Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards (3) stiff arms Rutgers cornerback Jesse Ofurie on his way to a game-winning 36-yard touchdown Thursday in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Expectations Are High For Kansas State's Dylan Edwards As Featured RB

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Seth Kunz | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 3:18 PM ET

Coach Chris Klieman has quite the string of running backs in his time with the Kansas State Wildcats. Deuce Vaughn had three strong three seasons. DJ Giddens followed suit, and it seems like Dylan Edwards is the next in line after a record-setting performance against Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.

"Dylan Edwards is a star and he's a game breaker," Klieman said on Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days. "Edwards is going to be better because of a guy like Joe Jackson."

Kansas State led the Big 12 in yards per carry at 6.1, and ranked No. 2 in the conference in rushing with 2,801 as well as yards per game at 215.5. Giddens played a considerable role in the success, ranking No. 4 in the Big 12 in rushing yards with 1,343.

Giddens didn't play in the Rate Bowl, leading to Edwards' seventh start. Edwards had three touchdowns and ran for 196 yards, a Rate Bowl record.

Klieman noted the overall improvement of the roster also helps the transition from Giddens to Edwards.

"Between Dylan and Joe, they're two terrific running backs," Klieman said. "Everybody saw Edwards' ability to be a game breaker in the Rate Bowl, but I think all those guys will be better because we will be better around them."