win.

Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

K-State gives AD Gene Taylor contract extension through 2029-30 season

Texas Tech linebackers Ben Roberts (13) and Myles Cole (6) tackle Kansas quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. Bean was injured on the play. (AP Photo/Colin E Braley)

No. 23 Kansas State tries to keep Big 12 title hopes alive with trip to rival Kansas

Baylor tight end Drake Dabney (89) is tackled by Kansas State safety Kobe Savage (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Will Howard sets K-State TD pass record, Wildcats dominate Baylor 59-25 to remain unbeaten at home

Houston defensive lineman Nelson Ceaser (9) sacks Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen, center, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Waco, Texas. (Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)

Kansas State tries to beat Baylor at home for first time since 2017 season on Saturday

More News

Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley argues a call during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP Top 25 Reality Check: USC’s fall a rarity in a season where most of the ranked have stayed ranked

With about a month left before bowl season, the AP Top 25 looks an awful lot like it did in the preseason.

Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, right, celebrates with Oklahoma State tight end Josiah Johnson, center, and offensive lineman Preston Wilson, right, after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Mitch Alcala)

AP Top 25 Takeaways: Separation weekend in Big 12, SEC becomes survive-and-advance day around nation

A potential separation weekend in the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference turned into a survive-and-advance Saturday around college football. Just win.

Texas place-kicker Bert Auburn (45) kicks a field goal against Kansas State during in overtime of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Two late FGs help No. 7 Texas beat 25th-ranked Kansas State 33-30 in OT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Bert Auburn kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime and the Texas defense got a key stop on fourth down to earn a 33-30 win over Kansas State in a matchup of Big 12 co-leaders.

Texas place-kicker Bert Auburn (45) kicks a field goal against Kansas State during in overtime of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Auburn FG and late defensive stand lift No. 7 Texas over No. 25 Kansas State 33-30 in OT

Bert Auburn kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime and the Texas defense got a key stop on fourth down to earn a 33-30 win Saturday in a matchup of Big 12 co-leaders.

Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy (6) looks to throw against BYU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

No. 7 Texas and No. 25 Kansas State meet in big clash of leaders in the Big 12

Texas and Kansas State meet with both teams ranked for the first time since 2012 and both looking to stay on top of the chase for the Big 12 title.

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith (1) throws against Kansas State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Will Howard throws for 2 TDs, Giddens runs for 2 and K-State defense shuts down Houston in 41-0 win

Will Howard was 15-of-17 passing for 164 yards with two touchdowns, as Kansas State defeated Houston 41-0.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) tries to break away from TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

K-State goes for third straight win as Big 12 newcomer Houston visits for first matchup

Kansas State will go for its third straight win when it plays Big 12 newcomer Houston for the first time on Saturday.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) tries to break away from TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

K-State’s Avery Johnson, Cyclones’ Rocco Becht are among the freshmen thriving in the Big 12

Freshmen are making some significant contributions in the Big 12 this season. Kansas State’s Avery Johnson and Iowa State’s Rocco Becht have their teams in the hunt for a spot in the league championship game.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) tries to break away from TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) as he runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Howard throws 3 TD passes to help Kansas State beat TCU 41-3

Will Howard threw three touchdown passes, including a 61-yarder to DJ Giddens, to help Kansas State beat TCU 41-3 in a rematch from the Big 12 title game last season.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) scores a touchdown against Texas Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas. (Annie Rice/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP)

K-State trying to remain in Big 12 title hunt in championship game rematch with TCU

Kansas State will be trying to remain in the Big 12 title hunt when it plays TCU on Saturday in a rematch of their conference championship game a year ago.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) scores a touchdown against Texas Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas. (Annie Rice/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP)

K-State plans to use veteran Howard, freshman star Johnson at QB moving forward

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman plans to use both veteran Will Howard and freshman Avery Johnson at quarterback going forward.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) scores a touchdown against Texas Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas. (Annie Rice/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP)

STAT WATCH: K-State freshman QB Avery Johnson sets FBS season high with 5 touchdowns rushing

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson topped the list of statistical achievements in college football this past week.

Freshman QB Avery Johnson has 5 rushing TDs as Kansas State beats Texas Tech 38-21

Freshman quarterback Avery Johnson ran for five touchdowns, a first in FBS this season, while sharing time with starter Will Howard, and Kansas State beat Texas Tech 38-21.

Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks (28) runs past Baylor cornerback Chateau Reed (21) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Waco, Texas. (Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald, via AP)

Texas Tech going for 3rd Big 12 win in a row while Kansas State seeks 8th consecutive win in series

Texas Tech will try to win its third consecutive Big 12 game since a disappointing 1-3 start to coach Joey McGuire’s second season.

Kansas quarterback Jason Bean catches a snap during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

Big 12 slate has Kansas backup QB likely facing Oklahoma State again, and a big rush against K-State

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are preparing to face the backup Kansas quarterback that beat them last year.

Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman (7) looks for a receiver during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Kansas State on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Brody Schmidt)

Ollie Gordon, Alex Hale lead Oklahoma State to 29-21 win over Kansas State

Ollie Gordon ran for 136 yards and a touchdown, Alex Hale tied a school record with five made field goals and Oklahoma State defeated Kansas State 29-21.

Kansas State running back DJ Giddens scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)

Kansas State seeks 2-0 Big 12 start, return to Top 25; Oklahoma State stands in way on Friday night

Most of the focus in the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas State sits just outside of the AP Top 25.

K-State agrees with hoops coach Jerome Tang on new 7-year contract

Kansas State and Jerome Tang agreed to a new seven-year contract Monday. The deal comes after the men’s basketball coach took a program that had just two returning players and was picked last in the Big 12 to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament last season.

Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)

Giddens runs for 207 yards, leads Kansas State in 44-31 win over UCF in Knights’ Big 12 debut

DJ Giddens ran for a career-high 207 yards and four touchdowns and Kansas State beat UCF 44-31 in the Big 12 debut for the Knights.

Fans rush the field after Missouri defeated Kansas State 30-27 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Missouri tries to build on upset of K-State with a game against Memphis in St. Louis

Missouri will try to build on the momentum it gained with a last-second upset of then-No. 15 Kansas State last week when it plays Memphis in St. Louis.

UCF Knights defensive tackle Matthew Alexander (56) celebrates with teammates defensive end Josh Celiscar, left, and defensive end Malachi Lawrence, right, after taking Villanova Wildcats quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16,2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)

UCF will be without QB Plumlee when it makes its Big 12 debut on the road vs. Kansas State

UCF will begin its life in the Big 12 against the defending conference champion when it visits Kansas State on Saturday.

Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis kicks the game-winning field goal during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 30-27. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Missouri upsets No. 15 Kansas State on Harrison Mevis’ 61-yard field goal with no time remaining

Harrison Mevis kicked a 61-yard field goal with no time remaining, sending Missouri to a come-from-behind 30-27 victory over No. 15 Kansas State in a nonconference showdown of former Big 12 rivals.

Fans fill Bill Snyder Family Stadium for an NCAA college football game between Kansas State and Troy in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

K-State and BYU have chance to give Big 12 two more wins in SEC stadiums in Week 3

Reigning Big 12 champion Kansas State wraps up non-conference play with a chance to give the league another win in an SEC stadium. So does Big 12 newcomer BYU.

Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) runs past Middle Tennessee's James Stewart, left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

No. 14 Kansas State heads to Missouri trying to repeat lopsided win of a year ago

No. 14 Kansas State is headed to Missouri on Saturday for another showdown between old Big 12 rivals.

Fans fill Bill Snyder Family Stadium for an NCAA college football game between Kansas State and Troy in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

No. 14 Kansas State returns to Missouri for another showdown with old conference rival

No. 14 Kansas State returns to Missouri on Saturday for a showdown with its old conference rival. The Wildcats blew out the Tigers in Manhattan last season, and the return trip is the first for Kansas State to Columbia since 2010.

Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) gestures to the crowd after a touchdown against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Big 12 aims for 3-game sweep of mighty SEC after Longhorns’ win at Alabama

The Big 12 is aiming for a three-game sweep of the mighty Southeastern Conference when No. 15 Kansas State visits Missouri and BYU heads to Arkansas this weekend.

Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) throws against Troy during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Will Howard passes for 3 TDs and runs for 2 others to lead No. 15 K-State past Troy 42-13

Will Howard threw for three touchdowns and ran for two others as No. 15 Kansas State defeated Troy 42-13.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (5) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southeast Missouri State Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

No. 15 K-State tries to avoid another non-conference letdown with Troy on deck

No. 15 Kansas State hosts Troy on Saturday. The Wildcats will try to avoid repeating a non-conference letdown from last season, when it lost at home to Tulane.

Kansas State mascot Willie the Wildcat dances with the crowd during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southeast Missouri State Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

No. 16 K-State gets visit from Troy after opening the season with a shutout win

No. 16 Kansas State gets a visit from Troy on Saturday as it tries to build some momentum for a trip to old Big 12 rival Missouri the following week.

Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southeast Missouri State Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Howard has TDs passing, running and receiving as No. 16 K-State routs Southeast Missouri State 45-0

Will Howard threw for 297 yards and two scores, added touchdowns running and receiving to pull off a rare trifecta, and led No. 16 Kansas State to a 45-0 rout of Southeast Missouri State.