As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Kansas State Wildcats are on the verge of clinching a bowl berth. With only three games remaining, the team is determined to achieve more than just a victory. Their aspirations for early-season goals may have faded, but head coach Chris Klieman has set a clear and attainable target: earning bowl eligibility. Currently, the Wildcats hold a record of 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big 12, fully aware of what lies ahead as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Since Klieman took over in 2019, Kansas State has established itself as a consistent postseason contender, making bowl appearances each season except for the year impacted by the pandemic. Under his guidance, the Wildcats have participated in various bowl games, including the Liberty Bowl, Texas Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the Rate Bowl. While reaching a lower-tier bowl game may not be viewed as a major achievement, hitting the six-win milestone carries significant importance. It offers the team valuable extra practices and builds momentum for the offseason. Simply put, participating in a bowl game is preferable to staying home while others compete in December.
The Wildcats are fortunate that their remaining schedule appears favorable. They are favored in two of their last three matchups, which include a road game against Oklahoma State and a home finale against Colorado. Securing victories in both contests would elevate their record to 6-5, officially guaranteeing their 14th bowl appearance since 2010. A potential finish of 6-6 or even 7-5 could land Kansas State in one of the Big 12″s middle-tier or non-contractual bowl games.
Although the Wildcats may not contend for premier postseason games such as the College Football Playoff, Alamo Bowl, or Pop-Tarts Bowl, there remains much at stake. A strong finish could open doors to several attainable postseason destinations. The Texas Bowl could be a possibility if Kansas State wins all their remaining games, but a return to familiar venues like the Liberty Bowl or Independence Bowl seems more likely. Additionally, the Wildcats have a history with many of these bowl sites, having competed in the Liberty Bowl twice in recent years (2016 and 2019) and making their inaugural bowl appearance at the Independence Bowl in 1982.
Current national projections regarding Kansas State“s bowl prospects vary. According to Sports Illustrated, they are projected to face Western Kentucky in the Independence Bowl. Meanwhile, ESPN suggests a matchup against Kennesaw State, while College Football News lists Cal as a possible opponent. Other outlets, such as USA Today, favor the First Responder Bowl against North Texas, with Athlon Sports predicting a Liberty Bowl clash with Florida.
Regardless of where they end up, the path for Kansas State is straightforward: win two of the final three games to continue their postseason streak.
