Instant reaction to Kansas State’s season opener in Ireland, including what the loss means for the Wildcats long-term.

For the fourth straight year, the college football season started with a Week 0 tilt abroad, as Kansas State and Iowa State square off in Dublin.

In one of most pivotal games in the new-look Big 12, No. 22 Iowa State overpowered No. 17 Kansas State 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland, to kick off the 2025 college football season. A sloppy first half mixed with turnovers amid the pouring rain gave way to an explosive second half filled with points and precision.