Iowa State and Kansas State to Kick Off 2025 Season in Ireland at Aer Lingus College Football Classic

In an exciting development for college football fans, Iowa State and Kansas State have announced that they will kick off their 2025 season in Ireland at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game will take place on August 23, 2025, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, marking the first time the two teams will meet in a season opener.

This will be the fourth annual game in Ireland, with organizers expecting a strong turnout of over 21,000 U.S. fans. The matchup between the Cyclones and Wildcats follows a trend of top college football programs taking their talents overseas to showcase the sport on a global stage.

Both schools expressed their excitement for the opportunity to play in Ireland and represent their universities on an international platform. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans to visit one of the world’s top travel destinations and to showcase our football program and brand on a global stage was one we could not pass up.”

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell echoed Taylor’s sentiments, emphasizing the honor of being selected to participate in such a prestigious game. He noted, “We are honored that Aer Lingus selected the Cyclones to participate in this prestigious game, which will afford a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our student-athletes to experience international travel while also helping to grow the game of college football outside of the United States.”

The matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State in Ireland adds an exciting twist to the college football landscape, offering fans a unique and unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated event.