Kansas State Stands Alone in ESPN’s Latest Rankings

Chris Klieman and the Kansas State Wildcats are standing alone in ESPN’s latest SP+ Top 25 rankings. Kansas State landed at No. 18, the only Big 12 team to appear in the metric-driven projection. No other conference program cracked the list, including several that were ranked in the preseason AP Top 25.

Arizona State, ranked No. 11 in the AP poll, failed to make the cut. Iowa State and Texas Tech, who came in at No. 22 and No. 23, respectively, were also left off ESPN’s model. The SP+ system prioritizes returning production, efficiency, and overall roster metrics, which often creates a sharp contrast with traditional polls.

Kansas State checks all the boxes in that formula. With Avery Johnson returning at quarterback and dynamic transfer Dylan Edwards in the backfield, the Wildcats bring back key contributors on both sides of the ball. Klieman’s program has been one of the most consistent in the league, and the data leans heavily in their favor.

Still, the absence of other Big 12 contenders is hard to ignore. Arizona State was one of the most improved teams in the country last fall. Iowa State returns much of its core from a strong defensive unit. Texas Tech has been a trendy pick for a breakout season. Yet none of them earned a spot in ESPN’s projection.

The Big 12’s balance may be working against it. With so many teams close in overall profile, no single program outside of Kansas State stood out statistically. But preseason numbers are just that—projections.

The real sorting starts in September.