Kansas State vs. Kansas Picks and Predictions: First Sunflower Showdown in New Stadium

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Jayce Brown and the Wildcats need a win this weekend in Stillwater - Kansas State Oklahoma State Picks

The Sunflower Showdown happens for the first time in the newly renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium this weekend, as the Kansas Jayhawks host the Kansas State Wildcats for a rivalry matchup. Kick off is early and both fan bases have no problem getting up to tailgate, so expect a packed stadium and a rowdy bunch of bodies in the stands. We’ve got our favorite picks in this contest that has a real interesting line and has been very one-sided for most of my own life. Can the Jayhawks finally end their losing streak over their in-state rival?

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Kansas State Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Football Insights

The Wildcats have had a disappointing season. After starting as many analyst’s pick to win the Big 12 (just me?) the Wildcats lost three of their opening four games. Lucky for them, they have won this rivalry matchup 16 straight times. The Jayhawks have not beaten the Wildcats since 2008 in Lawrence, so it’s been quite a long while since they’ve tasted victory over “Little Brother” (easy, that’s just for basketball). The Wildcats have (kind of) been finding their groove, and are certainly looking much better than they did at the beginning of the season.

As for the Jayhawks, none of their wins have been all that great, but their losses don’t look half bad. They’ve beaten Fresno State, Wagner, West Virginia and UCF, while losing to Missouri, Cincinnati and Texas Tech, teams that are all currently ranked. Surely they’ve had this matchup circled, especially with a bye week to prepare.

Matchup Information – Kansas State vs. Kansas – October 25

  • Venue & Location: David Booth Memorial Stadium (Lawrence, KS)
  • Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • Kick Off: 12:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: TNT

Kansas State vs. Kansas Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of October 23, 2025 at 4:34 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • Kansas State +3 (+100)
  • Kansas -3 (-120)

Moneyline

  • Kansas State +145
  • Kansas -165

Total

  • Over 56 (-110)
  • Under 56 (-110)

Why on Earth are the Jayhawks favored in this game? Just because they are at home? Is that enough? Three points does seem a little generous, but I’m going to lean into the narrative that it is more “telling”. It’s already passed through that key number on most books, and thankfully we paid some juice earlier in the week for our play.

Kansas State vs. Kansas NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Can Jalon Daniels end the Jayhawks' losing streak against Kansas State? - Kansas State Kansas Picks

Can Jalon Daniels end the Jayhawks’ losing streak against Kansas State?

Kansas State vs. Kansas Prediction: Kansas Wins and Covers, Over 56

Best Bet: Kansas ML (-165) BetOnline

Transparency report… I snagged (-145) earlier this week. I don’t hate the spread, but would advise you to just find a pairing for the Jayhawks to win if this is too juicy.

The Jayhawks rank top 15 in completion percentage, yards per pass and are top 30 in points per play. The offense is buzzing and I think they can certainly test the Kansas State secondary. We’ve seen the total rise (along with the spread) indicating there’s probably going to be some back and forth in this contest. There’s been at least 56 points in this rivalry game in three straight years and four of the last five as well. Ultimately, I think the Jayhawks’ offense is built better to last a shootout.

While Kansas struggles to stop the run, ranking bottom 10 in yards per carry allowed, they are top 35 in yards per pass allowed. The Wildcats are top 50 in yards per rush on both sides of the ball, controlling the trenches. But drop to north of 80 in yards per pass offensively and defensively. The Jayhawks will be able to control the passing attack while Kansas State tries to keep up on the ground. The Cats were out gained by 100 yards in their win over TCU and will need to dominate the time of possession and turnover battle in order to win this and keep the Jayhawks’ offense on the sidelines.

I don’t think they can do it.

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