Picks and Predictions for the Kansas State Wildcats

If you’re ready to start betting on the Wildcats, you can use some of the following picks. Our team of handicappers loves betting on college ball, and they’ve refined their process for picking NCAAF games to give you the best chance of success. Upgrade to pro-level insights—lock in our premium picks today and tip the scales in your favor.

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Kansas State Wildcats History

Kansas State University’s football program dates back to 1896, making it one of the oldest in the nation. Over the years, the Wildcats have experienced periods of both struggle and success, with notable achievements in the Big 12 Conference. The team’s resilience and commitment to excellence have solidified its place in college football history.​

Under the leadership of coaches like Bill Snyder, the Wildcats transformed into a formidable force. Snyder’s tenure brought about a culture of discipline and hard work, leading to multiple conference titles and bowl game appearances. His impact on the program is still felt today, with many of his principles continuing to guide the team.​ Stay one step ahead of the bookies—check out our latest college football picks and ride the winners.

In recent years, Kansas State has continued to build on its legacy, consistently competing at a high level and producing NFL-caliber talent. The Wildcats’ dedication to developing players and maintaining a competitive edge makes them a team to watch each season.​

Kansas State Wildcats Timeline

• 1896: Kansas State fields its first football team.
• 1913: The Wildcats join the Missouri Valley Conference.
• 1948: Kansas State becomes a founding member of the Big Seven Conference.
• 1969: The Wildcats join the newly formed Big Eight Conference.
• 1993: Under Coach Bill Snyder, Kansas State achieves its first 9-win season.
• 1998: The Wildcats finish the regular season 11-0 and earn a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.
• 2003: Kansas State wins its first Big 12 Championship.
• 2006: Ron Prince takes over as head coach.
• 2009: Bill Snyder returns as head coach.
• 2012: The Wildcats win the Big 12 Championship and finish the season ranked in the top 10.
• 2018: Bill Snyder retires, and Chris Klieman is named head coach.
• 2022: Kansas State wins the Big 12 Championship under Coach Klieman.​
  

Kansas State Wildcats Stats

In the 2024 season, the Kansas State Wildcats showcased a balanced offensive and defensive performance. Offensively, they averaged 30.85 points per game, accumulating a total of 401 points over the season. Their rushing game was particularly strong, averaging 215.5 yards per game, ranking them 17th nationally. However, their passing game lagged, averaging 211.4 yards per game, placing them 143rd nationally.​

Defensively, the Wildcats allowed an average of 23.38 points per game. They were effective in limiting opponents’ rushing yards, allowing just 118.7 yards per game. However, they allowed 238.5 passing yards per game, indicating room for improvement in pass defense.

Overall, the Wildcats’ strengths lie in their rushing offense and rush defense, while their passing game and pass defense present areas for growth in the upcoming season.

Kansas State Wildcats Roster for 2025

The Kansas State Wildcats enter the 2025 season with a well-balanced roster that blends experience and emerging talent. Leading the offense is sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, a dynamic dual-threat signal caller with excellent mobility and a growing command of the playbook. His development will be central to Kansas State’s ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays. Want a full roster deep-dive? Visit our NCAAF team hub for stats, depth charts, and insider intel.

In the backfield, senior running back DJ Giddens provides a strong foundation for the Wildcats’ run-heavy scheme. Giddens is a physical runner who thrives in contact and consistently moves the chains, making him a reliable option in both early and late downs. Wide receiver Jayce Brown is expected to be Johnson’s top target this year. A junior with sharp route-running skills and dependable hands, Brown will be a key piece in elevating the passing game, especially in third-down situations and red zone opportunities.

On defense, linebacker Austin Romaine returns as one of the unit’s most consistent and hard-hitting players. Known for his vision and tackling ability, Romaine is the centerpiece of a defense that thrives on limiting big plays. In the secondary, senior safety Marques Sigle brings veteran leadership and a keen football IQ. His presence in coverage and ability to read quarterbacks makes him a major asset against pass-heavy opponents.

Kansas State Wildcats Injury Report

As of the latest updates, the Wildcats have managed to maintain a relatively healthy roster. Minor injuries have occurred, but no significant long-term absences are reported. This bodes well for the team’s continuity and performance in the upcoming season.

Before you start betting on the Wildcats this season, make sure you’re up-to-date with their latest injury report:

Kansas State Wildcats Betting Outlook and Trends

Betting on the Kansas State Wildcats in 2025 could offer some exciting opportunities for value, especially for those who keep a close eye on trends tied to their offensive and defensive identity. 

Under head coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats have leaned into a physical, run-first approach while maintaining a bend-but-don’t-break defense. With continuity at key positions and an emphasis on discipline, several patterns are already beginning to take shape this season that bettors should watch for. Track the hottest handicappers live on our leaderboard.

Dominance in the Run Game Leads to Prop Value

Kansas State has doubled down on its run-heavy offense in 2025, leaning into DJ Giddens’ bruising style and Avery Johnson’s mobility to keep defenses off-balance. In matchups against teams with weaker front sevens, the Wildcats are consistently exceeding expectations on rushing yards, both team-wide and individually. 

Bettors should look to capitalize on rushing props — particularly Giddens’ total yards and Johnson’s anytime touchdown odds — which have often been set conservatively early in the season. Against bottom-half run defenses, overs on Kansas State’s rushing totals have proven profitable.

Second-Half Scoring Surge

One of the more profitable trends emerging is Kansas State’s ability to wear teams down and score efficiently in the second half. Their offensive line is among the more physical in the Big 12, and the depth in the backfield allows them to remain fresh as opposing defenses tire. 

Bettors should consider second-half team total overs or live betting Kansas State after halftime when spreads are tighter and bookmakers haven’t fully adjusted. In games where the Wildcats are slightly favored or in close contests, they often cover late thanks to their grind-it-out style and strong time-of-possession numbers.

Undervalued Defense in Total Points Markets

The Wildcats’ defense isn’t flashy but it’s quietly effective, especially against the run. In 2024, they consistently held opponents below their projected team totals, and that trend has carried into 2025. Their red zone defense has been particularly stout, forcing field goals instead of giving up touchdowns. This has led to a number of games hitting the under, even when both teams were expected to light up the scoreboard. 

When matched against high-tempo offenses that typically attract over bettors, Kansas State games can offer contrarian value on the under — especially in conference play.

Betting Trends from Last Season

The 2024 season presented a mixed bag for Kansas State bettors, with several notable trends emerging:​

• Struggles Against the Spread (ATS): The Wildcats posted a 4–8 record against the spread in 2024. Despite being favored in 11 of their 12 games, they often failed to cover, indicating that oddsmakers may have overestimated their performance. 
• Inconsistent Road Performance: Kansas State struggled on the road, going 1–5 ATS in away games. This trend suggests caution when betting on the Wildcats in unfamiliar environments. ​
• Total Points Trends: The Wildcats’ games saw the total go OVER in 2 of their last 5 games and in 2 of their last 6 home games. This indicates a relatively balanced trend in total points betting, without a strong lean towards the OVER or UNDER.

Key Players for Betting on the Kansas State Wildcats

As the 2025 season unfolds, several Kansas State players stand out not only for their on-field performance but also for their potential impact on betting markets. Whether you’re looking at player props, team totals, or game outcomes, keeping tabs on these key contributors can offer valuable angles. Craving expert game breakdowns? Dive into our NCAAF previews for all the play-by-play.

Avery Johnson (QB, So.)

Johnson enters his sophomore campaign with high expectations after an impressive 2024 where he threw for 2,712 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also adding 605 rushing yards and 7 scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability gives him massive upside in both passing and rushing props, especially against teams that struggle with mobile quarterbacks. Bettors should monitor his rushing attempts closely in high-stakes games, as designed QB runs often increase in competitive matchups.

DJ Giddens (RB, Jr.)

Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024, proving himself to be one of the most reliable backs in the Big 12. His physical running style and heavy workload make him a consistent option for over bets on rushing yards, particularly in games where the Wildcats are favored and expected to lean on the ground game. He’s also shown improvement as a pass-catcher, giving additional upside for combined yards props.

Jayce Brown (WR, So.)

Brown hauled in 27 receptions for 437 yards and 3 touchdowns last season and is expected to take a step forward as Kansas State’s go-to deep threat. His big-play potential makes him an ideal target for long reception props or alt receiving yard lines. As Johnson gains confidence in the pocket, Brown’s target share could spike, especially in games where the Wildcats fall behind and need to pass more frequently.

Austin Romaine (LB, Jr.)

Romaine led the team with 96 total tackles and added 3 sacks in 2024, establishing himself as the defensive cornerstone. His ability to disrupt both the run and short-passing game impacts the flow of opposing offenses, often leading to stalled drives and field goals instead of touchdowns. While not directly tied to player prop markets, Romaine’s presence can influence unders on opponent team totals or first-half scoring.

Marques Sigle (S, Sr.)

Sigle contributed 60 tackles and 3 interceptions last year, showcasing excellent awareness and play recognition in the secondary. His ability to limit explosive plays and create turnovers can swing the momentum of a game, affecting both spread outcomes and total points. If you’re betting on Kansas State as an underdog or looking at defensive/special teams props, Sigle is often involved in the Wildcats’ game-changing plays.

Kansas State Wildcats Summary

The Kansas State Wildcats remain one of the most intriguing teams in college football when it comes to betting. Their hard-nosed rushing attack, solid defensive foundation, and continued development at key positions like quarterback and linebacker make them a team with both high upside and dependable betting angles. From identifying second-half scoring trends to capitalizing on undervalued defensive matchups, savvy bettors can find plenty of ways to profit throughout the 2025 season.

Whether you’re looking to place player props on stars like Avery Johnson and DJ Giddens, or you’re eyeing favorable spreads and totals, staying informed is the key to success. That’s where we come in. At ScoresandStats.com, our expert handicappers provide premium picks, deep-dive analysis, and actionable insights that go far beyond the box score. Sign up today to elevate your betting game and gain access to the tools and expertise you need to bet smarter on the Kansas State Wildcats — and every other team on your radar.