Overview
- Sporting News projects a 24-20 Wildcats win and sets Kansas State as a 3-point favorite in the Week 0 spread from Aviva Stadium.
- Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel’s departures to the NFL thrust transfers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend into Iowa State’s receiver rotation.
- Avery Johnson returns at quarterback for Kansas State after throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions in last season’s 29-21 win over the Cyclones.
- Iowa State’s secondary remains bolstered by preseason All-Big 12 first-team picks Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams.
- The Cyclones’ defensive line faces scrutiny after ranking ninth in Big 12 total defense and recording a program-low 16 sacks last season.