Following a competitive first season in the 16-team Big 12 conference era, in which nine teams finished above .500 in conference play, the Kansas State Wildcats are projected to be the team to beat in 2025.
Kansas State and Chris Klieman have been perhaps the most consistent team in the Big 12 over the past four seasons, winning at least eight games each year. KSU has an experienced roster returning to Manhattan, with a favorable schedule, and Athlon Sports has the team as the conference's best for the upcoming season.
Quarterback Avery Johnson showed flashes of brilliance in his first year as the starter, averaging 255 yards of offense per game, with 32 total touchdowns scored. Dylan Edwards returns to lead the Wildcat backfield, and Jayce Brown returns as the team's top receiver. KSU also returns five starters on defense, including linebacker Austin Romaine, who is one of the early contenders for the Butkus Award.
Other top contenders for the Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth, per Athlon Sports, are defending champion Arizona State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Baylor.
