KANSAS STATE — Kansas State defeated Kansas 35-24 on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, extending the Wildcats' dominance over their in-state rival to an 18-game winning streak.
Streak reaches 18, spanning generations
The victory continued a run that dates back long enough that current Kansas State coach Collin Klein was part of the streak during his time as a player. The outcome preserved another chapter in a rivalry that remains one-sided in recent years.
The Wildcats produced enough plays on offense and made critical conversions when needed to pull away while Kansas fought to keep the game within reach. Kansas State's balanced attack and opportunistic decisions helped build the margin that ultimately decided the contest.
Key contributors and moments
Quarterback Avery Johnson featured prominently for Kansas State, both passing and scrambling when the pocket broke down. The Wildcats' running game received contributions from players such as Dylan Edwards, who worked to churn yardage against the Kansas defense.
Kansas showed resolve at times. Special teams produced highlights, including a field goal by Kansas kicker Martin Connington, who celebrated the successful attempt with long snapper Hollis Moeller. On defense, Kansas players including linebacker Bam Crouch and defensive tackle Blake Herold were visible in pursuing ballcarriers and applying pressure.
- Final score: Kansas State 35, Kansas 24
- Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan.
- Notable Wildcats: Avery Johnson (QB), Dylan Edwards (RB)
- Notable Jayhawks: Martin Connington (K), Bam Crouch (LB), Blake Herold (DT)
What the win means locally
For Kansas State, the victory maintains a long-running edge in the in-state rivalry and will be viewed as another affirmation of the program’s ability to win the marquee matchup each season. For Kansas, the loss continues a string of defeats against the Wildcats that has been difficult for fans and for the program to swallow.
Rivalry games carry extra weight beyond standings or records; they shape recruiting conversations, fan sentiment and regional bragging rights. This latest result will likely reverberate in both Lawrence and Manhattan as the teams head into the remainder of the season.
Photos, hustle and defensive plays
Photographs from the game captured several decisive moments: Johnson breaking past Kansas defenders to pick up yards, Edwards powering through the line, and special teams glancing plays that kept momentum shifting through the half. Kansas State defenders, including players like Rex van Wyhe, were credited in the coverage with making tackles during key sequences.
| Team | Points | Notable players (from coverage) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State | 35 | Avery Johnson; Dylan Edwards; Rex van Wyhe |
| Kansas | 24 | Martin Connington; Hollis Moeller; Bam Crouch; Blake Herold |
Looking ahead
Both programs will turn their attention to upcoming nonconference and league obligations. For Kansas State, preserving the rivalry streak will be a talking point as the Wildcats move forward; for Kansas, the challenge is to translate competitive moments into victories in future editions of the series.
While the scoreboard tells the story of Saturday’s result, personnel matchups, situational execution and missed opportunities will be subjects of analysis from both coaching staffs in the days ahead. The rivalry continues to draw statewide attention each season, and this year’s game added another milestone to the record between the two programs.
Photos and game footage captured a contest that combined explosive plays with sustained drives. Fans and analysts alike will watch how each program responds in the next stretch of the schedule.
