Game Report
Kansas State Defeats Kansas in Sunflower Showdown, Advances to Big 12 Championship Against Colorado
23 | 31
9-3(7-2) | 9-3(7-2)
Saturday, November 28th, 2026
Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium | Manhattan, Kansas
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Manhattan, Kansas - In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, the Kansas State Wildcats extended their dominance over the Kansas Jayhawks with a 31-24 victory on Saturday, marking their 18th consecutive win in the Sunflower Showdown. The Wildcats improved their overall series lead to 55 wins and punched their ticket to the Big 12 Championship Game. However, it won’t be a rematch against Kansas. Instead, Kansas State will face Colorado, which edged out Kansas for the second spot in the conference title game due to tiebreakers.
First Half Highlights
The game began with both defenses asserting their presence. Kansas advanced to midfield on their opening drive, relying heavily on the run game, but was forced to punt after quarterback Isaiah Marshall was sacked by Kansas State cornerback Alvin Buchanan on a crucial third-and-five. The Wildcats faced a similar fate when linebacker Logan Brantley sacked quarterback Avery Johnson, leading to a punt.
Kansas State broke the deadlock late in the first quarter. A series of key plays, including a 17-yard pass to Jayce Brown and a 15-yard screen to Dylan Edwards, set up Johnson's short touchdown run on an option keeper, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.
The Jayhawks responded early in the second quarter with a methodical 12-play, 81-yard drive, capped by Avery Muamba's four-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7. However, momentum shifted when Kansas State safety Colby McCalister intercepted Marshall and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, putting the Wildcats ahead 14-7.
Undeterred, Marshall led Kansas on a game-tying drive, highlighted by a 31-yard pass to Damien Keo on third-and-13. Marshall then showcased his mobility, scoring on a 13-yard run to level the score at 14-14. Kansas State reclaimed the lead just before halftime, with Johnson connecting with Garrett Oakley for a five-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-14.
Second Half Action
Kansas emerged from halftime with renewed vigor, forcing a three-and-out and capitalizing on favorable field position to add a field goal, narrowing the deficit to 21-17. The Jayhawks' defense continued to apply pressure, with Roddy Orr recording a significant sack that halted Kansas State's subsequent drive.
The Jayhawks appeared poised to take the lead, advancing deep into Wildcats' territory. Facing a fourth-and-two at the Kansas State 15-yard line, they opted to go for it. Disaster struck as Marshall was hit by defensive lineman Jordan Allen, who forced and recovered a fumble, returning it 68 yards for a touchdown, extending the Wildcats' lead to 28-17.
Kansas refused to relent. Marshall connected with Keaton Kubecka for a 34-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 28-23 after a failed two-point conversion.
With Johnson sidelined due to an apparent injury sustained in the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Blake Barnett stepped in. Barnett delivered a crucial 53-yard pass to Andre Davis, setting up a field goal that extended Kansas State's lead to 31-23.
Final Drive Falls Short for Kansas
Marshall and the Jayhawks had one last chance. A 41-yard catch-and-run by Muamba brought Kansas into striking distance at the Wildcats’ 34-yard line. Another completion to Muamba stopped the clock with 43 seconds left, but the Kansas offense stalled from there. On fourth-and-five, Marshall’s pass to Johnny Thompson Jr. was broken up, sealing the win for Kansas State.
Key Performances and Takeaways
Marshall Under Siege: Isaiah Marshall faced relentless pressure throughout the game, completing just 14 of 31 pass attempts for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked six times and hurried on numerous occasions, highlighting a critical issue Kansas must address moving forward.
Ground Game Shines for Kansas: Despite the struggles in pass protection, the Jayhawks ran for 223 yards. Johnny Thompson Jr. led the way with 101 yards, while Muamba added 95 yards and a rushing touchdown. Muamba also led Kansas in receiving, hauling in three passes for 61 yards.
Defensive Bright Spots: Kansas' defense held Kansas State to negative rushing yards, aided by five sacks, with Roddy Orr accounting for three. This was especially impressive given the absence of sack leader Greydon Grimes for much of the game due to an undisclosed injury.
Wildcats’ Aerial Attack: Kansas State threw for 303 yards, taking advantage of Kansas' secondary lapses and injuries. Limiting big plays through the air will be a major focus for Kansas in the offseason.
Looking Ahead
The loss proved doubly painful for Kansas. Not only did it extend Kansas State’s Sunflower Showdown winning streak to 18 games, but it also cost the Jayhawks a chance to play for the Big 12 title. Instead, Colorado will face Kansas State in the championship game, having edged Kansas due to tiebreakers.
For Kansas State, the focus shifts to preparing for Colorado and potentially managing without star quarterback Avery Johnson, whose status remains uncertain following a late-game injury. Meanwhile, Kansas will look to regroup after a season of significant growth but ultimate disappointment.
Additional Media
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
KSU: Avery Johnson, 2-yard run (Leyton Simmering kick), 2:25
Second Quarter
KU: Avery Muamba, 4-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 7:17
KSU: Colby McCalister, 80-yard interception return (Leyton Simmering kick), 4:31
KU: Isaiah Marshall, 13-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 2:05
KSU: Garrett Oakley, 5-yard pass from Avery Johnson (Leyton Simmering kick), 0:18
Third Quarter
KU: Shaq Durham, 30-yard field goal, 4:31
Fourth Quarter
KSU: Jordan Allen, 68-yard fumble return (Leyton Simmering kick), 7:24
KU: Keaton Kubecka, 34-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (2-point conversion failed), 3:41
Key Statistics
Passing - I. Marshall 14/31 173Yds 1TD 1Int
Rushing - J. Thompson Jr 24Car 101Yds, A. Muamba 14Car 95Yds 1TD, I. Marshall 10Car 10Yds 1TD
Receiving – A. Muamba 5Rec 61Yds, K. Kubecka 4Rec 48Yds 1TD, J. Hamm 3Rec 36Yds, D. Keo 2Rec 28Yds
Tackles – R. Orr 9, D. Maxson 8
Sacks – R. Orr 3.0, L. Brantley 1.5, G. Grimes 0.5
Takeaways – N/A
Special Teams – S. Durham 1/1FG 2/2XP, D. Greaves 4Pt 44.5Avg, M. Cooke 2KR 24Yds 3PR 8Yds
Passing – A. Johnson 22/31 228 1TD, B. Barnett ¾ 75Yds
Rushing – D. Edwards 8Car 23Yds
Receiving – J. Brown 7Rec 74Yds, A. Davis 4Rec 73Yds, D. Edwards 6Rec 60Yds, Q. Rice 2Rec 48Yds, G. Oakley 4Rec 27Yds 1TD
Tackles – C. Barta 11, C. McCalister 9, A. Romaine 9, A. Buchanan 9, R. Van Wyhe 9
Sacks – J. Allen 2.0, R. Kaesviharn 1.0, B. Workman 1.0, J. Galvan 1.0, A. Buchanan 1.0
Takeaways – C. McCalister 1Int 1TD, J. Allen 1FF 1FR 1TD
Special Teams – L. Simmering 1/1FG 4/4XP, S. McClannan 6Pt 28.3Avg, S. Lockett 1KR 25Yds 2PR 9Yds, J. Tye 1KR 15Yds
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