Thrilling Season Opener: Iowa State Rallies to Defeat Kansas State – Key Takeaways and Highlights

No. 22 Iowa State faced a tough challenge against No. 17 Kansas State, but they clinched a 24-21 victory during their 2025 season opener at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The Cyclones secured the win with a crucial fourth-and-3 conversion, marking their third straight win over Kansas State. Instead of pushing for a touchdown, Iowa State opted for three knee-downs to finish the game.

Running back Carson Hanson stepped up in the fourth quarter, gaining 59 hard-fought yards and making a crucial 15-yard catch on fourth down, nearly sealing the game. Interestingly, he had only mustered 12 yards across the first three quarters.

Although Kansas State made some big plays, including touchdown passes of 65 and 37 yards, they struggled to maintain consistent momentum. Their offense faltered in key moments, leading to three turnovers on downs, partly due to not relying on a first-year kicker.

The match began messily, as rain fell on the long grass field. Both teams combined for four fumbles, including a missed punt in a promising position and a failed toss at the goal line.

This win is significant for Iowa State; it marks the fifth victory in six meetings against Kansas State and reverses a trend from the era of former Wildcats coach Bill Snyder, who had led Kansas State to eight consecutive wins over Iowa State.

Here are some quick highlights from the game:

• Four of the five Aer Lingus College Football Classics have been decided by three points or less.
• Iowa State has won four of their last five games against ranked teams, breaking a streak of nine losses prior.
• The Cyclones are now 5-1 against Kansas State since 2020.
• Head Coach Matt Campbell celebrated his 100th career win as an FBS head coach.
• Iowa State scored 17 points and gained 212 total yards in the second half, compared to just 7 points and 101 yards in the first half.
• This marks the first time Iowa State has won three straight against Kansas State since their five-game streak from 1985-89.
• Despite outgaining Iowa State, Kansas State lost all three recent matchups against them.

Looking ahead, the game suggests a changing landscape in college football. Iowa State’s recent success could hint at a new era, where they consistently perform well against ranked teams. Meanwhile, Kansas State may need to reassess their strategy as they move forward this season.

As noted by fans on social media, this game was an emotional rollercoaster. Reactions ranged from cheering for the Cyclones’ resilience to concerns about the Wildcats’ execution. Such moments make college football captivating, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport.

For further insight into this thrilling matchup, you can explore detailed stats on ESPN’s college football section.

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