
Introduction
Few rivalries in college football embody the grit, tradition, and pride of the American Midwest quite like Kansas State vs Iowa State. Known affectionately (and fiercely) as Farmageddon, this annual clash between the Kansas State Wildcats (K-State) and the Iowa State Cyclones (ISU) has become one of the signature matchups in the Big 12 football calendar.
The rivalry has produced nail-biting finishes, star player performances, and games that carry heavy implications for conference standings and bowl eligibility. With new talents like Rocco Becht for Iowa State football and Avery Johnson for Kansas State football entering the spotlight, the rivalry looks brighter than ever.
This article explores the history, cultural significance, rosters, predictions, and even international twists—like the potential of the rivalry being featured in events such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. It will also guide fans on where to watch Kansas State Wildcats football vs Iowa State Cyclones football as they clash again in this year’s showdown.
1. Origins of Farmageddon: The Kansas State vs Iowa State Rivalry
1.1 The Early Days
The first ksu vs isu matchup took place in 1917, laying the foundation for a rivalry that has spanned more than a century. Both schools, deeply rooted in agriculture and land-grant traditions, quickly found common ground in competition.
1.2 Why “Farmageddon”?
The name Farmageddon became popular in the 2000s, capturing the agricultural identities of the schools. Unlike rivalries rooted in politics or geography, Farmageddon football reflects culture and community. Both universities are proud land-grant institutions whose fanbases come from farming towns across Kansas and Iowa.
1.3 The Big 12 Context
Both Kansas State football and Iowa State football are integral members of the Big 12. This conference, already one of the toughest in cfb today, amplifies the rivalry’s significance. Conference realignments and playoff expansions may reshape the schedule, but one constant remains: K State vs Iowa State will always matter.

2. Notable Games in the Rivalry
2.1 2009: The Missed Two-Point Conversion
The isu vs ksu matchup in 2009 ended dramatically when Iowa State’s two-point conversion failed, handing the Wildcats a narrow 24–23 win.
2.2 2018: Cyclone Comeback
In 2018, isu football snapped a ten-year losing streak with a stunning 17-point comeback in the fourth quarter. This was one of the most emotional victories in Iowa State game history against Kansas State.
2.3 2020: Pandemic Dominance
During the COVID-impacted 2020 season, Iowa State routed Kansas St 45–0, one of the most lopsided results in the rivalry. That season showcased Rocco Becht’s predecessors paving the way for ISU’s strong recruiting momentum.
3. Key Players in Kansas State vs Iowa State
3.1 Rocco Becht: Iowa State’s Rising QB
For iowa state football schedule 2025 and beyond, Rocco Becht represents the future. As the starting quarterback for the Cyclones, Becht has brought consistency and poise, helping fans believe in long-term success. His arm strength, decision-making, and leadership make him central to every Iowa State vs Kansas State prediction conversation.
3.2 Avery Johnson: Kansas State’s Star QB of the Future
On the other side, Avery Johnson Kansas State has emerged as the next great dual-threat quarterback in ksu football history. His ability to both throw and run gives Kansas State football roster depth and dynamism. Many K State football fans see him as the next Collin Klein, capable of taking KSU back to the top of the Big 12.
3.3 Carson Hansen: A Cyclone Backfield Force
Alongside Becht, Carson Hansen has shown flashes of brilliance in the backfield for isu football, providing balance and explosiveness.
3.4 Kansas State Legends Past and Present
From Darren Sproles to Michael Bishop, Kansas State has produced legends who have shaped this rivalry. Current stars on the Kansas State football roster continue the tradition of hard-nosed, disciplined football.

4. Farmageddon 2024–2025: Predictions and Outlook
4.1 Iowa State vs Kansas State Prediction
Most analysts expect isu vs ksu to be a close game once again. The matchup pits Iowa State’s improving defense against Kansas State’s explosive offense led by Avery Johnson.
- If Rocco Becht controls the tempo, ISU has the edge.
- If Avery Johnson dominates with his legs, KSU takes the upper hand.
Thus, every Iowa State vs Kansas State prediction varies depending on quarterback play.
4.2 Kansas State Iowa State Prediction: FanDuel Odds
Sportsbooks like FanDuel often place Kansas State as a slight favorite due to consistency under Chris Klieman. However, iowa state kansas state prediction trends show that ISU is closing the gap, particularly when games are played in Ames.
5. International Twist: Dublin and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
5.1 Aer Lingus College Football Classic
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has brought ncaaf matchups to Dublin, Ireland, showcasing American football to a global audience. Hosted at Aviva Stadium, these games highlight the international growth of college football scores as fans from around the world tune in.
5.2 Could Farmageddon Go Abroad?
Fans speculate that someday, Kansas State vs Iowa State could headline in Dublin. Imagine the ksu vs isu rivalry taking place at Aviva Stadium, under the lights, in front of Irish fans—combining the Midwest’s best traditions with international flair.
6. Where to Watch: Kansas State Wildcats Football vs Iowa State Cyclones Football
For fans searching where to watch Kansas State Wildcats football vs Iowa State Cyclones football, options typically include:
- ESPN/ABC: Big 12’s primary TV partner.
- Fox Sports: Frequently airs k state vs Iowa State.
- ESPN+: Streaming option for non-primetime matchups.
- Big 12 Now: Conference-owned digital broadcasts.
For Cyclone fans searching where to watch Iowa State Cyclones football vs Kansas State Wildcats football, similar platforms apply, with CFB today coverage often highlighting Farmageddon as a marquee matchup.
7. Kansas State Football: Present and Future
7.1 Kansas State QB Spotlight
The Kansas State QB room has depth, but all eyes are on Avery Johnson. His leadership is expected to define kstate football in the next few seasons.
7.2 Kansas State Football Roster Depth
With strong recruiting, Kansas State football roster looks balanced across offense and defense. KSU football prides itself on discipline, physicality, and developing under-the-radar players into stars.

7.3 K State Game Atmosphere
From Manhattan’s “Bill Snyder Family Stadium” to away trips, a kstate game is more than football—it’s a community celebration of purple pride.
8. Iowa State Football: The Matt Campbell Era
8.1 Iowa State Game Plan
Under Matt Campbell, isu football has emphasized tough defense and efficient offense. This identity makes every Iowa State game competitive, even against top-tier Big 12 opponents.
8.2 Iowa Football Rivalries
While Iowa football vs Iowa State (the Cy-Hawk rivalry) garners attention, the Kansas State vs Iowa State rivalry has proven just as meaningful in Big 12 standings.
8.3 Iowa State Football Schedule Outlook
The Iowa State football schedule always features Farmageddon as a highlight. Win or lose, it defines momentum for ISU’s season.
9. College Football Scores and National Impact
9.1 NCAA Football Scores
Fans track ncaa football scores every weekend, but kstate vs isu often stands out because of its close margins and playoff implications.
9.2 Big 12 Football and National Rankings
As big 12 football grows stronger, every Kansas State iowa state result matters for CFP rankings. With playoff expansion, kstate football and isu football both have paths to national contention.
10. Farmageddon in Pop Culture and Fan Identity
10.1 Why Fans Love Farmageddon
Fans embrace Farmageddon because it reflects Midwestern culture—agriculture, family, and grit. It’s more than just k state vs Iowa State; it’s purple vs cardinal, Wildcats vs Cyclones, neighbor vs neighbor.
10.2 Social Media and CFB Today Coverage
Platforms like CFB today and ESPN amplify the rivalry, making farmageddon football a trending event every fall.
Conclusion
The Kansas State vs Iowa State rivalry is more than just a football game. It’s Farmageddon—a celebration of tradition, identity, and the enduring power of college football. With rising stars like Rocco Becht, Avery Johnson, and Carson Hansen, the rivalry promises thrilling moments for years to come.
Whether it’s in Manhattan, Ames, or even in Dublin at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Aviva Stadium, this matchup embodies everything fans love about ncaaf. From checking college football scores to making a kansas state vs iowa state prediction on FanDuel, to searching where to watch Iowa State vs Kansas State, fans know one thing: Farmageddon delivers.
The Wildcats and Cyclones may not always dominate national headlines, but in the heartland, this rivalry means everything. And as long as there’s a ball to be snapped, KSU vs ISU will continue to shape the story of Big 12 football.