The 2026 Kansas State football schedule opens at home against Nicholls on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The 2026 Kansas State Wildcats football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with the Sunflower Showdown against Kansas and Farmageddon against Iowa State at the end.
Bill Snyder Family Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Kansas State football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October with consecutive road games at Arizona State and Colorado.
2026 Kansas State Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Nicholls ColonelsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | 7:00pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Saturday | Washington State CougarsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | 12:00pm ETTNT/HBO Max | ||
| Saturday | Tulane Green WaveBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | 12:00pm ETESPN2 | ||
| Saturday | at Cincinnati BearcatsNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 23 Houston CougarsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Sunflower Showdown | ||||
| Saturday | Kansas JayhawksBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arizona State Sun DevilsMountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Colorado BuffaloesFolsom Field, Boulder, CO | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Oklahoma State CowboysBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at TCU Horned FrogsAmon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Arizona WildcatsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Farmageddon | ||||
| Saturday | at Iowa State CyclonesJack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Kansas State Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with three home games and an early road test on the 2026 Kansas State Wildcats football schedule. Nicholls, Washington State and Tulane at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, then a road trip to Cincinnati. That early stretch gives the Wildcats a strong home start before conference play intensifies.
October brings #23 Houston at home, the Sunflower Showdown against Kansas at home, then consecutive road games at Arizona State and Colorado. The Kansas game remains the emotional centerpiece of the middle of the season.
November features Oklahoma State at home, a road trip to TCU, Arizona at home, and Farmageddon at Iowa State. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Kansas State football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Nicholls
- September 12 vs. Washington State
- September 19 vs. Tulane
- October 10 vs. #23 Houston
- October 17 vs. Kansas (Sunflower Showdown)
- November 7 vs. Oklahoma State
- November 21 vs. Arizona
The Houston and Kansas games will generate the strongest crowds in Manhattan.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Kansas State football schedule.
The October 10 home game against #23 Houston is an early Big 12 measuring stick. The October 17 Sunflower Showdown against Kansas is the most important rivalry test. The November 28 Farmageddon at Iowa State always carries extra weight.
Win two of those three and the Wildcats stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Kansas State Wildcats Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Kansas State TV schedule 2026:
- ESPN+ (Sept. 5 vs. Nicholls)
- TNT/HBO Max (Sept. 12 vs. Washington State)
- ESPN2 (Sept. 19 vs. Tulane)
- ABC (Dec. 4 Big 12 Championship)
Most remaining Big 12 games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Nicholls, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+
- Oct. 10 — #23 Houston at home
- Oct. 17 — Sunflower Showdown vs. Kansas
- Nov. 28 — Farmageddon at Iowa State
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Kansas State football schedule opens with three home games and builds toward rivalry tests and Farmageddon. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Kansas State open the 2026 season?
Kansas State opens the 2026 season at home against Nicholls on Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
How many home games do the Kansas State Wildcats have in 2026?
The Wildcats have seven home games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on the 2026 Kansas State football schedule: Nicholls, Washington State, Tulane, #23 Houston, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Arizona.
Who do the Kansas State Wildcats play in the Sunflower Showdown?
On October 17 the Wildcats host Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Kansas State games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPN+, TNT/HBO Max, ESPN2, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
