Kansas State Wildcats Football

The Kansas State Wildcats football team represents Kansas State University in college football. For over a whopping 127 years, the Kansas State University Wildcats have dominated the field as part of the NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision (FBS) within the Big 12 Conference. Their home ground, the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, has been their fortress since 1968.

Under the expert guidance of Athletic Director Gene Taylor and Head Coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats have been making waves. Coach Klieman, leading the team for the fifth season, has an impressive record of 38 wins and 23 losses. The stadium buzzes with energy during home games, all thanks to the Kansas State University Marching Band, famously known as the Pride of Wildcat Land. Their performances add an extra dose of excitement to every home game and bowl match.

With a legacy steeped in history, the Wildcats continue to carve their path to success within the conference, showcasing their prowess in the exhilarating world of collegiate football. With a dedicated coaching staff and passionate fanbase, the Wildcats continue to strive for success on the football field.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Introduction

The Kansas State Wildcats football team represents Kansas State University and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1896. Competing in the NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision (FBS) within the Big 12 Conference, the Wildcats have showcased their talent at the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, boasting a seating capacity of 50,000.

Under the guidance of Athletic Director Gene Taylor and Head Coach Chris Klieman, the team has carved its place in college football. Their all-time record stands at 569 wins, 670 losses, and 41 ties, with a bowl record of 10 wins and 14 losses.

Throughout their journey, the Wildcats have clinched seven conference titles, securing championships in 1909, 1910, 1912, 1934, 2003, 2012, and most recently in 2022. They fiercely battle their rivals, including Kansas, Iowa State, Colorado, and Nebraska, contributing to the intensity of their matchups.

Draped in royal purple and white, the team takes pride in its colors while rallying behind their fight song, "Wildcat Victory." Willie the Wildcat stands as the team's beloved mascot, symbolizing the spirit and energy the Wildcats bring to every game. With a legacy of 14 Consensus All-Americans, Kansas State Wildcats Football continues to captivate audiences and strive for greatness on the gridiron.

Kansas State Wildcats Football History

The Kansas State Wildcats football program is an essential part of Kansas State University's sports legacy. Starting in 1893, the team played its early games against St. Mary's College and other opponents, with varying reports on the first official game. However, the first recorded match dates back to an 1896 loss against Fort Riley.

In its initial years, the team had different coaches, often recent college graduates who also played alongside the team during games. Despite a historical losing record of 561–667–41, the Wildcats have seen periods of success. Notably, under coach Bill Snyder, they secured two conference titles, went undefeated in the 1998 regular season, held a No. 1 national ranking, and had a 108-week streak in the AP Poll, a significant achievement in college football history.

Their home ground since 1968 has been the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. The Kansas State University Marching Band, known as the Pride of Wildcat Land, contributes to the team's spirit by performing at home games and bowl games.

In 2022, under head coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats clinched the Big 12 Conference title and participated in their inaugural Sugar Bowl appearance, marking another significant milestone for the program.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Coach

The Kansas State Wildcats football team, part of the Big 12 Conference, has had 32 head coaches and one interim coach since their first game in 1896. Chris Klieman is the current head coach, taking over in 2019. Initially called the "Aggies," the team became the "Wildcats" in 1915, with a brief stint as the "Farmers" from 1916 to 1919 before returning to the Wildcats in 1920.

Throughout their history, the Wildcats shifted conferences, joining the Big Six in 1928 and evolving into the Big Eight before becoming a founding member of the Big 12 in 1996. Four coaches guided the team to postseason bowl games, while Mike Ahearn, Guy Lowman, Pappy Waldorf, and Bill Snyder secured conference championships for the Wildcats.

Bill Snyder holds numerous coaching records at KSU, coaching for 27 seasons and achieving the most wins and games coached. Notably, Snyder is the sole coach to have earned major national coach of the year honors while leading Kansas State. Coaches like Snyder, Charles Bachman, and Pappy Waldorf have been honored in the College Football Hall of Fame for their coaching prowess.

The Bill Snyder Family Stadium stands proudly in Manhattan, Kansas, serving as the battleground for the Kansas State University Wildcats football team. Named in honor of legendary head coach Bill Snyder's family, this stadium is a hub for American football.

With a seating capacity of 50,000, it ranks as the eighth-largest among present Big 12 members. Throughout its history, the stadium has witnessed thrilling games, boasting a home record of 169–51–1 (.767) over the past 31 seasons from 1990 through the 2022 season.

The stadium underwent renovations in 2013 and 2015, donning an impressive exterior featuring limestone cladding on two sides. Towering structures with decorative limestone battlements add a touch of history reminiscent of the school's former World War I Memorial Stadium. Notably, the record attendance at this electrifying venue stands at a staggering 53,811, marking the passion and enthusiasm of the Wildcats' fanbase for their football team.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Rivals

Kansas (Sunflower Showdown)

The Sunflower Showdown, the enduring rivalry between Kansas State and Kansas, commenced in 1902, enduring 108 years, ranking as the sixth-longest continuous series in NCAA football. Annually since 1911, they vie for the Governor's Cup trophy. Kansas leads at 64–51–5, though disputes linger due to Kansas not acknowledging a forfeited 1980 victory. In 1995, a ranked Kansas State (No. 14) triumphed 41–7 over No. 6-ranked Kansas, marking a significant victory.

Iowa State

The Iowa State matchup began in 1917 and spans 102 years, the longest uninterrupted series in college football. Iowa State maintains a slight lead at 52–49–4. Named "Farmageddon," neutral-site games in Kansas City witnessed Kansas State's victories in 2009 (24–23) and 2010 (27–20), emphasizing their agriculture programs. Kansas State has dominated, securing 26 wins in the last 33 matchups.

Nebraska

The Nebraska rivalry, active from 1913 to 2010, saw Nebraska lead at 78–15–2. Kansas State's pivotal 1998 victory, ending 29 straight losses, marked a turning point. Notable moments include their 1939 televised game and a 1992 Tokyo match in the Coca-Cola Classic. These rivalries showcase long-standing traditions and historic moments in college football history.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Records and Stats

The Kansas State Wildcats football team has a historical all-time record of 569 wins, 670 losses, and 41 ties, totaling a win percentage of .461. In bowl games, they've secured 10 victories out of 24 appearances, with a bowl record of 10–14, showcasing a .417 winning rate. Throughout their football journey, the Wildcats have earned seven conference titles, clinching championships in 1909, 1910, 1912, 1934, 2003, 2012, and 2022. Among these, six were outright championships, showing their sole dominance, while one was a shared triumph.

Within the Big 12, Kansas State triumphed with four division championships, all achieved in the Big 12 North. These accomplishments highlight the team's historical successes within their conferences and postseason bowl games, showcasing their prowess and competitive spirit in college football.

Conference championships

Division championships

Kansas State Wildcats Football Roster

The Kansas State Wildcats Football Roster for 2023 is shaping up to be a talented and competitive team. With Head Coach Chris Klieman leading the charge, the Wildcats are looking to build on their recent success and continue to compete at a high level in the Big 12 Conference.

At the quarterback position, Will Howard is expected to be the starter for the Wildcats. He showed promise in his freshman year and will be looking to take the next step in his development. Behind him, Jaren Lewis and Jake Rubley will provide depth and competition.

The running back position is deep and talented, led by Deuce Vaughn. He is coming off a fantastic sophomore season and will be one of the premier players in the conference. Joe Ervin and Jacardia Wright will be valuable backups, providing a change of pace and explosiveness.

The wide receiver position is also filled with talent, led by Malik Knowles and Phillip Brooks. Both players have shown the ability to make big plays and will be key contributors to the Wildcats' offense. Chabastin Taylor and Keenan Garber will also be valuable contributors, providing additional depth and versatility.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats have a strong defensive line led by Timmy Horne, who is expected to be one of the best players in the conference. Felix Anudike and Khristian Lander will also be key contributors, providing depth and explosiveness.

Overall, the Kansas State Wildcats Football Roster for 2023 is a talented and competitive team that will be looking to build on their recent success and compete at a high level in the Big 12 Conference. With a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players, the Wildcats are poised for another successful season.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Schedule

The Kansas State Wildcats Football Schedule for 2023 has been announced, and it's an exciting lineup for fans of the team. The Wildcats will kick off their season on September 2nd against the Buffalo Bulls at home. This will be followed by a game against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on September 9th.

The Wildcats will then hit the road for two consecutive weeks. On September 16th, they will face the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. The following week, on September 23rd, they will travel to face the Nevada Wolf Pack at Mackay Stadium in Reno. Kansas State will return home on September 30th to take on the Oklahoma Sooners, which is sure to be a highly anticipated game. This will be followed by a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 7th, also at home.

The Wildcats will then hit the road once again to face the TCU Horned Frogs on October 14th and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 21st. They'll close out the month with a home game against the Baylor Bears on October 28th. In November, the Wildcats will play two away games, starting with the West Virginia Mountaineers on November 4th and the Texas Longhorns on November 11th. The Wildcats will finish their regular season schedule at home against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 18th.

Overall, the Kansas State Wildcats Football Schedule for 2023 is sure to be an exciting one for fans of the team. With a mix of home and away games against tough opponents, it will be interesting to see how the Wildcats fare in the upcoming season.