Today’s College Football Picks: Iowa State vs Kansas State Prediction 8/23/2025
- Lee Shipley
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Iowa State (11-3) vs Kansas State (9-4)
August 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Kansas State -3.5 — Over/Under: +49.5
College football is officially back, and what better way to kick off the new season than with a Big 12 showdown across the pond! The Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats are heading to Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland for an epic Week 0 battle. Here at The Outlet Sports Ventures, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about this international matchup, including our expert Iowa State vs Kansas State prediction and an exclusive Iowa State vs Kansas State pick. Get ready for a thrilling season, and remember, for the best game predictions and inside information, The Outlet Sports Ventures is your go-to source!
Matchup/League Facts
Kansas State ranked T12th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters last season (+4.4).
Kansas State ranked 17th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (8.5).
Iowa State ranked 2nd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage last season (80.0).
Iowa State ranked 3rd among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (+5.8).
The Iowa State Cyclones Team Preview!
After a record-breaking 11-win season, the Iowa State Cyclones are ready to make history again. Under head coach Matt Campbell, who's now in his 10th year, the team is aiming for a second straight double-digit win season. Quarterback Rocco Becht is a major reason for the optimism, coming back after throwing for 3,600 yards and 48 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He'll have a strong backfield tandem in Abu Sama and Carson Hansen, plus a new weapon at wide receiver with transfer Chase Sowell from East Carolina.
While receiver depth is a question mark, this offense should still be a force in the Big 12. On defense, the team gets a huge boost with linebacker Caleb Bacon returning from injury. Their secondary, which was the best in the nation at defending the pass last year, is anchored by returning stars Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams. Although there are some questions on the offensive and defensive lines, the team looks like a solid contender for a bowl game and a serious threat in the Big 12 title race.
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
Iowa State has won each of its last three games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
Kansas State has lost three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Iowa State has covered the spread in each of its last five games against Kansas State.
Kansas State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as a favorite.
The Kansas State Wildcats Team Preview!
Heading into his seventh year as head coach, Chris Klieman has a powerhouse in Kansas State. The team has won at least eight games in each of the last four years and has played in a bowl game 13 times in the last 15 seasons. They're a true contender for a conference title and could even make a push for the playoffs. A big reason for their success is quarterback Avery Johnson, who's a genuine playmaker. Last year, he threw for 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 600 yards and 7 scores.
The offense also adds two key receivers in transfers Jaron Tibbs and Jerand Bradley and expects a breakout season from running back Dylan Edwards. While there are some concerns about the offensive line and a potentially shaky secondary, the defense is anchored by what might be the best front seven in the Big 12, led by linebacker Austin Romaine and linemen Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi.
Why the Kansas State Wildcats will win
The team ranked 17th in the AP Poll has won each of its last four games.
Kansas State has covered the spread in four of its last five games as a favorite at neutral venues.
Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games played at neutral venues.
The Iowa State vs Kansas State Game Prediction!
The Pick: Iowa State +3.5
This matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State is going to be a fun one. On paper, K-State looks like the stronger team, especially on defense, and it's easy to see why they're favored. Iowa State has some question marks on both their offensive and defensive lines, and going up against a tough team like the Wildcats right out of the gate is a real challenge.
But history tells a different story. In the last ten matchups, the underdog has covered the spread seven times. Plus, Iowa State has been surprisingly good as an underdog recently, winning five of their last six games in that role. With a proven quarterback like Rocco Becht leading the way, the Cyclones are scrappy and have a knack for keeping things close. Don't be surprised if they hang in there, so I'll happily take the points with Iowa State in this neutral-site showdown.
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