Kansas travels to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the annual Sunflower Showdown. Specifically, Kansas State is looking to protect a 17-game winning streak in the series. While dealing with recent struggles. At the onset, the Wildcats are 3-2 after dropping their last two games. Including a 35-16 home loss to Houston. The Jayhawks are 2-3. Collin Klein is in his first College Football Odds season as head coach at his alma mater. The morning kickoff marks the first daytime start for this rivalry in Manhattan in several years.
Avery Johnson has been the centerpiece for Kansas State as a dual-threat quarterback who can beat defenses with his arm and his legs. The offense has been productive at times. In particular against non-conference opponents. But the defense has been inconsistent and was gashed on the ground by Houston.
Kansas has shown offensive explosiveness with running back Dylan Edwards, a former Kansas State player. KU also has enough playmakers to keep games interesting despite an uneven overall record. The Jayhawks’ defense will need to contain Johnson’s mobility if they hope to snap the Online betting streak.
Kansas leads the all-time series. But the recent history belongs entirely to Kansas State. The Wildcats have won every meeting since 2008, including close ones and blowouts. They’ve been especially dominant at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, October 17, 2026, with kickoff at noon Eastern |
|---|---|
| Location: | Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, NY. |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Jayhawks | +4½ ( -111 ) | 55½ ( -110 ) | +164 |  |
| Kansas State Wildcats | -4½ ( -111 ) | 55½ ( -111 ) | -200 | |
| ||||
The Kansas Jayhawks visit the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with kickoff at noon Eastern at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. FS1 has the national broadcast.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats Matchup Analysis
Avery Johnson is most dangerous when he can threaten with both the run and the pass on early downs. He has shown he can accumulate yards with his legs and find receivers downfield. However, defenses have held him in check when they commit to limiting his scramble lanes. This forces him to operate from the pocket.
Kansas will need its front seven to stay disciplined, set firm edges, and force Johnson to throw rather than create with his feet. If the Jayhawks allow him to escape the pocket or pick up easy yards on designed runs, Kansas State’s offense can stay on schedule. In turn, they need to keep the game within its preferred tempo.
Kansas State’s offensive line has been inconsistent against stronger fronts. So Kansas has a realistic path to disrupt timing if it can generate consistent pressure without overcommitting.
On the other hand, Kansas State’s defense has been vulnerable to the run in recent weeks. They gave up significant yardage on the ground to both Cincinnati and Houston.
Edwards, a former Wildcat, brings legitimate speed and big-play ability that can punish soft edges or missed tackles. Kansas will look to get him involved early on the perimeter. In addition, the passing game can stress Kansas State’s linebackers and safeties.
If the Wildcats cannot stack the box and limit Edwards on first and second down, the Jayhawks can sustain drives and keep Johnson off the field. Kansas State’s secondary has been strong against the pass for much of the season. But it hasn’t been tested as much when the run game isn’t controlled.
SBG Free Picks
To conclude, Sharps like Kansas to take the College Football Betting points and the under. The Wildcats have lost their last two games and are 2-3 against the spread. Of major concern is that their run defense has been soft against both Cincinnati and Houston.
SBG Best Bet: Kansas Jayhawks and Under the Total.