The highly anticipated 2025 college football season kicks off in dramatic fashion as the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats clash in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 23 in Dublin, Ireland, marking a historic international setting for the renewal of the long-standing Farmageddon rivalry. Iowa State enters the matchup riding a wave of momentum after a program-best 11–3 season in 2024, which included a breakthrough appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game and a strong finish capped by a bowl victory, all orchestrated under the steady hand of head coach Matt Campbell and the efficient play of quarterback Rocco Becht. Kansas State, meanwhile, turned in a resilient 9–4 campaign in 2024, proving again to be one of the conference’s most consistent programs under head coach Chris Klieman, with dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson leading a balanced offensive attack and the defense tightening late in the year. Both teams return a solid core of starters, and the game is expected to be closely contested, with Kansas State opening as a narrow 3.5-point favorite and the total set around 49.5 points, reflecting expectations for a methodical, defense-first affair. From a betting perspective, Kansas State has historically controlled the rivalry in terms of wins and covers, but Iowa State has flipped the narrative in recent seasons with two straight victories, including a decisive road win in Manhattan last year that helped propel them into the national conversation.

The international stage adds a unique wrinkle to this year’s opener, with both teams needing to adjust to long travel, new routines, and unfamiliar surroundings at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, where weather, jet lag, and logistics could play unexpected roles in performance. For Iowa State, the key will be leveraging Becht’s composure and timing in a spread offense that thrives on quick decisions and exploiting defensive mismatches, while their front seven, headlined by a disruptive defensive line, must contain Johnson’s scrambling ability and force third-and-long situations. Kansas State’s success will hinge on establishing the ground game early behind a veteran offensive line and protecting Johnson long enough to connect with explosive weapons on play-action, while defensively they must account for Iowa State’s multi-layered passing attack and avoid giving up chunk yardage through the seams. Special teams could be a decisive factor as well, especially in a venue where field position will be critical and kicking conditions are unknown, so execution on punts, kickoffs, and coverage units may decide close margins. Both coaching staffs are known for discipline and preparation, so whichever team adapts quicker to the Dublin environment and starts fast may seize early control of the game. With Big 12 implications on the line even in Week 0, this matchup offers not only fireworks to begin the college football season but also a proving ground for two teams with legitimate postseason aspirations. Whether it’s Iowa State solidifying its emergence as a new Big 12 power or Kansas State reasserting its perennial toughness, this neutral-site duel promises to be a tightly contested battle where physicality, coaching adjustments, and late-game execution will determine which side starts 2025 with a signature win.