Year: | 2024 |
Team: | Kansas State Wildcats |
Sport: | football |
Conference: | Big 12 Conference |
Short Conf: | Big 12 |
Record: | 8–4 |
Conf Record: | 5–4 |
Head Coach: | Chris Klieman |
Hc Year: | 6th |
Cooff Coach1: | Matt Wells |
Cooc1 Year: | 1st |
Cooff Coach2: | Conor Riley |
Cooc2 Year: | 1st |
Off Scheme: | Spread |
Def Coach: | Joe Klanderman |
Dc Year: | 5th |
Def Scheme: | 3–3–5 |
Stadium: | Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium |
The 2024 Kansas State Wildcats football team will represent Kansas State University in the Big 12 Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats are led by Chris Klieman in his sixth year as their head coach. They will play their home games at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium located in Manhattan, Kansas.
See main article: 2023 Kansas State Wildcats football team.
The Wildcats finished the 2023 regular season 9–4 and 6–3 in Big 12 play. They earned a berth in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they defeated the NC State Wolfpack, 28-19.
See also: 2024 NFL draft.
2 | 53 | Washington Commanders | Ben Sinnott | TE |
3 | 73 | Dallas Cowboys | Cooper Beebe | G |
7 | 254 | Los Angeles Rams | KT Leveston | G |
The preseason poll was released on July 2, 2024.[1]
1 | Utah | 906 (20) | |||
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3 | Oklahoma State | 829 (14) | |||
4 | Kansas | 772 (5) | |||
5 | Arizona | 762 (3) | |||
6 | Iowa State | 661 | |||
7 | West Virginia | 581 | |||
8 | UCF | 551 | |||
9 | Texas Tech | 532 | |||
10 | TCU | 436 | |||
11 | Colorado | 400 | |||
12 | Baylor | 268 | |||
13 | BYU | 215 | |||
14 | Cincinnati | 196 | |||
15 | Houston | 157 | |||
16 | Arizona State | 141 |
See also: 2024 UT Martin Skyhawks football team.
Statistics | UTM | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 8 | 20 |
Total yards | 134 | 449 |
Rushing yards | 36 | 283 |
Passing yards | 98 | 166 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 10-17-0 | 16-25-1 |
Time of possession | 33:30 | 26:30 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
UT Martin | Passing | Kinkead Dent | 7-14, 87 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | Patrick Smith | 9 Att, 23 yds, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Trevonte Rucker | 1 rec, 45 yds, 0 TD | |
Kansas State | Passing | 14-24, 153 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT | |
Rushing | D.J. Giddens | 13 att, 128 yds | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 5 rec, 71 yds |
The Wildcats' defense remained strong, limiting UT Martin's rushing attack to just 36 yards on 38 carries. The win marked a solid start for the Wildcats, demonstrating balanced contributions from offense, defense, and special teams. Coach Chris Kleiman emphasized the need to improve despite the convincing win, pointing to a challenging road game against Tulane next week.[5]
Competing in Division I FCS, UT Martin is a member of the Big South–OVC Football Association and ended the 2023 season with a record of 8 wins and 3 losses. including a 48-7 loss to then #1 ranked Georgia.[6]
See also: 2024 Tulane Green Wave football team.
Statistics | KSU | TULN |
---|---|---|
First downs | 19 | 21 |
Total yard | 396 | 491 |
Rushing yards | 215 | 149 |
Passing yards | 181 | 342 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 15–23–0 | 19–29–1 |
Time of possession | 26:44 | 33:11 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 15/23, 181 yards, 2 TD |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 19 carries, 114 yards | |
Receiving | DJ Giddens | 4 receptions, 63 yards, TD | |
Tulane | Passing | 19/29, 342 yards, 2 TD, INT | |
Rushing | 21 carries, 128 yards, TD | ||
Receiving | 6 receptions, 128 yards |
Darian Mensah's sharp passing helped Tulane build an early lead, finding Dontae Fleming for a 53-yard completion to set up a touchdown and connecting with Alex Bauman for a 36-yard score.[8]
On offense for Kansas State, Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes. DJ Giddens continued his strong season with 114 rushing yards and a 45-yard touchdown catch on fourth down.
Tulane led for much of the game. Major impact came by Darian Mensah's 342-yard, two-touchdown performance and supported by key plays from receiver Mario Williams and running back Makhi Hughes.[9]
Tulane's offense did not continue the same performance during the second half, allowing Kansas State to mount a comeback. Kansas State's DJ Giddens played a pivotal role in the rally by rushing for 118 yards and catching a 45-yard touchdown on fourth down to tie the game. Tulane's final opportunity to tie the game was undone by an offensive pass interference penalty that nullified a touchdown with 17 seconds remaining. Two plays later, VJ Payne’s interception in the end zone sealed the win for the Wildcats in the final seconds.
The next day's college football rankings put Kansas State at #14 in the AP Top 25 and #15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. Tulane remained unranked.[10]
See also: 2024 Arizona Wildcats football team.
Statistics | ARIZ | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 16 | 21 |
Total yards | 324 | 391 |
Rushing yards | 56 | 235 |
Passing yards | 268 | 156 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 26–42–1 | 14–23–0 |
Time of possession | 30:41 | 29:19 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona | Passing | 26-42, 0 TD, 1 INT | |
Rushing | Quali Conley | 14 CAR, 48 YDS, 1 TD | |
Receiving | 11 REC, 138 YDS, 0 TD | ||
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 14-23 156 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 17 CAR, 110 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 3 REC, 60 YDS, 0 TD |
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 110 yards. Kansas State dominated on the ground, accumulating 235 rushing yards, the most Arizona had allowed since 2022. Arizona's offense struggled after their opening drive, gaining just 137 yards in the second half and failing to score again. Quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 268 yards but was intercepted once and failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time in over two years. Penalties and special teams errors plagued Arizona throughout the game, stalling drives and giving Kansas State advantageous field positions.[12]
Arizona struggled to establish a consistent running game, managing only 56 rushing yards, their lowest total of the season. Kansas State extended their lead with a 9-yard touchdown catch by Brayden Loftin in the third quarter and a 1-yard run by DJ Giddens, capping off back-to-back 80-yard drives to put the game out of reach. Kansas State's defense held strong, preventing Arizona from scoring on their final three possessions and forcing two turnovers on downs in the fourth quarter.[13]
See also: 2024 BYU Cougars football team.
Statistics | KSU | BYU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 17 | 14 |
Total yards | 367 | 241 |
Rushing yards | 228 | 92 |
Passing yards | 139 | 149 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 16-29-2 | 15-21-0 |
Time of possession | 33:03 | 26:57 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 15-28, O TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 19 CAR, 93 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 4 REC, 51 YDS, 0 TD | |
BYU | Passing | Jake Retzlaff | 15-21, 2 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | Sione Moa | 15 CAR, 76 YDS, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Chase Roberts | 2 REC, 47 YDS, 1 TD |
In the second half, BYU took advantage of another Kansas State turnover when Harrison Taggart intercepted Avery Johnson to set up a 3-yard touchdown pass from Retzlaff to Darius Lassiter. Parker Kingston then delivered a 90-yard punt return touchdown to extend BYU’s lead to 31-6 in the third quarter.[15]
Kansas State’s offense struggled to execute in key moments. Quarterback Avery Johnson threw two interceptions and was sacked multiple times, while BYU's defensive pressure consistently disrupted the Wildcats’ rhythm. BYU running back Sione I. Moa also had a standout game, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown. The win marked BYU’s first major Big 12 victory and highlighted their defensive strength, as they held Kansas State without a touchdown for the first time since 2020.[16]
See also: 2024 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team.
Statistics | OKST | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 25 | 23 |
Total yards | 490 | 559 |
Rushing yards | 126 | 300 |
Passing yards | 354 | 259 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 26–50–2 | 19–31–1 |
Time of possession | 30:49 | 29:11 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma State | Passing | 26/50, 364 yards, TD, 2 INT | |
Rushing | 15 carries, 76 yards | ||
Receiving | 7 receptions, 157 yards, TD | ||
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 19/31, 259 yards, 3 TD, INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 15 carries, 187 yards, TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 4 receptions, 78 yards, TD |
Oklahoma State started strong by taking a 10-7 lead with a 77-yard flea-flicker touchdown pass from Alan Bowman to De'Zhaun Stribling. However, costly mistakes derailed the Cowboys' momentum. After a second-quarter interception by Korie Black, Oklahoma State’s offense failed to capitalize, leading to a missed opportunity. Kansas State quickly regained control with big plays, including a 37-yard run and a touchdown following a horsecollar penalty.[18]
Kansas State's defense forced three turnovers and limited running back Ollie Gordon II after a strong start. After the game was over, many considered the Kansas State victory to be pivotal in the Big 12 Championship race and predict the win to give them a crucial tiebreaker over a key conference opponent.[19]
See also: 2024 Colorado Buffaloes football team and Colorado–Kansas State football rivalry.
Statistics | KSU | COL |
---|---|---|
First downs | 22 | 20 |
Total yards | 423 | 359 |
Rushing yards | 185 | -29 |
Passing yards | 238 | 388 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 17–26–1 | 34–40–1 |
Time of possession | 35:00 | 25:00 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 15/23, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT |
Rushing | 25 carries, 182 yards | ||
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 6 receptions, 121 yards, 2 TD | |
Colorado | Passing | 34/40, 388 yards, 3 TD, INT | |
Rushing | 7 carries, 11 yards | ||
Receiving | 8 receptions, 145 yards |
The Wildcats led 21-7 in the third quarter. Colorado mounted a comeback behind quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns. Sanders connected with LaJohntay Wester for an 11-yard touchdown late in the game, giving Colorado a brief 28-24 lead. Moments before, Colorado had capitalized on a tipped interception returned 59 yards by cornerback Colton Hood (filling in for injured star Travis Hunter). Kansas State responded with Johnson's game-winning touchdown to reclaim the lead. Kansas State’s defense then held on Colorado’s final possession, stopping the Buffaloes on downs. [21]
Injuries were a concern for Colorado, with Travis Hunter leaving due to a shoulder injury and several other key players missing time. Kansas State’s win marked a strong rebound following a challenging game against Oklahoma State, keeping them competitive in the Big 12 race.[22]
See also: 2024 West Virginia Mountaineers football team.
Statistics | KSU | WVU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 19 | 20 |
Total yards | 412 | 295 |
Rushing yards | 114 | 152 |
Passing yards | 298 | 143 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 19-29-0 | 15-32-2 |
Time of possession | 25:38 | 34:22 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 19-29, 3 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 19 ATT, 57 YDS, 2 TD | |
Receiving | Jadon Jackson | 2 REC, 84 YDS, 1 TD | |
West Virginia | Passing | Garrett Greene | 9-19, 85 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | Garrett Greene | 11 CAR, 91 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Kole Taylor | 4 REC, 61 YDS, 0 TD |
No. 17 Kansas State secured a 45-18 victory over West Virginia at Milan Puskar Stadium, led by a career-best passing performance from sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns, with key scoring passes to Jadon Jackson, Garrett Oakley, and Will Anciaux. Kansas State’s defense also contributed significantly, as senior safety Marques Sigle returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, helping the Wildcats build an early 17-3 lead.[23]
West Virginia struggled on offense, particularly after starting quarterback Garrett Greene left the game due to injury in the second quarter. Before his departure, Greene threw a touchdown pass to Hudson Clement and cut Kansas State’s lead to 17-10. However, the Mountaineers were unable to keep pace in the second half, and backup quarterback Nicco Marciol managed only one late touchdown in relief.
Kansas State’s defense limitted West Virginia to 143 passing yards and forced two interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown.
Kansas State’s DJ Giddens sealed the win with a 1-yard touchdown run, following up on a 53-yard catch that set up another Wildcats score earlier in the game.[24] With the win, Kansas State improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play, keeping pace with the conference leaders. The Wildcats will face in-state rival Kansas in their next matchup.[25]
See also: 2024 Kansas Jayhawks football team.
Statistics | KU | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 23 | 22 |
Total yards | 401 | 479 |
Rushing yards | 192 | 226 |
Passing yards | 209 | 253 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 18-31-1 | 19-34-0 |
Time of possession | 27:40 | 32:20 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas | Passing | Jalon Daniels | 18-31, 1 TD, 1 INT |
Rushing | Jalon Daniels | 15 Att, 66 Yds, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Trevor Wilson | 4 Rec, 69 Yds, 0 TD | |
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 19-34, 253 Yds, 2 TD, 0 Int |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 18 Att, 102 Yds, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 5 Rec, 98 Yds, 0 TD |
The 2024 edition of the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas will take place at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, on October 26, 2024--scheduled for a primetime 7 p.m. kickoff and broadcast on ESPN2.[26] Kansas holds the all-time series advantage at 65-51-5, but Kansas State has won the last 15 meetings dating back to 2009. Kansas has only managed one win in Manhattan since 1990.[27]
Kansas State, ranked No. 17, enters the game with a 6-1 record and is tied for third place in the Big 12 standings.[28] The Wildcats are coming off a decisive 45-18 win over West Virginia.[29] Meanwhile, Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12) snapped a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Houston in their last game.[30]
Kansas State has dominated the rivalry in recent years, but the Jayhawks will be motivated to end their losing streak and secure a major win on the road.[31]
The Kansas State Wildcats extended their dominance in the Sunflower Showdown with a close 29-27 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks for their 16th consecutive win in the rivalry.[32] The game featured back-and-forth action, with both teams seizing leads, only for Kansas State to ultimately pull ahead in the final moments.
Kansas struck first with a 38-yard touchdown run by Sevion Morris on their opening drive.[33] Kansas State responded in the second quarter, with Avery Johnson connecting on a 24-yard touchdown pass to Will Anciaux. A subsequent safety and another touchdown pass gave K-State a 16-7 lead, only for Kansas to close the gap just before halftime, making it 16-14.
In the third quarter, K-State initially extending their lead to 23-14 on a 10-yard Johnson rushing touchdown. Kansas quickly answered with a 24-yard rushing touchdown by Devin Neal, though they missed the extra point, trailing 23-20.[34] The Jayhawks later claimed a 27-23 lead on an 8-yard touchdown run by Jalon Daniels.
With under two minutes remaining, Kansas State took advantage of a fumble by Daniels to set up a 51-yard field goal from Chris Tennant, regaining the lead 29-27. Kansas had one final drive but fell short, securing the Wildcats' win.[35]
See also: 2024 Houston Cougars football team.
Statistics | KSU | HOU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 21 | 10 |
Total yards | 327 | 232 |
Rushing yards | 89 | 121 |
Passing yards | 238 | 111 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 23-41-2 | 12-12-0 |
Time of possession | 31:01 | 28:59 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 23-39, 238 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 17 ATT, 50YDS, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 3 REC, 86 YDS, 0 TD | |
Houston | Passing | Zeon Chriss | 11-11, 103 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | Zeon Chriss | 22 ATT, 75 YDS, 1 TD | |
Receiving | Joseph Manjack IV | 1 REC, 44 YDS, 0 TD |
See also: 2024 Arizona State Sun Devils football team.
Statistics | ASU | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 23 | 21 |
Total yards | 398 | 412 |
Rushing yards | 123 | 154 |
Passing yards | 275 | 258 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 21-34-0 | 24-40-2 |
Time of possession | 36:36 | 23:24 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona State | Passing | 21/34, 3 TD, 0 INT | |
Rushing | 25 CAR, 73 YDS, 0 TD | ||
Receiving | 12 REC, 176 YDS, 2 YD | ||
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 24/40, 0 TD, 2 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 14 CAR, 133 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Dante Cephas | 4 REC, 65 YDS, 0 TD |
See also: 2024 Cincinnati Bearcats football team.
Statistics | CIN | KSU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 21 | 22 |
Total yards | 374 | 428 |
Rushing yards | 174 | 281 |
Passing yards | 200 | 147 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 21-40-1 | 13-23-0 |
Time of possession | 28:46 | 31:14 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati | Passing | Brenden Sorsby | 21/39, 200 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT |
Rushing | Corey Kiner | 15 ATT, 140 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Xzavier Henderson | 4 REC, 60 YDS, O TD | |
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 13/23, 147 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 15 ATT, 143 YDS, 2 TD | |
Receiving | Tre Spivey | 5 REC, 63 YDS, 1 TD |
See also: 2024 Iowa State Cyclones football team and Iowa State–Kansas State football rivalry.
Statistics | KSU | ISU |
---|---|---|
First downs | 14 | 22 |
Total yards | 364 | 324 |
Rushing yards | 144 | 187 |
Passing yards | 220 | 137 |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 12-29-0 | 13-36-0 |
Time of possession | 24:35 | 35:25 |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
---|---|---|---|
Kansas State | Passing | Avery Johnson | 12/28, 3 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | DJ Giddens | 14 CAR, 72 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Jayce Brown | 3 REC, 106 YDS, 2 TD | |
Iowa State | Passing | Rocco Becht | 13/35, 2 TD, 0 INT |
Rushing | Abu Sama | 15 CAR, 81 YDS, 0 TD | |
Receiving | Jayden Higgins | 3 REC, 53 YDS, 1 TD |
Head coach | 6th | North Dakota State (HC) | ||
Matt Wells | Co-OC/QB/AHC | 1st | Oklahoma (Advisor to HC/O Analyst) | |
AHC/DPGC/CB | 6th | Mississippi State (DA) | ||
DC/S | 6th | North Dakota State (DB) | ||
Conor Riley | Co-OC/OL | 6th | North Dakota State (RGC/OL) | |
Brian Anderson | RB | 6th | Illinois State (WR) | |
Brian Lepak | TE | 4th | Southern (RGC/OL) | |
Matthew Middleton | WR | 2nd | Kent State (WR/RC) | |
LB | 5th | Syracuse University (DE) | ||
Mike Tuiasosopo | DT | 6th | UTEP (DL) | |
Buddy Wyatt | DE | 6th | Kansas (senior analyst) | |
Trumain Carroll | Strength/Cond. | 4th | Oklahoma State | |
Nate Kaczor | STQC | 1st | Washington Commanders (ST) | |
Matt Kardulis | DQC | 4th | Virginia Tech (GA) | |
Drew Liddle | O Analyst | 7th | UTEP (TE/FB) | |
Sean Maguire | O Analyst | 1st | Buffalo (DA/QC) | |
David Orloff | D Analyst | 4th | Syrcause (GA) |