Iowa State, Kansas State Open 2025 Season in Dublin

The 2025 college football season will officially kick off with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic featuring Iowa State and Kansas State playing in Dublin, Ireland at Aviva Stadium on August 23 at 11 a.m. Central Time. This marks the first time Iowa State will play outside the United States and the first Big 12 conference game held in Ireland, with the game nationally televised on ESPN. Kansas State is opening its season on ESPN for the first time since 2010 and will make only its second international appearance, having previously played in Tokyo in 1992. Iowa State enters the matchup after a historic 2024 season where they set a program record with 11 wins and a bowl victory, while Kansas State comes off a 9-4 season under coach Chris Klieman. The game highlights a growing rivalry between the two Big 12 teams and is expected to draw significant attention as a potential ranked matchup to start the season. Both programs and their athletic directors emphasize the honor and excitement of taking their rivalry overseas, showcasing their schools on an international stage.