No. 22 Iowa State survived a late comeback from No. 17 Kansas State to win a 24-21 slugfest and capture the first victory of the 2025 season at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The Cyclones converted on a critical fourth-and-3 to win a third straight game against Kansas State.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown in the Aer Lingus Classic.

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.

SportsLine's computer model simulated Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones 10,000 times at Aviva Stadium in Dublin and released its college football best bets

Big 12 contenders and College Football Playoff hopefuls in Kansas State and Iowa State face off in Ireland in Week 0 in an early showdown.

The first clear sign that college football is officially back was more than the literal first kickoff of the season Saturday between No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State in Dublin.

Kansas State fans criticize head coach Chris Klieman after turnover-filled loss to Iowa State in 2025 college football opener

Those who made the trip to Ireland may not want to see a Guinness for a while after Kansas State lost its Week 0 opener vs Iowa State.