Farmageddon Preview: Experts Favor Kansas State in Dublin Season Opener

DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2025 - As No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State prepare to renew their “Farmageddon” rivalry in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium, virtually all prognosticators lean toward a Wildcat victory in today’s Week 0 kickoff.

Kansas State opens as a 3-point favorite over the Cyclones. The spread is set at K-State −3.5, with a moneyline of −160. Iowa State checks in at +3.5 or +132 on the moneyline, while the over/under is set between 50.5 and 52.5 points.

Sports Illustrated predicts a 28–23 win for Kansas State. They point to the Wildcats’ strong offensive line and Iowa State’s weak receiving corps. The breakdown shows that Kansas State’s ground game, led by Rate Bowl MVP Dylan Edwards and dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, is key. They control the trenches and keep the chains moving.

Action Network’s Saturday picks highlight a first-half over of 24.5 points. This is due to both teams’ planned Week 0 offenses. Plus, expected rain showers might lead to fast scoring drives early in the game.

Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. Everyone is curious if Kansas State can live up to its favorite status. Will Rocco Becht and the Cyclones cause another upset on the road?