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Why Kansas State football's game at Big 12 member Arizona is considered nonconference

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 6:13 GMT by The Topeka Capital-Journal
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Kansas State’s 2025 Football Calendar: A Mix of Big 12 Showdowns and Hard‑Hit Non‑Conference Games

The Wildcats’ 2025 regular‑season slate is shaping up to be a true test of the program’s mettle. According to the latest release on the Kansas State Athletics website, the 12‑game schedule will feature eight conference matchups against fellow Big 12 foes, paired with four non‑conference contests that include a high‑profile matchup at the recently‑renamed Arizona Stadium, a trip to Boise State, a home game against a Southern‑American power, and a finale at an out‑of‑region opponent. The schedule is designed to stretch the Wildcats on the road and at home, offering plenty of televised games for the fans in Manhattan and beyond.

Opening Night: Arizona – A Big 12‑Albeit‑Non‑Conference Show

Kansas State’s season kicks off on September 8, when the Wildcats head west to play the Arizona Sun Devils at the Arizona Stadium in Tucson. Although both schools now belong to the Big 12, the matchup is considered a “non‑conference” fixture because it falls outside the predetermined intra‑conference rotation. The game is slated for an 8:00 p.m. MST kickoff and will be broadcast on the Big 12 Network. It promises a bright‑spot for the program, offering a chance to test the team against a strong Pac‑12 program that finished the previous season with a 10‑3 record.

Home‑Field Battle: Boise State – A Tough Test of the Wildcats’ Grit

The next scheduled non‑conference opponent comes in the form of the Boise State Broncos, who will travel to the Bronco Stadium in Manhattan on September 15. Boise State has a storied history of tough play in the Mountain West, and the 2025 game is expected to be a hard‑fought contest. The Wildcats’ coaching staff has highlighted the importance of securing a win on the road to bolster the team’s morale before the conference slate begins.

Conference Play Commences: A Rollercoaster of Big 12 Battles

The Big 12 run starts on September 22 with an away game at Oklahoma State, followed by a home showdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 29. The schedule then has the Wildcats travel to Baylor on October 13, return home for a clash with the TCU Horned Frogs on October 20, and finish the conference road leg with a trip to Kansas on November 3. These games feature a mix of traditional rivalries (Kansas State–Kansas) and high‑stakes conference matchups that will influence the championship standings.

Closing the Season: Southern‑American Power and a Final Non‑Conference Tilt

After the conference schedule, the Wildcats head east to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on November 10 in a hard‑fought contest that will test the team’s resilience. The final regular‑season game takes place on November 17, when the Wildcats travel to UCF in Orlando for a high‑energy finish. The game is slated for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff, and will be televised on ESPN.

Implications for the 2025 Campaign

Kansas State’s 2025 calendar presents a number of strategic considerations for the program. The early‑season non‑conference game at Arizona offers a chance to build momentum against a reputable opponent, while the home win against Boise State can serve as a confidence boost. The Big 12 slate includes a tough road trip to Oklahoma State and Baylor, two of the conference’s perennial powerhouses. Meanwhile, the home contests against Texas Tech and TCU could prove pivotal for the Wildcats’ standings in the West division.

The final two non‑conference games against Georgia Tech and UCF serve a dual purpose: they provide a measure of the team’s depth and stamina as the season stretches into its third month, and they create opportunities for bowl‑eligible play. The Wildcats’ overall record will be judged not only on conference performance but also on the quality of their non‑conference wins.

Fan Engagement and Broadcast Opportunities

For fans, the schedule offers plenty of live television action. In addition to the Big 12 Network broadcasts, many games will air on national networks such as ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN family of channels. Local broadcasts will feature the Wildcats’ own “Wildcats on the Radio” feed, ensuring that fans can follow the action even if they cannot attend in person.

Final Thoughts

In sum, the Kansas State Wildcats’ 2025 football schedule is a well‑balanced mix of conference and non‑conference games that will test the team’s depth, consistency, and adaptability. By opening the season against a respected power like Arizona and following up with a challenging non‑conference opponent in Boise State, the Wildcats set the tone for a season that could bring new excitement for the fans, new challenges for the coaching staff, and a fresh chance at conference glory. With a carefully orchestrated calendar, Kansas State is poised to give its supporters a memorable 2025 season.