The Wildcats finished the 2023 regular season 9–4 and 6–3 in Big 12 play. They earned a berth in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they defeated the NC State Wolfpack, 28-19.
The No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats opened their 2024 season with a 41-6 victory over UT Martin at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Quarterback Avery Johnson led the Wildcats by throwing two touchdown passes--including a 23-yard connection with Brayden Loftin--finishing with 153 passing yards. The Wildcats’ defense held the Skyhawks throughout the game and allowing only 134 total yards while recording four sacks. Kansas State's special teams also made a significant impact, highlighted by a blocked punt by Ty Bowman that resulted in a touchdown recovery by Colby McCalister.[3]
The Wildcats' defense remained strong, limiting UT Martin's rushing attack to just 36 yards on 38 carries. The win marked a solid start for the Wildcats, demonstrating balanced contributions from offense, defense, and special teams. Coach Chris Kleiman emphasized the need to improve despite the convincing win, pointing to a challenging road game against Tulane next week.[4]
In what was called hard-fought road game, the No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats pulled off a 34-27 victory over Tulane, securing their second win of the 2024 season. Kansas State’s defense made critical plays in the fourth quarter. Safety Jack Fabris returned a Tulane fumble 60 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.[6]
Darian Mensah's sharp passing helped Tulane build an early lead, finding Dontae Fleming for a 53-yard completion to set up a touchdown and connecting with Alex Bauman for a 36-yard score.[7]
On offense for Kansas State, Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes. DJ Giddens continued his strong season with 114 rushing yards and a 45-yard touchdown catch on fourth down.[6]
Tulane led for much of the game. Major impact came by Darian Mensah's 342-yard, two-touchdown performance and supported by key plays from receiver Mario Williams and running back Makhi Hughes.[8]
Tulane's offense did not continue the same performance during the second half, allowing Kansas State to mount a comeback. Kansas State's DJ Giddens played a pivotal role in the rally by rushing for 118 yards and catching a 45-yard touchdown on fourth down to tie the game. Tulane's final opportunity to tie the game was undone by an offensive pass interference penalty that nullified a touchdown with 17 seconds remaining.[7] Two plays later, VJ Payne’s interception in the end zone sealed the win for the Wildcats in the final seconds.[6]
The next day's college football rankings put Kansas State at #14 in the AP Top 25 and #15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. Tulane remained unranked.[9]
The No. 14 Kansas State Wildcats handed No. 20 Arizona its first loss of the season, winning 31-7 in Manhattan, Kansas. Arizona opened the game with a 14-play, 73-yard drive, capped off by Quali Conley's 1-yard touchdown run to take an early 7-0 lead. However, Kansas State responded with a methodical 15-play drive of their own, tying the game with a 3-yard touchdown catch by tight end Will Swanson. From there, Kansas State took control, with a 79-yard punt return touchdown by Dylan Edwards giving them a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, and they never looked back.[10]
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 110 yards. Kansas State dominated on the ground, accumulating 235 rushing yards, the most Arizona had allowed since 2022. Arizona's offense struggled after their opening drive, gaining just 137 yards in the second half and failing to score again. Quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 268 yards but was intercepted once and failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time in over two years. Penalties and special teams errors plagued Arizona throughout the game, stalling drives and giving Kansas State advantageous field positions.[11]
Arizona struggled to establish a consistent running game, managing only 56 rushing yards, their lowest total of the season. Kansas State extended their lead with a 9-yard touchdown catch by Brayden Loftin in the third quarter and a 1-yard run by DJ Giddens, capping off back-to-back 80-yard drives to put the game out of reach. Kansas State's defense held strong, preventing Arizona from scoring on their final three possessions and forcing two turnovers on downs in the fourth quarter.[12]
^Although both Kansas State and Arizona are in the Big 12, this game did not count in the conference standings due to the game being scheduled before Arizona joined the Big 12.
