The upcoming Week 8 showdown between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Colorado Buffaloes marks more than just another conference fixture; it revives a rivalry that has simmered since the Buffaloes re-entered the Big 12 in 2024.
A Renewed Rivalry
K-State has won both meetings since Colorado’s return, including a 24-14 victory in the latest clash where running back Joe Jackson rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
Revamped Offensive Arsenal
Colorado’s offense arrives in Manhattan with a fresh infusion of talent. Quarterback Julian Lewis capped the 2025 campaign with 589 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, while running back Richard Young, who transferred from Alabama, adds a dual-threat dimension. Wideout Danny Scudero, who topped the nation with 1,297 receiving yards and 10 scores last season, gives the Buffaloes a deep-ball weapon that can stretch any defense.
Yet the line that protects those playmakers has been a glaring weakness. In the final two games of the 2025 season, Colorado surrendered 11 sacks, a statistic that underscores the challenges facing the unit as it tries to find continuity.
Defensive Upgrades
On the other side of the ball, the defense is hoping new arrivals can turn the tide. Transfer Boo Carter, who arrived from Tennessee, is expected to anchor the secondary, while Liona Lefau, a recent addition from Texas, could reshape the linebacker corps. Both players arrived amid a defensive unit that struggled badly last year, giving up 53-7 defeats to Utah and 52 points in three quarters against Arizona.
A Grueling Schedule
The Buffaloes’ schedule only compounds the pressure. After opening with road tests against Georgia Tech and Northwestern, they must navigate a gauntlet of Big 12 opponents, including Texas Tech, Utah and Houston, before the season’s climax.
Historical Context
Historically, Colorado holds a 45-22-1 edge over K-State, but the narrative shifted in the most recent meeting. The Wildcats edged the Buffaloes 24-14, with running back Joe Jackson rumbling for 142 yards and three touchdowns, a performance that fuels the belief that K-State can again dictate the terms.
Pressure on the Coach
For Coach Prime, the stakes are personal. After a disappointing 3-9 finish in 2025, the coach is under intense scrutiny to prove that the program can rise above its recent malaise and contend for a conference title.