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.
After a 7-7 tie at halftime, the teams combined for 38 points and neither had a turnover in the final two quarters. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson connected on touchdown passes of 37 and 65 yards in the fourth quarter, while Iowa State’s Rocco Becht threw two touchdown passes and rushed for one.
THE FIRST TD OF THE 2025-26 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UybModUyEl
— ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2025
