Kansas State football is preparing to open its 2025 season in a big way — both figuratively and geographically. The No. 20 Wildcats will square off against No. 21 Iowa State in a highly anticipated Week 0 matchup in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
This year’s roster features a wave of new talent across multiple key positions. With departures from last year’s squad, head coach **Chris Klieman** and his staff have named **14 new starters** heading into the season opener. These players represent a mix of transfers, former backups stepping up, and promising young talent now ready to take the spotlight.
Here’s a look at Kansas State’s new starters — and what kind of impact they’re expected to have this season:
**Offensive Starters**
**Jaron Tibbs, WR (Transfer from Purdue)**
At 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds, Tibbs brings size and Big Ten experience to the receiver room. He caught 25 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns last season at Purdue and has impressed Klieman with his precise route running and ability to stretch the field.
**Jerand Bradley, WR (Transfer from Boston College/Texas Tech)**
Bradley is a 6-foot-5, 223-pound red zone threat. Though he saw limited action last year, his standout freshman campaign at Texas Tech in 2022 has fans excited. He’s the kind of physical mismatch the Wildcats haven’t had in recent years.
**Joe Jackson, RB**
With D.J. Giddens off to the pros, Jackson gets his shot. He totaled 227 yards on 39 carries last season and will likely complement Avery Johnson’s explosive style with his own mix of power and speed.
**John Pastore, LT**
Pastore returns healthy after an injury-plagued 2024. He was expected to be a starter last year, and his familiarity with the offense makes him a stabilizing presence on the line.
**Terrence Enos Jr., RT (Transfer from Pittsburgh)**
At 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, Enos brings ACC experience and adds veteran leadership to the offensive front. He started four games last year and is expected to anchor the right side.
**JB Nelson or Andrew Leingang, RG**
This is still an active battle. Nelson, a Penn State transfer, brings high-level experience and is the favorite. Leingang, however, knows the system well and has made key starts for K-State. Expect both to see time early in the season.
**Defensive Starters**
**Rex Van Wyhe, WLB**
Van Wyhe steps into a starting linebacker role after a rotational role last season. He recorded 31 tackles over 174 snaps and joins what could be one of the most experienced linebacker units in the country.
**Zashon Rich, CB**
Only a sophomore, Rich flashed potential last season with 12 tackles and three pass breakups. His length and instincts have positioned him as a potential breakout player in the secondary.
**Donovan McIntosh, CB**
McIntosh earns the other corner spot. He appeared in every game last year and has steadily developed into a reliable option in coverage.
**Wesley Fair or Logan Bartley, JS (Jack Safety)**
This safety spot remains up for grabs. Fair is a veteran special teamer, while Bartley, a true freshman, has impressed enough to seriously contend. Regardless of who starts, both will likely play meaningful snaps.
**Qua Moss, FS (Transfer from West Georgia)**
Moss, a standout at the FCS level, comes in to replace NFL draft pick Marques Sigle. With 56 tackles, five sacks, and four pass breakups last season, Moss has shown he can make plays all over the field.
**Special Teams**
**Luis Rodriguez, K (Transfer from College of the Canyons)**
Rodriguez won the kicking competition and comes in as the third-ranked JUCO kicker in the 2025 class. He hit 21-of-25 field goals last year, including a long of 54 yards.
**Final Thoughts**
With 14 new starters, Kansas State’s 2025 squad is both familiar and fresh. The mix of experienced transfers, homegrown talent, and potential-packed underclassmen sets the stage for an exciting season. Their opener in Dublin against Iowa State offers a high-stakes first look at this retooled team, and expectations are high. Don’t be surprised if some of these new names quickly become fan favorites.