Cyclones and Wildcats Ignite “Farmageddon” Opener in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ireland - On a gray, drizzly day at Aviva Stadium, the famous “Farmageddon” rivalry began the 2025 college football season. Iowa State and Kansas State faced off today, August 23, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

At 12:00 p.m. ET, the No. 22 Cyclones and No. 17 Wildcats took the field for the 109th consecutive annual meeting of two Big 12 powers, drawing a crowd of 48,000 enthusiastic fans, including over 24,000 traveling supporters from the American Midwest. The neutral-site game was Iowa State’s first ever outside the United States. It was also the Cyclones’ first Big 12 season opener since 1997.

Iowa State came in with the best pass defense in the nation. They had a strong 11-win season in 2024. Key players in the secondary, Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, are back. Head coach Matt Campbell’s team has two strong rushers: Carson Hansen and Abu Sama. They’re joined by new transfer wide receiver Chase Sowell. Kansas State responded with coach Chris Klieman’s balanced strategy. Dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson led the charge. He threw for over 3,300 yards and added 600 rushing yards last season. All-Big 12 running back Dylan Edwards also played a key role.

Game officials saw a lively scene during pregame warmups. Both schools’ marching bands played, and fans in Cyclones red and Wildcats purple energized the stadium’s lower bowl. Despite the damp weather, the kickoff temperature stayed in the mid-50s. There was only a light wind, so it didn’t affect the game much.

The game aired on ESPN. It included detailed commentary about each team’s goals in the Big 12 and their hopes for the College Football Playoff. Kansas State was favored by 3.5 points before the game, with an over/under of 49.5 points. Both teams highlighted turnover margin as key to winning in this rivalry.

Kickoff took place with a festive fan zone outside the stadium. Alumni receptions and Irish-themed tailgate events were hosted by both universities. Many local fans, intrigued by American college football in Europe, explored Cyclones and Wildcats gear. They paired it with classic Irish dishes.

In the first quarter, both defenses showed their offseason upgrades by trading early three-and-outs. Iowa State’s punting team put Kansas State deep in their own territory on the first drive. Kansas State responded with a mix of runs and passes but ended up attempting a field goal. At halftime, the score stayed close. This showed the usual competitiveness of Farmageddon matchups.

Next, both programs come back to the U.S. to keep playing in 2025. On August 30, Iowa State will host Northern Iowa. Meanwhile, Kansas State will welcome Louisiana Tech. The Cyclones will take on Big 12 play again on September 6. The Wildcats will follow on September 7. Both teams will end their regular seasons with a Farmageddon match on November 29 in Ames.

This Dublin opener highlighted Farmageddon’s lasting charm. It stands out as one of college football’s longest rivalries. Plus, it’s a key neutral-site event that shows the sport’s global reach.