REACTION: Kansas State vs. North Dakota POSTGAME | Avery Johnson, Chris Klieman and MORE

Kansas State’s roster is deeper than people realize — and Saturday against North Dakota could be the game where hidden gems step into the spotlight. On today’s episode of Locked On Kansas State, I break down the names every Wildcat fan needs to know heading into Week 1. From offensive line sleeper Gus Hawkins to running back Devin Rice — who’s suddenly playing a major role after Dylan Edwards’ injury — to freshman safety Logan Bartley, this is the moment for new playmakers to prove they belong. We also react to comments from OC Matt Wells and DC Joe Klanderman, including: Wells addressing his play-calling after the Iowa State loss. Why K-State is shifting to a four-man front on defense. Which young secondary players (Rich, McIntosh, Fair, Bartley) are already earning trust. Finally, I give my prediction for Kansas State vs. North Dakota and what the Wildcats need to show before Army and Arizona loom on the schedule. This is about more than just bouncing back — it’s about making a statement. We have an important request. Locked On wants to hear from you. We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. This is your chance to tell us what you like, what you don’t, and answer questions about our advertising. Visit lockedonpodcasts.com/survey to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

Kansas State fans are still buzzing after the Wildcats’ tough loss to Iowa State in Dublin — and now the spotlight is squarely on Chris Klieman’s playcalling and Avery Johnson’s performance. In this episode, we break down: Risky 4th Down Calls: Why Klieman’s decision on his own 29-yard line with 8 minutes left became the turning point of the game . Avery Johnson’s Command: Did the sophomore QB show poise in brutal conditions, or did the offense fall too flat when it mattered most? Life Without Dylan Edwards: How the injury to K-State’s explosive RB shifted the entire game plan . Analytics vs. Gut Feel: Was K-State leaning too hard on analytics, or was this simply a coaching gamble gone wrong? Big 12 Context: Why one early loss doesn’t eliminate the Wildcats from the conference race — and how the season can still swing back in their favor . We’ll also touch on: Kansas State’s offensive depth (including the kicking situation) What fans should realistically expect against North Dakota Why overreactions after Week 1 can be misleading in a loaded Big 12 This is Kansas State football without the spin — just straight talk on where the Wildcats stand and how they get back on track. 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Did playcalling or execution cost K-State more? Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

Kansas State turns the page after the loss in Dublin and now faces its next opponent — the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. On this episode of Locked On Kansas State, we do a full breakdown of UND with special guest Zach McKinnell of FCS Football Central (Sports Illustrated). We cover it all: ✅ Running Game – Gavin Zebarth and Sawyer Sidel headline a dangerous backfield that returns production and physicality. Can K-State’s defensive line hold strong after getting worn down late against Iowa State? ✅ Offensive Line & Scheme – Five major contributors return up front, giving UND continuity and confidence. Will the Wildcats finally show dominance in the trenches? ✅ Quarterback Play – Sophomore Jerry Kaminski steps into the spotlight. What makes him a threat, and how much pressure will K-State’s front seven bring? ✅ Defense & Keys to the Game – A strong secondary, experienced linebackers, but questions on the defensive line. Can UND slow Avery Johnson and the Wildcats’ rushing attack enough to hang around? ✅ Upset Formula – What would North Dakota need to pull off a shocker in Manhattan? Turnovers, time of possession, and forcing K-State out of their rhythm are the keys. With Dylan Edwards out, Kansas State has a chance to reset the ground game, reestablish identity, and make a statement win before Army comes to town. Find Zach's BREAKDOWN of North Dakota here: https://www.si.com/college/fcs/mvfc/2025-north-dakota-football-preview-fcs Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

The Big Ten just can’t help itself. Reports are flying that the conference wants to expand again — eyeing a 20-team mega-league by 2030 — and guess who’s in the crosshairs? The Big 12. Utah and Kansas have emerged as prime candidates thanks to their AAU status and recent facility upgrades, and that sends shockwaves through the rest of the league. In this episode, we break down: The Big Ten’s endless greed and why they’re circling the Big 12 for more programs. Why Utah and Kansas are in the driver’s seat for Big Ten invites — and how Salt Lake City and Lawrence check all the “TV market” and “academic” boxes the Big Ten covets. The devastating fallout for Kansas State if KU bolts for the Big Ten — from recruiting disadvantages to the in-state rivalry becoming Iowa-Iowa State 2.0. What this means for the Big 12’s future and why Brett Yormark has to keep the league stable while the ACC teeters on collapse. Why the “Power 3” is inevitable and how K-State fans should view their program’s positioning in the long-term college football arms race. This isn’t just about Utah or Kansas — it’s about the survival of the Big 12, and whether schools like Kansas State get left behind in the next round of realignment. Hit LIKE if you’re tired of the Big Ten’s constant power grabs. Drop a COMMENT with your take: Should Kansas State be worried, or is this just noise? And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily K-State and Big 12 coverage — truth with teeth. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

BREAKING news out of Manhattan — Kansas State star RB Dylan Edwards has officially been ruled OUT for Saturday’s matchup vs. North Dakota, and he’s already doubtful for the Army game. On today’s episode of Locked On Kansas State, I’m joined by Jason Kinander of WIBW to break down what Edwards’ absence means for the Wildcats moving forward . We dive into: Why Edwards’ injury is such a massive hit to K-State’s backfield depth How Joe Jackson, Antonio Martin, and the young backs will need to step up immediately Whether the offense leaned too heavily on Edwards in the playbook against Iowa State — and why this could actually force a new identity to emerge Avery Johnson’s role moving forward — will the staff finally unleash his legs and creativity in the run game? Why there’s NO NEED TO PANIC just yet — and how the non-conference slate (North Dakota, Army, Arizona) sets up perfectly for K-State to reset before Big 12 play A look at the defense, depth questions, and why this weekend is a chance for new playmakers to emerge Kansas State might be 0–1, but this season is FAR from over. Arlington is still on the table — if the Wildcats can rally and avoid letting this injury define their year. 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Who needs to step up most with Edwards sidelined? 👍 Like & Subscribe for daily Kansas State updates! Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

College football just got messy. In the wake of Iowa State’s 24-21 win over Kansas State in Dublin, the Big 12 Conference and both athletic departments have come under fire for pushing away from the iconic “Farmageddon” name. What started as one of the coolest rivalry monikers in college football is suddenly being silenced — and fans are furious. In this episode, we break down: ✅ Why the Big 12 and ADs Jamie Pollard (Iowa State) & Gene Taylor (K-State) are distancing from Farmageddon ✅ The history of the rivalry dating back to 1917 and why it MUST be protected ✅ Reaction to Kansas State’s statement claiming they “never officially adopted” the Farmageddon name (despite old social posts proving otherwise) ✅ Whether this push is coming more from Iowa State or Kansas State leadership — and what it means for the future ✅ How marketing, tradition, and fan culture are being ignored in favor of “corporate branding” Plus, we dive into the on-field fallout from Dublin — Avery Johnson’s play, Dylan Edwards’ injury impact, and what both programs need to do to stay in the Big 12 title hunt. 👀 This isn’t just about a nickname. It’s about history, passion, and respect for one of the longest-running rivalries in college football. 📢 Sound off in the comments: Should the Big 12 BAN Farmageddon? Or is this one of the dumbest moves in conference history? #Farmageddon #KState #IowaState #Big12 #CollegeFootball We have an important request. Locked On wants to hear from you. We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. This is your chance to tell us what you like, what you don’t, and answer questions about our advertising. Visit lockedonpodcasts.com/survey to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

Kansas State turns the page after Dublin and now faces a dangerous North Dakota squad in Week 1. The Fighting Hawks bring a proven rushing attack led by veteran RBs Gaven Ziebarth and Sawyer Seidl — combining for nearly 1,700 yards last season — plus a veteran offensive line that returns four starters. Add in explosive special teams and new transfer weapons at wide receiver, and this is far from your typical FCS tune-up. In this episode of Locked On Kansas State, we break down: Why UND’s run game is the biggest test for K-State’s defense. The battle in the trenches: Wildcats’ new-look four-man front vs. UND’s experienced O-Line. Special teams X-factor Sawyer Seidl — can K-State avoid the big return? The QB situation for North Dakota: Simon Romfo’s experience vs. the rise of “Jerry Football” Kaminski. What Chris Klieman thinks of new UND head coach Eric Schmidt. Keys for Avery Johnson and the Wildcats’ offense to put this game away early. Kansas State doesn’t need to win by 60 — they just need to stay disciplined, stay healthy, and prove they can control a physical run-first opponent. Hit subscribe and drop your thoughts in the comments: 👉 Will Kansas State’s defensive line hold up against UND’s ground game? 👉 Which young players are you watching for K-State in this matchup? We have an important request. Locked On wants to hear from you. We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. This is your chance to tell us what you like, what you don’t, and answer questions about our advertising. Visit lockedonpodcasts.com/survey to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

Avery Johnson is STILL one of the best quarterbacks in college football — and Kansas State’s Week 0 loss in Dublin doesn’t change that. After throwing for 273 yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero turnovers against Iowa State’s top-tier secondary in miserable conditions, Johnson remains a legit Heisman dark horse and one of the Big 12’s elite signal-callers. In today’s Locked On Kansas State, Christian Rauh breaks down: 🏈 Avery Johnson’s Heisman Campaign — Why his performance against Iowa State proved his ceiling has risen, and why fans should BELIEVE he can still be in New York at season’s end. 💪 Linebacker Breakdown — Austin Romaine earns national honors, Desmond Purnell shows coverage ability but raises questions in run defense, and Gabe Powers flashes potential as a run-stuffer. Is this the deepest K-State LB room in years? 📉 The Dublin Curse — Every team that’s lost in Ireland since 2022 has failed to make a bowl. Can Chris Klieman’s Wildcats break the trend and keep Arlington in sight? K-State fans, what do you think: Is Avery Johnson still a legit Heisman contender? Who should step up in the linebacker rotation? And does the “Dublin Curse” worry you at all? Drop your takes in the comments ⬇️ #KState #AveryJohnson #Heisman We have an important request. Locked On wants to hear from you. We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. This is your chance to tell us what you like, what you don’t, and answer questions about our advertising. Visit lockedonpodcasts.com/survey to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman didn’t hold back in his Monday press conference after the Wildcats’ 24–21 loss to Iowa State in Dublin. In today’s episode of Locked On Kansas State, Christian Rauh breaks down Klieman’s reaction to the offensive line struggles, why the trenches are the biggest concern heading into Big 12 play, and how PFF grades highlight both the bright spot in John Pastore and the major issues in the run game . We also dive into: The revolving door on the right side of the offensive line Depth concerns across both the O-Line and D-Line Updates on Dylan Edwards’ injury status and potential return Defensive standouts like Donovan McIntosh and Wesley Fair The reasoning behind Klieman’s aggressive 4th-down decisions in Dublin Despite the early loss, this team still has everything in front of them. Can the Wildcats clean up the trenches before facing North Dakota and the gauntlet of Big 12 play? Join the conversation in the comments — what’s your confidence level in K-State’s offensive line moving forward? Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/lockedonKState Follow the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HhcfyjaoLGxYjsL1KmSZM #KansasState #KansasStateFootball #KansasStateWildcats #NCAA #CollegeFootball Big 12 Conference: Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, UCF Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Utah Utes, West Virginia Mountaineers Locked on Kansas State