How Does Jamie Pollard Feel About Farmageddon?

Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard spoke plainly this week about why the Big 12 is letting the Farmageddon rivalry with Kansas State fade away. Appearing in a clip that’s since gone viral, Pollard admitted that if it were solely up to himself and K-State AD Gene Taylor, the rivalry would continue.

“Both Gene and I would vote for it, but the fact of the matter is that there are 16 votes,” Pollard said on camera. It is not a subtle admission. Despite himself and Gene Taylor valuing the rivalry, there are more voices at the table than just theirs alone.

The rivalry is set to go dark in 2027, part of a broader reshaping of schedules as the Big 12 expands. The decision has drawn criticism from fans of both programs and fierce reactions online. One fan quipped that Iowa State fans “really hate Jamie Pollard” for this moment, highlighting the emotional fallout already stirring.

Farmageddon dates back more than a century, with uninterrupted matchups between Iowa State and Kansas State since 1917. It is among the longest-running series in FBS history. Now, continuity is at risk.

It isn’t just nostalgia at stake. Rivalries like this drive viewership, media buzz, and fan engagement, while still operating as one of college football’s core traditions. The fact that both ADs want it to continue underscores how painful this absence will feel. Pollard’s comment made that clear, even as his voice carried regret and resignation.

Concluding words from Pollard and Taylor do little to soothe fans, however. The Big 12’s expansion strategy may make logistical sense, but in doing so, it is erasing one of its most enduring stories. For now, Farmageddon remains for 2026; after that, all bets are off.