Week 5 of the 2025 College Football season features a compelling Big 12 conference game between the UCF Knights and the Kansas State Wildcats. The game is set to take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. Fans can catch the action live on FS1.
UCF enters the game with a strong start to their season, holding a 3-0 record. However, this will mark their first road game, adding a new challenge for the Knights as they look to continue their winning streak. Their recent performance includes a dominant 34-9 victory over North Carolina, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Kansas State Wildcats are looking to improve upon their 1-3 record. Their season so far has seen a mix of narrow defeats, including a recent 23-17 loss to Arizona. Playing at home, where they hold a 1-1 record, the Wildcats aim to leverage home-field advantage to turn their season around.
Kansas State vs UCF At a Glance
- Game Venue: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, KS
- Game Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: FS1
- UCF Knights Record: 3-0 this season, 0-0 on the road
- Kansas State Wildcats Record: 1-3 this season, 1-1 at home
- Betting Odds: Kansas State favored at -220; UCF at +181
Kansas State Wildcats Prepare for UCF Knights Challenge
Offensive Performance
The Kansas State Wildcats have had a mixed start to their 2025 season, currently ranked 54th in points scored with a total of 97. Their passing game, led by quarterback Avery Johnson, has accumulated 851 yards, placing them 69th in the nation. However, their rushing game needs improvement, with only 435 yards, ranking 109th.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, the Wildcats have allowed 106 points this season, ranking 74th nationally. They have been effective in pressuring the quarterback, with 10 sacks placing them 8th overall. Additionally, Kansas State’s secondary has excelled with 1 interception, ranking them 2nd nationally in that category.
Recent Game Recap
In their recent outing against the Arizona Wildcats, Kansas State fell short with a 23-17 loss. Their offense struggled to maintain possession, managing only 8 first downs compared to Arizona’s 21. The Wildcats’ passing game was limited to 88 yards while their rushing attack added 105 yards.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Avery Johnson remains a pivotal figure for Kansas State, having thrown for 851 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. On the receiving end, Jayce Brown stands out with 25 receptions and 284 yards. Defensively, the team will rely on their strong pass rush to disrupt opponents.
Injury Concerns
Kansas State’s lineup faces uncertainties with several players listed as questionable, including wide receiver Jerand Bradley and offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick. Their availability will be crucial for the Wildcats’ performance against UCF.
Upcoming Game Outlook
Kansas State will host the UCF Knights at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. As 6-point favorites, the Wildcats aim to leverage their home advantage. A strong defensive showing will be key to securing a victory.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 13-3 in their last 16 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 19-6 in their last 25 games
- O/U – As Underdog: 11-3 in their last 14 games
- SU – After Loss: 11-3 in their last 14 games
- SU – As Favorite: 21-9 in their last 30 games
UCF Knights Look to Continue Winning Ways in Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
In the 2025 regular season, the UCF Knights’ offense has shown balanced production. They have accumulated 741 passing yards, ranking 91st, and 615 rushing yards, ranking 61st. This dual-threat approach has allowed them to secure 66 first downs, placing them 41st overall.
Comparing to the previous season, their passing game has seen a slight improvement, though it still ranks in the lower half nationally. However, their rushing game remains a reliable strength, a factor that has contributed to their offensive efficiency.
Defensive Strengths
The UCF Knights’ defense has been exceptional in the 2025 season. They have allowed just 26 points against them, ranking 6th in the nation. Their pass rush is formidable, recording 7 sacks, which places them 11th overall.
Turnover creation has also been a highlight, with 4 interceptions ranking 5th and 2 fumbles recovered, placing them 4th. This opportunistic defense has been key to their success, consistently putting their offense in favorable positions.
Recent Performance
UCF comes off an impressive 34-9 victory over North Carolina Tar Heels. In this game, they dominated both sides of the ball, especially in the passing game with 223 yards and a stout defense that allowed only 154 passing yards.
Earlier in the season, they overwhelmed North Carolina A&T Aggies 68-7, showcasing their offensive firepower with 360 rushing yards. Their ability to control the game on the ground has been crucial to their undefeated start.
Key Players
Quarterback Tayven Jackson has been leading the offense with 694 passing yards across three games, ranking 83rd nationally. While his touchdown numbers remain modest, his ability to manage the game effectively has been vital.
Running back Jaden Nixon has also been a standout, rushing for 160 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His performance on the ground continues to be a significant factor in the Knights’ offensive strategy.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – After Win: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 6 Games (2023–2024) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- SU – Away Games: Last 27 Games (2020–2024) → 12-15 (44.4%)
As the Knights prepare to take on the Kansas State Wildcats, they aim to continue their winning momentum. Their recent performances, both offensively and defensively, provide a solid foundation to build upon in this away game.
Kansas State vs UCF Prediction: Kansas State -6.0
Kansas State is entering this game as a 6-point favorite at home, an advantage that plays well into their track record. The Wildcats have an impressive 81.2% win rate in their last 16 home games, which suggests they thrive in their home environment. With a strong history of bouncing back after a loss, Kansas State is well-positioned to cover the spread against UCF.
UCF’s performance this season has been solid, with a perfect 3-0 record. However, their unbeaten streak has come at home, and this will be their first road test. Kansas State’s solid defensive stats, including a strong sack rate, could give them the edge needed to suppress UCF’s offensive threats.
Despite Kansas State’s recent loss to Arizona, their overall stats suggest potential for a rebound. The Wildcats have been competitive in high-scoring games and have an excellent track record against the spread in similar scenarios. UCF’s defense has been stout, but the Wildcats’ offensive capabilities could expose potential vulnerabilities.
Given Kansas State’s favorable home record and ability to recover after setbacks, they are the likely candidates to cover the -6.0 spread. Expect the Wildcats to leverage their home-field advantage and recent trends to secure a victory over the Knights.
- Kansas State vs UCF Prediction: Kansas State -6.0
- Kansas State vs UCF Score: Kansas State 31 – UCF 21
