College football is back. The 2025 season kicks off Saturday with a light schedule, but even in Week 0, the games matter. A few contests will even shape the conference race before September arrives.
“One of Week 0’s marquee matchups is the latest chapter of ‘Farmageddon,’ as Iowa State faces Kansas State.”vs. Kansas State — this year with a twist, as the rivalry crosses the Atlantic. Iowa State comes in with quarterback Rocco Becht, now a seasoned starter after throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns last year. He’ll be breaking in new receivers, but the Cyclones have stability in the backfield with Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III.
Kansas State counters with dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, who has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to cut down on turnovers. With wide receiver Jayce Brown and tight end Garrett Oakley returning, Johnson has familiar weapons to lean on.
On defense, Iowa State boasts one of the league’s strongest secondaries, led by safety Jeremiah Cooper, while Kansas State will rely on linebacker Austin Romaine to steady the middle of the field.
