The Kansas State Wildcats kick off the 2023 football season this fall looking to follow up on the program’s first double-digit win campaign in 10 years.
The Chris Klieman-coached team tore through the Big 12 a year ago, going 10-4 and 7-2 in conference play before upsetting No. 3 TCU in the Big 12 Championship game in overtime, 31-28.
Now, Klieman and company are tasked with following up that success against a loaded schedule that sees Kansas State play two teams that had 25 wins between them last fall (Troy and TCU), to go with eight foes that finished .500 or better.
They also must replace quarterback Adrian Martinez, who excelled in his one season with the program after transferring from Nebraska, along with dynamic running back Deuce Vaughn, who entered the NFL Draft after rushing for more than 3,500 yards in his three seasons.
It appears Kansas online betting oddsmakers aren’t sure the Wildcats will be able to do so, with BetMGM Sportsbook Kansas giving K-State +12500 title odds, while Caesars Sportsbook Kansas puts them in third when it comes to Big 12 title odds at +450.
Overall, the Wildcats rank behind Texas (+200) and Oklahoma (+220) on the Caesars Sportsbook Kansas Big 12 odds board, ahead of Baylor (+1200), Oklahoma State and Texas Tech (+1600 apiece).
As Kansas State spring football practice wraps up April 15, BetKansas.com — home to Kansas mobile betting apps reviews — broke down where the Wildcats stand.
K-State Rankings
- Recruiting Ranking (247 Sports): 5th in Big 12 (26 commits)/32nd nationally
- Big 12 Odds (Caesars Sportsbook Kansas): +450 (3rd)
- National Title Odds (BetMGM Sportsbook Kansas): +12500
Who Stands Out For K-State In 2023?
The Wildcats put together a strong recruiting class this offseason, ranking 32nd nationally and fifth in the Big 12 on 247 Sports, with Klieman and his staff bringing in 26 recruits.
One way or another, they’ll need to find someone to shoulder the load on the ground, replacing Vaughn and Martinez, who combined to run for 2,185 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Expect senior quarterback Will Howard to get a lot more looks in the passing and ground game, after throwing for 1,178 yards and eight scores and running for three scores in 2022.
Rising sophomore running back DJ Giddens figures to be the heir apparent in the backfield for the Wildcats, after running for 518 yards and six scores as a true freshman.
The 6-foot-1-inch back out of Junction City averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 2022 and had 98 receiving yards on six catches.
A major question mark for K-State this fall is whether they’ll be able to replace their top three receiving targets, in Malik Knowles, Phillip Brooks and Kade Warner, who all graduated.
Expect tight end Ben Sinnott to be a main target for whichever QB wins the starting job, as the rising junior is coming off a season where he hauled in 31 catches for 447 yards and four scores.
The Wildcats will need their younger players to step up as they prepare to face Southeast Missouri State at Bill Snyder Stadium on Sept. 2 to open the season. For the opener, and the entire season, BetKansas.com will have Kansas sportsbook promotions.
K-State 2023 Football Opponents
- Sept. 2: SE Missouri State (9-3 in FCS play)
- Sept. 9: Troy (12-2 in Sun Belt)
- Sept. 16: at Missouri (6-7 in SEC)
- Sept. 23: UCF (9-5 in AAC)
- Oct. 6: at Oklahoma State (7-6 in Big 12)
- Oct 14: at Texas Tech (8-5 in Big 12)
- Oct. 21: TCU (13-2 in Big 12)
- Oct. 28: Houston (8-5 in AAC)
- Nov. 4: at Texas (8-5 in Big 12)
- Nov. 11: Baylor (6-7 in Big 12)
- Nov. 18: at Kansas (6-7 in Big 12)
- Nov. 25: Iowa State (4-8 in Big 12)
- Total 2022 Record: 96-62 (.608)
