What's Happening?
The Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats are set to face off in the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, marking the first game of the 2025 college football season. This matchup between the two Big 12 rivals will take place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Iowa State, ranked No. 22, and Kansas State, ranked No. 17, will both be playing in the Dublin classic for the first time. Last season, Iowa State reached the Big 12 title game but fell to Arizona, while Kansas State won the 2024 Rate Bowl against Rutgers. In their last meeting in November 2024, Iowa State emerged victorious with a 29-21 win, and they have won four of the last five matchups against Kansas State.
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Why It's Important?
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic provides both Iowa State and Kansas State with an opportunity to gain an early advantage in the Big 12 conference standings. The game also offers a unique international exposure for both teams, potentially boosting their profiles and attracting new fans. For Iowa State, continuing their winning streak against Kansas State could solidify their position as a strong contender in the conference. Meanwhile, Kansas State will be looking to avenge their previous losses and establish themselves as a formidable opponent. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' rankings and postseason prospects.
What's Next?
Following the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, both Iowa State and Kansas State will continue their respective seasons with a focus on maintaining or improving their standings in the Big 12 conference. The performance in this game will be closely analyzed by coaches and analysts to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Fans will be eager to see how the teams adapt to the challenges of playing internationally and how this experience influences their performance in subsequent games. The results could also impact recruitment efforts and future scheduling of international games.
