However, the momentum didn't last long for Iowa State, and on second and goal at the Wildcasts' 1-yard line, a botched toss from quarterback Rocco Becht to Abu Sama resulted in a fumble, which Kansas State recovered.

No. 22 Iowa State survived a late comeback from No. 17 Kansas State to win a 24-21 slugfest and capture the first victory of the 2025 season at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The Cyclones converted on a critical fourth-and-3 to win a third straight game against Kansas State.

Chris Klieman and the Kansas State Wildcats open the 2025 football season in Ireland with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against Iowa State at Aviva Stadium. A Week 0 showdown, the game will reverberate throughout the Big 12 regardless of the result, as quarterback Avery Johnson looks to leave his mark in Manhattan.