Two Big 12 programs with the same mascot but very different early-season paths collide under the lights in Tucson.
Wildcats meeting feels like two different stories
Kansas State comes in at 1-2 after a tough 24-21 loss to Army where its defense simply couldn’t get off the field. Arizona, on the other hand, has looked sharp in back-to-back blowout wins, including last week’s 48-3 rout of Weber State behind a nearly flawless performance from quarterback Noah Fifita.
Although the matchup was scheduled before Arizona officially joined the Big 12 last year, it doesn’t count in the league standings. Still, both teams view it as a chance to set the tone before diving deeper into conference play.
Kansas State looking for answers
Head coach Chris Klieman has been stressing toughness and accountability after his team’s uneven start. The Wildcats opened the season with a close neutral-site loss to Iowa State in Dublin, barely scraped past FCS North Dakota, and then were worn down by Army’s methodical ground game.
MORE: Colorado Buffaloes turn to new QB as Houston readies for Big 12 clash
Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson has shown flashes, throwing for over 270 yards in two of three outings and totaling six touchdowns. He connected for three scores in the opener and added another against Army, but consistency has been an issue. Special teams have provided sparks, like Bryce Noernberg’s 99-yard kickoff return last week, but the defense has struggled to close out drives. Injuries have piled up too, with wideout Jace Bradley ruled out and several starters across the defensive front and secondary listed as questionable.
If Kansas State is going to rebound, Johnson will need to find rhythm with receivers Jayce Brown and Jaron Tibbs while running back Joe Jackson must help steady the offense with ball control.
Arizona’s confidence building quickly
Brent Brennan’s team has looked locked in from the start. Fifita has been the centerpiece, completing 67 percent of his passes so far with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Against Weber State, he opened with 14 straight completions and piled up 373 yards on just 22 attempts.
The defense has been equally impressive, pitching back-to-back games without allowing a touchdown. The secondary has forced turnovers, while the defensive line has kept opponents under 100 rushing yards in both outings. That dominance has masked some discipline issues, as Arizona has been heavily penalized early in the year, something Brennan admitted has to be cleaned up before tougher opponents arrive.
Arizona’s top targets include Javin Wheatly and Luke Wysong. The running game has leaned on a committee approach, but the passing attack has been so efficient that balance hasn’t been necessary.
History, trends, and what to watch
These teams met last September in Manhattan, with Kansas State rolling to a 31-7 win. This time, the trip to the desert feels much different. Arizona is ranked sixth in the Big 12 standings at 2-0, while Kansas State sits 16th at 1-2.
Recent numbers paint a clear picture:
• Kansas State has lost three of its last four games dating back to 2024
• The Wildcats have struggled against the spread, covering only 2 of their last 10
• Arizona has held opponents to 4.5 points per game this season
• Fifita is averaging 285 passing yards with four touchdowns per game in 2025
• Kansas State’s defense has allowed 363 yards per game, including 254 through the air
The matchup comes down to whether Kansas State’s defense can contain Fifita’s precision and whether Johnson can keep pace against an Arizona defense that has given nothing away. If the Wildcats from Manhattan can re-establish their ground game and limit penalties, they can make it a fourth-quarter battle. But if Arizona’s offense starts hot again, Tucson could turn into another long night for a Kansas State team still searching for its identity.
More NCAA Football News:
- Big 12 yanks referees after bizarre Kansas-Missouri free kick mistake
- NC State’s new voice vs Wake Forest' new era sets up a Thursday night test
- Colorado Buffaloes turn to new QB as Houston readies for Big 12 clash