The K-State Wildcats have earned their first official ranking ahead of a highly anticipated season opener against Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.

After debuting at No. 20 in the Preseason Coaches Poll, K-State now finds itself firmly inside the top 20, coming in at No. 17.

There’s reason for optimism surrounding the 2025 Wildcats given the program’s consistency over the past three seasons.

K-State is one of only five Power 4 teams to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons, including at least one conference championship. The other four programs are Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Oregon. Not too shabby.

Coming off a 9-4 season and bowl game victory last year, Junior Quarterback Avery Johnson is poised to keep K-State’s stock on the rise.

Johnson finished last season as one of just five players in the nation to record 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards.

Avery Johnson and K-State will have a chance to climb the rankings right away, opening the 2025 season with a ranked conference matchup.

Iowa State enters at No. 22 in the Preseason AP Poll and comes off a win over the Wildcats in their last meeting on Nov. 30 in Ames.

The season opener will set the tone, but K-State looks every bit like a Big 12 contender.