In one of most pivotal games in the new-look Big 12, No. 22 Iowa State overpowered No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland, to kick off the 2025 college football season. A sloppy first half mixed with turnovers amid the pouring rain gave way to an explosive second half filled with points and precision.

In what turned out to be a defensive struggle, the Wildcats dropped their season opener to the Cyclones in Ireland.