The McAlary Effect

[djp73]

Game Report

Kansas Dominates Arizona State 45-13: Jayhawks Fly High with Defensive Masterclass and Ground Game Prowess


13 | 45
3-8(2-6) | 9-2(7-1)
Saturday, November 21st, 2026
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas
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Lawrence, Kansas - In a commanding performance at home, the 25th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks dismantled the Arizona State Sun Devils 45-13, improving to 9-2 on the season and solidifying their Big 12 title aspirations. Kansas dominated from the opening whistle, showcasing a relentless defense and a heavy rushing attack that left the Sun Devils reeling.

Kansas wasted no time putting points on the board. Quarterback Isaiah Marshall connected with Damien Keo for a 1-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. The Jayhawks followed up quickly with a 2-yard touchdown run from Terrelle Warren, giving them a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Kansas’ aggressive play calling and efficient execution on both sides of the ball immediately put Arizona State on the back foot.

Arizona State fought back in the second quarter, managing to put up 13 points. Baker Tucker’s 20-yard field goal broke the ice for the Sun Devils. A 1-yard run from Darren Burley, coupled with another field goal by Tucker, cut the Kansas lead to a single score. However, the Jayhawks’ defense made a pair of game-changing plays. Seth Sahara returned a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown, and Jalen Todd intercepted a pass and returned it 39 yards to the house. These back-to-back defensive touchdowns snuffed out Arizona State's momentum and stretched the Kansas lead to 28-13 at halftime.

The Jayhawks continued to impose their will in the third quarter. Kicker Shaq Durham added to the tally with an 18-yard field goal, showcasing Kansas’ ability to capitalize on field position. Johnny Thompson Jr. followed up with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 38-13. Kansas’ rushing attack, led by Thompson and Avery Muamba, consistently chewed up yardage, wearing down the Arizona State defense.

The final quarter was more of the same as Kansas put the finishing touches on a dominant victory. Harry Stewart III powered his way into the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run, capping off a methodical drive. The Jayhawks' defense pitched a shutout in the second half, sealing a comprehensive 45-13 win.

Kansas racked up an impressive 502 total yards, with 324 coming on the ground. The Jayhawks' defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions, and held Arizona State to just 2.8 yards per carry. Kansas controlled the clock, more than doubling up Arizona State in time of possession, highlighting their efficient, grind-it-out style. On the flip side, Arizona State managed only 149 yards of total offense, struggling to find any rhythm against a stifling Jayhawks defense.

Head coach Jordan McAlary’s squad looks every bit like a contender for the Big 12 crown as they head into the season finale against archrival Kansas State, with a spot in the conference championship game on the line. With a steady offense and a surprising defense capable of game-changing plays, Kansas has all the ingredients for a strong finish.

As the regular season winds down, Kansas fans have plenty to be excited about. The Jayhawks proved they can dominate when it matters, but their biggest test awaits next week in a high-stakes showdown that could punch their ticket to the Big 12 Championship Game.

Additional Media



















Scoring Summary
First Quarter:
(KU) Damien Keo 1-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick), 4:51
(KU) Terrelle Warren 2-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 2:31
Second Quarter:
(ASU) Baker Tucker 20-yard field goal, 7:08
(ASU) Darren Burley 1-yard run (Baker Tucker kick), 5:47
(KU) Seth Sahara 13-yard fumble return (Shaq Durham kick), 4:52
(KU) Jalen Todd 39-yard interception return (Shaq Durham kick), 4:28
(ASU) Baker Tucker 25-yard field goal, 0:02
Third Quarter:
(KU) Shaq Durham 18-yard field goal, 4:58
(KU) Johnny Thompson Jr. 1-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 3:36
Fourth Quarter:
(KU) Harry Stewart III 3-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 3:50

Key Statistics

Passing - I. Marshall 9/18 83Yds 1TD 1Int
Rushing - J. Thompson Jr. 25Car 102 Yds 1TD, A. Muamba 16Car 97Yds, H. Stewart III 12Car 68Yds 1TD, I. Marshall 6Car 57Yds, T. Warren 1Car 2Yds 1TD
Receiving – J. Hamm 4Rec 41Yds, A. Muamba 2Rec 22Yds, K. Kubecka 1Rec 16Yds, H. Stewart III 1 Rec 3Yds, D. Keo 1Rec 1Yd 1TD
Tackles - J. Russell 6, T. Davis 6
Sacks – G. Grimes 2.0, S. Sahara 1.5, M. Calvin 1.0, J. Moses 0.5
Takeaways – J. Todd 1Int 1TD, D. Maxson 1Int, J. Moses 1Int 1FF, S. Sahara 1FR 1TD
Special Teams - S. Durham 1/1FG 6/6XP, D. Greaves 1Pt 48.0Avg, A. Muamba 2KR 33Yds, M. Cooke 2KR 30Yds 5PR 32Yds


Passing – C. Fox 9/27 75Yds 3Int
Rushing – D. Burley 14Car 63Yds 1TD, J. Green 4Car 52Yds
Receiving – J. Sherman 4Rec 30Yds, K. Black 2Rec 22Yds, D. Burley 1Rec 14Yds
Tackles – J. Van Dyke 14, M. Carr 14, M. Hughes 10, T. Milstead 10
Sacks – J. Deeter 1.0
Takeaways – M. Hughes 1Int, J. Deeter 1FF 1FR
Special Teams – B. Tucker 2/2FG 1/1XP, I. Hershey 6Pt 34.6Avg, C. Daly 2KR 60Yds, K. Black 1PR 2Yds

Up Next

[djp73]

Jayhawk Talk

Each week following their game Kansas Head Coach Jordan McAlary makes an appearance on KLWN to talk about the game, we'll include a few key points in this article.

“We talked all week about coming out strong, and the guys really answered the call. It was a complete team performance from start to finish. Offense, defense, special teams—everyone played their part. I couldn’t be prouder of how they executed the game plan."

“Jalen Todd stepped in and made some huge plays for us. His pick-six was a turning point in the game and gave us a big momentum boost. We’ve had some key guys banged up, and Jalen came in ready, prepared, and showed why we have so much confidence in him. He’s got a nose for the football and always seems to be in the right place at the right time."

"Seth Sahara was all over the field. That fumble return for a touchdown was a great example of him staying locked in, being aggressive, and making the most of his opportunities. We’ve had some injuries on the defensive line, and Seth’s been asked to take on a bigger role. He’s really embraced it and has been a spark for us these past few games."

"Depth has been key for us all year, and it was on display again Saturday. When you have guys like Jalen and Seth stepping up, it shows the strength of our program. We’re not just relying on our starters—we’ve got a full roster of players ready to contribute. That’s going to be crucial as we get ready for Kansas State next week, with so much on the line."

"We know what’s at stake. It’s going to be a battle, and we’ll need everyone to be at their best. But this team has shown time and again that they’re ready for the challenge. We’re looking forward to a great week of preparation and then giving it our all in front of our home crowd."

"You know, people look at our playbook and maybe expect us to be slinging it around every down, but football isn’t about forcing a system—it’s about maximizing the talent you have. Right now, our strength is in our run game and the physicality of our offensive line, so that’s what we’re leaning into. Sure, I love a good air raid as much as the next coach, but I’d rather win the game than stick to a script. We’ve got the guys who can pound the rock, and it’s been working for us. We’ll always play to our players’ strengths and adjust as needed. That’s how you build a winning football team."

[djp73]

Big 12 Update
Week 12

Big 12 Headlines
Kansas Cruises Past Arizona State: No. 20 Kansas rolls over Arizona State 45-13, improving to 7-1 in Big 12 play and setting up a showdown against Kansas State for a spot in the conference championship game.
Kansas State Survives Colorado Scare: No. 10 Kansas State holds on for a gritty 30-24 win over No. 13 Colorado, keeping their title hopes alive heading into the season finale against Kansas.
West Virginia Upsets Oklahoma State: West Virginia secures a thrilling 30-27 victory, knocking Oklahoma State out of bowl contention.
Iowa State Rallies to Beat Cincinnati: Iowa State edges out No. 15 Cincinnati 34-28, dealing a blow to the Bearcats' playoff aspirations.
TCU Outlasts UCF in Offensive Shootout: No. 14 TCU triumphs 38-17 over UCF, continuing their strong season in the Big 12.
Utah Dominates Texas State: No. 25 Utah overpowers Texas State 34-7, solidifying their bowl eligibility.
Baylor’s Defense Stifles Houston: Baylor edges Houston in a defensive battle, winning 14-7.

Big 12 Scores
West Virginia 30, Oklahoma State 27
Arizona 48, BYU 18
Kansas State 30, Colorado 24
Baylor 14, Houston 7
Utah 34, Texas State 7
TCU 38, UCF 17
Iowa State 34, Cincinnati 28
Kansas 45, Arizona State 13

Big 12 Players of the Week
Defensive: Kansas LE Greydon Grimes – 5 tackles, 2 sacks vs. Arizona State
Offensive: Cincinnati WR Dakarai Anderson – 6 receptions, 159 yards, 2 TDs vs. Iowa State

Big 12 Conference Standings

Team	W-L	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	HOME	AWAY	STK
Kansas	9-2	0.818	7-1	359	246	5-1	4-1	W4
Kansas State	8-3	0.727	6-2	399	271	3-3	5-0	W1
Colorado	8-3	0.727	6-2	360	297	5-1	3-2	L1
UCF	6-5	0.545	5-3	306	292	4-2	2-3	L1
Utah	8-3	0.727	5-3	316	212	3-2	5-1	W2
TCU	8-3	0.727	5-3	319	257	4-3	4-0	W4
Texas Tech	6-5	0.545	4-4	308	325	4-2	2-3	L1
Arizona	5-6	0.455	4-4	316	277	1-4	4-2	W4
Cincinnati	7-4	0.636	4-4	316	272	3-3	4-1	L1
Oklahoma State	5-6	0.455	4-4	234	304	0-4	5-2	L2
Iowa State	7-4	0.636	4-4	326	237	3-3	4-1	W1
Baylor	4-7	0.364	3-5	238	282	3-2	1-5	W1
West Virginia	3-8	0.273	3-5	309	303	2-5	1-3	W1
Arizona State	3-8	0.273	2-6	246	321	3-3	0-5	L4
BYU	2-9	0.182	1-7	177	348	2-4	0-5	L1
Houston	2-9	0.182	1-7	251	326	1-4	1-5	L3

[djp73]

NCAA Update
Week 12

NCAA Headlines
Alabama Reclaims No. 1 Spot: The Crimson Tide leapfrog Georgia after a gritty 24-21 win over Mississippi State.
Kansas Climbs to No. 20: The Jayhawks surge up the rankings following a dominant 45-13 victory over Arizona State, setting up a showdown against No. 10 Kansas State.
Oklahoma Remains Undefeated: The Sooners maintain their perfect record with a thrilling 50-48 win over Georgia, strengthening their playoff resume.
Colorado Holds Steady at No. 13: The Buffaloes remain in the hunt after a narrow 30-24 loss to Kansas State, with a crucial game against Oklahoma State looming.
Heisman Watch: Alabama’s Ty Simpson continues his impressive campaign, while Michigan's Blake Corum makes a late-season push.

National Players of the Week
Defensive: Nicholas Rodriguez (Missouri) vs. Texas — 7 tackles, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries
Offensive: Tyler Jefferson (Central Michigan) at Kent State — 23-29, 400 pass yards, 6 pass TDs, 69 rush yards, 2 rush TDs

Top 25 Rankings

College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings
Rank	LW	Team	W-L	Last Week	This Week
1	2	Alabama	11-0	W 24-21 at Mississippi State	vs Auburn
2	3	Oklahoma	12-0	W 50-48 vs Georgia	---
3	4	Michigan	10-1	W 42-7 vs Indiana	at 19 Ohio State
4	1	Georgia	10-1	L 50-48 at Oklahoma	vs Georgia Tech
5	6	Washington	10-2	W 17-14 vs Penn State	---
6	9	Nebraska	9-2	W 31-20 vs Oregon	at Iowa
7	7	Tennessee	9-2	W 52-49 vs South Carolina	at Vanderbilt
8	13	Notre Dame	8-3	W 38-16 vs Syracuse	at USC
9	16	Miami	8-3	W 28-17 at North Carolina	at Syracuse
10	20	Kansas State	8-3	W 30-24 vs Colorado	vs 20 Kansas
11	5	Duke	8-3	L 45-21 vs Clemson	vs Boston College
12	21	San Jose State	9-2	W 36-28 at Marshall	vs Boise State
13	11	Colorado	8-3	L 30-24 vs Kansas State	at Oklahoma State
14	19	TCU	8-3	W 38-17 at UCF	vs Texas Tech
15	23	SMU	8-3	W 30-28 vs Virginia	vs California
16	8	Charlotte	8-3	L 33-21 at USF	at Tulane
17	NR	USF	9-2	W 33-21 vs Charlotte	vs UAB
18	14	South Carolina	8-3	L 52-49 at Tennessee	vs Clemson
19	22	Ohio State	7-4	W 41-7 vs Northwestern	vs Michigan
20	25	Kansas	9-2	W 45-13 vs Arizona State	at 10 Kansas State
21	24	Clemson	8-3	W 45-21 vs Duke	vs South Carolina
22	NR	Oregon State	8-3	W 34-7 at UCLA	vs Washington State
23	NR	UCLA	6-5	W 35-28 vs USC	at 22 Oregon
24	NR	Oregon	8-3	W 31-20 at Nebraska	vs UCLA
25	NR	Utah	8-3	W 34-7 at Texas State	vs West Virginia

Dropped from rankings: USC 12, Cincinnati 15, North Carolina 17, Nevada 18

Heisman Watch

Player	POS	School	Last Game
Gunner Stockton	QB	Georgia	L @ Oklahoma 48-50, 379Yds 6TD 4Int
Anthony Evans III	WR	Georgia	L @ Oklahoma 48-50, 140Yds 2TD
Jackson Arnold	QB	Oklahoma	W vs Georgia 50-48, 304Yds 4TD 2Int, 63 Rush Yds
Ty Simpson	QB	Alabama	W @ Mississippi State 24-21, 181Yds 2TD, 12Rush Yds
Eli Holstein	QB	Pittsburgh	---

[djp73]

Recruiting Update

Kansas loses Maramarosa to Georgia, lands McGarity and Lester

The Kansas Jayhawks have made significant strides on the recruiting trail, landing commitments from several key prospects who look to bolster the team’s future depth and talent.

New Commitments:

Sean McGarity (WR, 3-star) – Hailing from Tickfaw, Louisiana, McGarity is a 6'1", 211-pound physical wide receiver who has verbally committed to Kansas. Known for his strong hands and ability to fight for contested catches, McGarity fills a crucial need at the wideout position. He chose Kansas over strong interest from Virginia, Minnesota, and Rutgers.

Marco Lester (SS, 3-star) – The 5'10", 217-pound safety from Alexandria, Louisiana, has also pledged his commitment to the Jayhawks. Lester brings a hard-hitting, run-support style to the secondary, adding toughness and depth. He had offers from several Power 5 programs but ultimately felt Kansas was the right fit.

Missed Targets:

Diego Maramarosa (ATH, 5-star) – Kansas was in the running for the versatile athlete from Brock, Texas, but Maramarosa ultimately committed to Georgia. The Jayhawks pushed hard for his signature, but the allure of the Bulldogs’ program proved too strong.

Thomas Schilling (CB, 3-star) – Despite Kansas’ interest, Schilling opted to commit to UTSA. The Houston, Texas native preferred the opportunity for immediate playing time with the Roadrunners.

Overall Recruiting Outlook:
With these commitments, Kansas has filled key needs, particularly at wide receiver and safety. Head coach Jordan McAlary emphasized the importance of recruiting versatile and physical players, and both McGarity and Lester fit the mold of what the program is looking to build. Although missing out on top-tier targets like Maramarosa stings, the Jayhawks have positioned themselves well heading into the final stretch of the recruiting season.

Recruiting Class (Listed by National Ranking)
##	POS	NAME		Class	NATL	STATE	POS	Home	HT	WT	Signed
01	CB	Immanuel Jones		HS	312	44	26	Forney, TX	6'1"	177	Week 11
02	MLB	Tracey Sledge		HS	456	6	19	Saint Louis, MO	6'2"	238	Week 10
03	CB	Kevin Genus		HS	464	66	45	Fort Worth, TX	6'3"	178	Week 8
04	P	Anthony Newson		HS	553	48	2	Cartersville, GA	6'5"	220	Week 9
05	FS	Emanuel Manuel		HS	625	89	17	Mount Enterprise, TX	5'10"	211	Week 9
06	ROLB	Juan Kay		HS	714	109	37	Frisco, TX	6'1"	233	Week 11
07	HB	Zach Boyett		HS	863	12	77	Kansas City, MO	5'9"	198	Week 11
08	WR	Sean McGarrity		HS	917	28	106	Tickfaw, LA	6'1"	211	Week 12
09	SS	Marco Lester		HS	1170	37	30	Alexandria, LA	5'10"	217	Week 12

Recruiting Targets (Listed by National Ranking)
##	POS	NAME		Class	NATL	STATE	POS	Home	HT	WT	Stage | Interest
01	WR	Dominick Beard		JUCO(SO)	606	20	73	Boutte, LA	6'5"	200	Top 5 | 1st
02	RG	Lee Arcuri		JUCO(SO)	671	98	41	Trophy Club, TX	6'3"	334	Top 8 | 3rd
03	RE	Darrius Capps		HS	1089	9	74	Wichita, KS	6'2"	264	Top 5 | 1st
04	CB	Josh Alvarado		HS	1096	163	88	Humble, TX	6'1"	180	Top 5 | 1st
05	FS	Paul Payne		HS	1240	19	36	Saint Charles, MO	5'10"	198	Top 5 | 1st
06	WR	Jake Sharpe		JUCO(JR)	1292	17	145	Tulsa, OK	6'4"	195	Top 8 | 1st
07	ATH	Alex Connor		HS	1481	13	82	Olathe, KS	6'5"	234	Top 5 | 1st
08	RE	Kareem Sarria		HS	1606	27	97	Saint Louis, MO	6'2"	267	Top 10 | 1st
09	WR	Jon Tobin		HS	1663	21	181	Yukon, OK	6'2"	203	Top 10 | 1st
10	RE	Eric Heurtelou		HS	1863	25	106	Jones, OK	6'3"	278	Top 10 | 1st
11	P	Rakkim Darby		HS	2108	31	38	Saint Louis, MO	6'4"	213	Top 5 | 1st

Recruits Lost (Listed by National Ranking)
##	POS	NAME		Class	NATL	STATE	POS	Home	HT	WT	Signed
01	ATH	Diego Maramarosa		HS	30	5	1	Brock, TX	6'1"	208	Georgia(Verbal)
02	RT	Stephen Chancey		HS	290	1	21	Wamego, KS	6'4"	293	Iowa State(Verbal)
03	DT	Nick Ballage		HS	427	2	26	Wichita, KS	6'4"	304	Nebraska(Verbal)
04	ATH	Tyler Jones		HS	574	4	25	Wichita, KS	6'2"	225	Tulsa(Verbal)
05	ROLB	Jordan Roper		HS	590	10	32	Malvern, PA	6'1"	245	Bowling Green(Verbal)
06	DT	George Boldonado		HS	616	9	34	Saint Louis, MO	6'3"	282	Missouri(Verbal)
07	CB	Thomas Schilling		HS	675	100	56	Houston, TX	6'0"	172	UTSA(Verbal)
08	MLB	Tony Street		HS	765	8	40	Choctaw, OK	6'2"	227	Texas State(Verbal)
09	DT	Jamerson Sills		HS	868	6	52	Overland Park, KS	6'3"	309	Kansas State(Verbal)
10	RE	Anton Terrill		HS	915	13	62	Saint Louis, MO	6'0"	233	Arkansas State(Verbal)
11	RE	Deandre Steele		HS	951	7	65	Lawrence, KS	6'3"	291	Kansas State(Verbal)
12	DT	David Clabo		HS	1062	7	65	Fayetteville, AR	6'5"	299	Arkansas(Verbal)
13	LT	Manny Puente		HS	1277	21	48	Saint Louis. MO	6'6"	304	Missouri(Verbal)
14	MLB	Deandre Rourke		HS	1330	19	66	Owasso, OK	5'11"	225	Tulsa(Verbal)

[djp73]

2026 Sunflower Showdown Preview
High Stakes and Rivalry Renewed
By Dee Pinya | @dpinya | November 25, 2026



The 2026 Sunflower Showdown between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas State Wildcats promises to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent memory. With both teams eyeing a spot in the Big 12 Championship, Saturday’s game in Manhattan carries monumental stakes. No. 20 Kansas (9-2, 7-1 Big 12) comes into the contest riding a four-game winning streak, while No. 10 Kansas State (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) looks to maintain their dominance in a rivalry they haven’t lost since 2008.

Big 12 Championship Implications

This year’s edition of the Sunflower Showdown isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about punching a ticket to the Big 12 Championship Game. Kansas currently sits atop the conference standings at 7-1, with Kansas State right behind them at 6-2. Colorado (6-2) lurks in third place, ready to capitalize on any slip-up. A win for either team would secure their spot in the title game, while a Kansas State victory could create chaos at the top of the standings.

Kansas State’s High-Flying Attack

The Wildcats boast one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, led by senior quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson has thrown for 3,176 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only four interceptions this season, making him one of the most efficient passers in college football. His top targets—Quenton Rice, Andre Davis, and Jayce Brown—form a dynamic trio at wide receiver, combining for over 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns. Kansas will have its hands full containing this group, especially given the injuries that have depleted their secondary.

Defensively, Kansas State is anchored by outside linebacker Rex Van Whye, who leads the team with 6.0 sacks, and cornerback Alvin Buchanan, who tops the squad with three interceptions. Van Whye’s ability to disrupt the backfield and Buchanan’s ball-hawking skills will be crucial against a Kansas offense that has struggled with turnovers.

Kansas’ Ground-and-Pound Approach

For Kansas, the key to victory lies in controlling the tempo and establishing their ground game. Quarterback Isaiah Marshall’s dual-threat abilities have been a catalyst for the Jayhawks all season, but he’ll need to be smart with the football against a disciplined Kansas State defense. Marshall has shown he can hurt teams with both his arm and legs, but ball security will be paramount; Kansas leads the Big 12 in turnovers with 20 on the season.

The Jayhawks will also lean heavily on their two-headed monster at running back. Johnny Thompson Jr. has rushed for 1,222 yards and nine touchdowns, while Avery Muamba has added 716 rushing yards and 491 receiving yards with three total scores. Wide receiver Damien Keo has emerged as Marshall’s go-to target, racking up 716 yards and a team-high eight touchdown receptions.

On the defensive side, Kansas is led by linebacker Roddy Orr (76 tackles, 4.5 sacks), defensive end Greydon Grimes (13.0 sacks), and Tony Terry (9.5 sacks). Cornerback Jeremiah Moses has been a standout in the secondary, snagging seven interceptions this season. However, the Jayhawks’ defense has been hit by injuries, with DE Lyle Carreon, OLB Donte Cantrell, and cornerbacks Kaleb Purdy and Terrance Yates all sidelined. Yates’ injury in last week’s win over Arizona State leaves Kansas particularly thin at cornerback, forcing them to get creative with their lineup to slow down Kansas State’s prolific passing attack.

Key Matchups and Game Plan

Kansas will need to rely on their nation-leading pass rush, which has recorded 48 sacks, to pressure Avery Johnson and disrupt his timing with his talented receiving corps. However, with their secondary depleted, getting to Johnson quickly will be essential. The Jayhawks’ strength on the defensive front has made them the best rush defense in the Big 12, and they’ll look to force Kansas State into third-and-long situations.

On offense, Kansas will aim to control the clock with their ground game, keeping the Wildcats’ explosive offense on the sidelines. Expect a heavy dose of Thompson Jr. and Muamba, as the Jayhawks attempt to wear down Kansas State’s front seven.

The Rivalry Factor

Kansas head coach Jordan McAlary might be new to the Sunflower Showdown, but he understands the weight of the moment. “I may be new to this rivalry, but I know what it means to our fans, our alumni, and this program,” McAlary said earlier this week. “We’ve got a great opportunity in front of us, and we’re going to embrace it. We know what’s at stake.”

The Jayhawks haven’t beaten the Wildcats since 2008, a streak that has only added fuel to their preparation this week. Kansas State, on the other hand, will look to defend their home turf and continue their dominance in the rivalry, led by their veteran leaders and star-studded offense.

The Bottom Line

With a trip to the Big 12 Championship on the line, this year’s Sunflower Showdown has the makings of an instant classic. Will Kansas finally break their losing streak and solidify their place in the title game? Or will Kansas State’s high-powered offense prove too much to handle once again? One thing’s for sure: all eyes in the Big 12 will be on Manhattan this Saturday.

[djp73]

Game Preview

9-2(7-1) | 8-3(6-2)
Saturday, November 28th, 2026
Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium | Manhattan, Kansas
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Kansas Season Results
Week 1 W 27-7 vs UCF
Week 2 W 49-24 vs Missouri
Week 3 L 22-29 vs MTSU
Week 4 W 24-14 @ Western Kentucky
Week 6 W 45-27 @ West Virginia
Week 7 W 23-17 @ Utah
Week 8 L 21-45 @ TCU
Week 9 W 36-23 vs BYU
Week 10 W 36-33 vs Baylor
Week 11 W 31-14 @ Oklahoma State
Week 12 W 45-13 vs Arizona State
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Kansas State Season Results
Week 1 W 49-21 vs Kent State
Week 2 L 25-28 vs Washington State
Week 3 W 35-27 vs Tulane
Week 4 L 27-20 vs Oklahoma State
Week 6 W 55-10 @ Arizona State
Week 7 W 31-26 @ TCU
Week 8 W 39-25 @ Iowa State
Week 9 W 42-28 @ Cincinnati
Week 10 W 45-24 vs Houston
Week 11 L 28-31 vs Arizona
Week 12 W 30-24 @ Colorado
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Team Leaders

Passing | QB Isaiah Marshall 1,819Yds 11TD 15Int
Rushing | HB Johnny Thompson Jr 1,222Yds 9TD, HB Avery Muamba 716Yds
Receiving | WR Damien Keo 716Yds 8TD, HB Avery Muamba 491Yds 3TD, TE Jaden Hamm 400Yds 1TD
Tackles | LB Roddy Orr 76, SS Taylor Davis 73, FS Brian Dilworth 62
Sacks | DE Greydon Grimes 13.0, DE Tony Terry 9.5, OLB Seth Sahara 6.0
Interceptions | CB Jeremiah Moses 7, SS Taylor Davis 4


Passing | QB Avery Johnson 3,176Yds 39TD 4Int
Rushing | HB Dylan Edwards 795Yds 4TD, QB Avery Johnson 407Yds
Receiving | WR Quenton Rice 869Yds 9TD, WR Andre Davis 740Yds 13TD, WR Jayce Brown 658Yds 10TD
Tackles | SS Colby McCalister 52, OLB Rex Van Whye 45, CB Darell Jones 45
Sacks | OLB Rex Van Whye 6.0, DE Jordan Allen 5.5, DE Chiddi Obiazor 5.5
Interceptions | CB Alvin Buchanan 3

Injuries
Kansas – RE Lyle Carreon, ROLB Donte Cantrell, CB Kaleb Purdy, CB Terrance Yates
Kansas State – C Michael Capria, OLB Asa Newsom, CB Donovan McIntosh

[The JZA]

We need this W right here! After crushing ASU like that, a repeat gotta be in the works

[djp73]

Looks like Kansas State might be the best team we have faced. That passing attack is downright scary. Add the fact that 2 of my top 4 CBs are hurt and it doesn’t look promising. tho

[James]

Need a W here to assert your dominance.