The upcoming Week 4 showdown between Kansas State and Cincinnati marks more than just another non‑conference fixture; it is the first true test for the Wildcats under head coach Collin Klein and the first Big 12 battle for the Bearcats.
Cincinnati entered the previous season with lofty expectations after a promising start, only to tumble through a five‑game skid that culminated in a 35‑13 defeat to Navy in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
The Bearcats will be without several key contributors from that roster, including quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who after a brief stint at Texas Tech pursued a career in the NFL Supplemental Draft following a sports‑gambling controversy, and wide receiver Cyrus Allen, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as tight end Joe Royer, selected by the Cleveland Browns.
Adding to the intrigue, Cincinnati has pinned its hopes on JC French IV, a standout from Georgia Southern whose impressive season earned him the starting quarterback role, while sophomore running back Zion Johnson looks to cement his status as a legitimate Big 12 starter.
Defensively, linebacker Jake Golday, who enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, was snapped up by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft with the 51st overall pick, leaving a void that senior Jonathan Thompson now hopes to fill as the unit’s new leader.
Turnover creation has been a persistent weakness for the Bearcats; they intercepted just two passes last season, the fewest in the nation, a statistic that could prove decisive against a disciplined Kansas State offense.
Both squads have navigated relatively gentle non‑conference schedules, positioning them to enter the contest with unbeaten records and a chance to shape early Big 12 standings.
A Turning Point for Both Programs
The stakes extend beyond conference play, influencing recruiting momentum, coaching narratives and the early perception of each team’s championship aspirations.