Looking Back At Kansas State's 17-Year Win Streak Vs. Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas State Wildcats have been the big brother in their rivalry against the Kansas Jayhawks the last 17 years. 

That's right, they have bested their in-state rivals for nearly two decades. They get a chance to extend that streak Saturday when the teams meet at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. You have to go all the way back to 2008 for the last Jayhawks victory in the series. How long ago was that? Wildcats coach Collin Klein was a redshirt freshman on that K-State roster. 

Let's take a look at just how dominant the Wildcats have been in this matchup simply known as the Sunflower Showdown:

2025: Kansas State 42, Kansas 17 in Lawrence 

This was one of the several blowouts in the series. The Wildcats were led by quarterback Avery Johnson, who accounted for four touchdowns. The highlight was a 78-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jayce Brown. The Wildcats started fast by scoring 21 first-quarter points and never looked. 

2024: Kansas State 29, Kansas 27 in Manhattan 

This one made the beauty of the rivalry standout. The Wildcats entered with only one loss while the Jayhawks were three games under .500. Still, they were in the game throughout and had every chance to snap the streak. The Jayhawks led by four entering the fourth quarter before being outscored 6-0 the rest of the way. The Wildcats took the lead for good on a field goal by kicker Chris Tennant with two minutes remaining. 

2023: Kansas State 31, Kansas 27 in Lawrence

The Jayhawks once again had a chance to break the skid but blew it. The Wildcats trailed 27-16 in the second half before rallying behind quarterback Will Howard. An interception by K-State safety Marque Sigles in the end zone sealed it late. This was one of the more competitive games in the series because both teams were ranked in the Top 25. 

2022: Kansas State 47, Kansas 27 in Manhattan 

K-State once again jumped out to quick early lead, scoring 23 points in the first quarter. From there, the Jayhawks had to play catchup throughout. Howard and running back Deuce Vaughn were just too much for Kansas. 

2021: Kansas State 35, Kansas 10 in Lawrence

A common theme during the streak is the Jayhawks falling down early. This time, they trailed 21-3 at halftime. That was all the Wildcats needed to stay in control. They ran behind Vaughn, who had 162 yards and three touchdowns. 

2020: Kansas State 55, Kansas 14 in Manhattan

There was little surprise in this one. The Jayhawks entered and left this game winless. By halftime, the Wildcats were ahead by 27 points. Howard completed 17 of 24 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats kept the pressure on with a 21-point third quarter. 

2019: Kansas State 38, Kansas 10 in Lawrence 

Quarterback Skylar Thompson decided to win this game with his legs instead of arm. He rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns. The Jayhawks were limited to 241 yards of total offense. 

2018: Kansas State 21, Kansas 17 in Manhattan 

This was a rare down year for both teams. The Wildcats and Jayhawks entered the matchup with sub. 500 records. Quarterback Alex Delton had the go-ahead score in the closing minutes. The Jayhawks had a chance but Peyton Bender fumbled at the K-State 32 on the final drive. 

2017: Kansas State 30, Kansas 20 in Lawrence 

This had all the makings of another blowout because K-State entered the fourth quarter with a 20-6 lead. But it wound up being the Wildcats holding off a late rally. The loss spoiled a sparkling performance from Kansas quarterback Carter Stanley, who completed 23 of 48 passes for 418 yards and a touchdown. 

2016: Kansas State 34, Kansas 19 in Manhattan 

The game was special because it was legendary coach Bill Snyder's 200th career victory. He was carried off the field by the team after the win. This was yet another game where the Wildcats got off to a fast start before holding off a late Jayhawks charge. 

2015: Kansas State 45, Kansas 14 in Lawrence 

The Wildcats scored two touchdowns off special blunders to keep the streak going. Again, this was expected because the Jayhawks were enduring an 0-12 season. It was the first season for KU coach David Beaty, who had just taken over for Charlie Weiss. 

2014: Kansas State 51, Kansas 13 in Manhattan 

The Wildcats proved this is really a rivalry game because they didn't look past the Jayhawks despite a looming showdown with top-five ranked Baylor. Still, they breezed to another easy victory in the series. Quarterback Jake Walters threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns. 

2013: Kansas State 31, Kansas 10 in Lawrence 

Running back John Hubert powered his way for 220 yards and a touchdown to lead the Wildcats. The defense also came up with four interceptions in the win. The Jayhawks were held to just 223 yards. 

2012: Kansas State 56, Kansas 16 in Manhattan 

Another big game by Hubert, who ran for 101 yards and four touchdowns. Even quarterback Collin Klein got into the act, finishing with 116 yards and two touchdowns. Klein also threw for two scores. 

2011: Kansas State 59, Kansas 21 in Lawrence 

After being up 31-14 at halftime, the Wildcats put it away with a 21-point third quarter. Klein rushed for 912yards and had four touchdowns. 

2010: Kansas State 59, Kansas 7 in Lawrence 

This time, it was K-State quarterback Carson Coffman's chance to roast the Jayhawks. He accounted for four touchdowns (three rushing, two passing) in the victory. It was the first three straight times of the Wildcats topping 50 in the series. 

2009: Kansas State 17, Kansas 10 in Manhattan 

The Wildcats rode the legs of running back Daniel Thomas, who finished with 185 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats held KU to just three points in the second half.