Kansas State football fans already have something to celebrate, even with their season not underway yet. One of their former stars had a major accomplishment in the pros, giving anyone around the program a reason to celebrate.
Including his new teammates. Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens scored his first NFL touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Saturday's preseason matchup. It was one of two rushes Giddens had on the day, but his first score in the pros was enough for his entire team to celebrate.
The Colts selected Giddens out of Kansas State in the fifth round of the 2025 Draft. He hasn't gotten much playing time with the team, mainly learning behind All-Pro rusher Jonathan Taylor. The former Wildcat had just 26 rushes for 96 yards last season, far below his anticipated production.
During his time at Kansas State, Giddens had 3,087 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 58 receptions for 679 yards and four touchdowns. He was expected to take some pressure off Taylor as the main rusher, but it was more of the same in 2025. Taylor led the league in rushing attempts (323) and touchdowns (18), once again creating a sizable gap between him and the next leading rusher.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was second on the team with 164 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Giddens was the second-leading running back...with under 100 yards. It was another year when Taylor seemingly carried the rushing attack, with little production behind him.
Perhaps moments like these can shift the dynamic. Taylor's injuries over the past few years illustrate the need to get the ball out of his hands despite his Pro Bowl seasons. Giddens' tape in Manhattan, KS, showcases his size and ability to contain the football.
As for the Wildcats' current rushing attack, they're looking for their next Giddens to continue the legacy of historical running backs. Dylan Edwards was supposed to be next in line, but he got injured in Week 0 against Iowa State and never recovered. Now, it looks like Joe Jackson's chance to step up. Jackson exploded in the second half of last season, grounding 435 yards and six touchdowns in the last two games alone.
While he likely won't maintain that level of production throughout the entire season, the program is optimistic about building on what he displayed on the field in those performances.
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Jayden Armant is a contributor to KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].
