DUBLIN – The Iowa State Cyclones secured a nail-biting 24-21 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, marking the opening game of Week 0 of the US college football season.
The closely contested match saw a total of six touchdowns, three for each team. Ultimately, a decisive field goal from Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy sealed the win for the Cyclones.
Cyclones Seize Early Lead
Table of Contents
- Cyclones Seize Early Lead
- Wildcats Rally to Tie
- Half-time Score: Kansas State Wildcats 7, Iowa State Cyclones 7
- Eskildsen’s Touchdown Reception
- Wildcats Re-Equalize
- Konrardy’s Crucial Field Goal
- Long Touchdown Responds
- Final Score: Kansas State Wildcats 21, Iowa State Cyclones 24
- Historic Big 12 Debut in Ireland
- Future Dublin Games Confirmed
Iowa State, the designated away team, broke the scoreless tie with 3 minutes and 26 seconds left in a mistake-laden first quarter. Quarterback Rocco Becht connected with wide receiver Dominic Overby for a 23-yard touchdown, capping a four-play, 49-yard drive.
Becht to Overby for six! 🙌
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/tKh3aEyHvY
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 23, 2025
Kicker Kyle Konrardy added the extra point, giving Iowa State a 7-0 advantage.
Wildcats Rally to Tie
Kansas State responded swiftly at the beginning of the second quarter. Avery Johnson found the end zone on a 10-yard run, concluding an eight-play, 65-yard drive. Luis Rodriguez kicked the extra point, leveling the score at 7-7.
Avery Johnson uses his legs to tie up the game 🍿
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/AJRtufbYDM
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 23, 2025
Konrardy had a chance to put the Wildcats ahead before halftime with a 49-yard field goal attempt, but it sailed wide right after a 12-play drive.
Half-time Score: Kansas State Wildcats 7, Iowa State Cyclones 7
Eskildsen’s Touchdown Reception
Brett Eskildsen displayed impressive composure and strength in the end zone, hauling in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht. The sophomore wide receiver secured the catch amidst defensive pressure. Konrardy’s successful kick extended Iowa State’s lead to 14-7, following an 11-play, 67-yard drive by the close of the third quarter.
First career TD catch for @EskildsenBrett was a beauty 🤩
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/iVEs78gTWA
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 23, 2025
Wildcats Re-Equalize
Kansas State once again answered a deficit by tying the game. Avery Johnson delivered a 37-yard touchdown pass to Jayce Brown, who ran into the end zone. Luis Rodriguez’s successful extra point made it 14-14 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the game.
TOUCHDOWN BROWN😤#Big12FB | @KStateFB |📺ESPN pic.twitter.com/2wVTy0F6DR
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) August 23, 2025
Konrardy’s Crucial Field Goal
On fourth down and five, Iowa State opted for a field goal. Konrardy’s 34-yard attempt was successful, giving the Cyclones a 17-14 lead with 10:04 left on the clock.
After Kansas State’s offense managed only 9 yards on four plays, Iowa State regained possession. The Cyclones drove down the field, gaining two first downs, before Becht ran for a 7-yard touchdown. Konrardy’s subsequent extra point extended their lead to 24-14.
Long Touchdown Responds
Just as the game seemed settled, Kansas State responded with another touchdown. From their own 35-yard line, Avery Johnson launched a 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerand Bradley. Rodriguez’s perfect extra point brought the Wildcats within three points, a deficit they couldn’t overcome.
IT’S A SECOND-HALF SLUGFEST IN DUBLIN 🥊@KStateFB swings right back as Avery Johnson zips it to Jerand Bradley for the 65-yard score.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/D7ELyv1fhv
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 23, 2025
Final Score: Kansas State Wildcats 21, Iowa State Cyclones 24
Historic Big 12 Debut in Ireland
This “Farmageddon” rivalry game was the first Big 12 conference game ever played in Ireland, marking the 13th time Dublin has hosted a US college football game. The event drew over 24,000 US visitors, providing a significant economic boost estimated at €130 million. The game was broadcast live on ESPN in the United States.
The Keough-Naughton College Football Ireland trophy was presented to the victorious Iowa State team.
Future Dublin Games Confirmed
Aviva Stadium is already slated to host US college football games in 2026 and 2027. Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina are scheduled to play in Dublin next season, followed by Pittsburgh and Wisconsin in 2027.
