Hailey
The Kansas State Wildcats football team is preparing for an exciting start to their season with a high-profile opener in Dublin, Ireland.
They will face the Iowa State Cyclones at the Aviva Stadium in what will be the first college football game of the season. However, the Wildcats may not be at full strength.
Several key defensive players are injured, and their availability for the game remains uncertain. This situation raises questions about how the team will perform on such a big international stage.
Key Players Missing from Depth Chart
On Monday, Kansas State released its depth chart, but three important defensive players were left out:
- Asa Newsom – Sophomore Linebacker
- Gunner Maldonado – Transfer Safety from Arizona
- Colby McCalister – Junior Safety
Head Coach Chris Klieman said that all three are “questionable at best” for Saturday’s game.
According to Klieman: “Colby would be the least likely to play. Asa and Gunner are still in consideration, but they have not practiced as much as the other players.”
This statement shows that while there is some hope for Newsom and Maldonado, fans should not expect to see McCalister on the field.
Impact of Big 12’s New Injury Reporting Rules
This season, the Big 12 Conference has introduced new player-availability reports, which means teams are required to give official updates about injured players before each game.
For the Wildcats, this means fans will know by Saturday whether Newsom, Maldonado, or McCalister will be able to play. Still, as of now, the outlook seems uncertain and slightly negative.
Why These Injuries Matter
The injured players are all from the defensive lineup, which could create serious challenges for Kansas State:
- Linebackers play a major role in stopping the opponent’s running game.
- Safeties are critical in defending against long passes and preventing big plays.
Without these players, Kansas State’s defense may struggle against Iowa State’s offense. It will also force new or less experienced players to step into starting roles right away.
New Starters Expected on Defense
With these injuries, Kansas State has adjusted its lineup. Here’s how the defense may look:
| Position | Player(s) Expected to Start |
|---|---|
| Linebacker | Rex Van Wyhe, Austin Romaine, Desmond Purnell |
| Safety | Qua Moss, VJ Payne, plus either Wesley Fair or Logan Bartley |
| Injured/Out | Asa Newsom, Gunner Maldonado, Colby McCalister |
This new lineup brings in players like Rex Van Wyhe and Wesley Fair, who will have to prove themselves under high-pressure conditions.
The Challenge of Playing in Ireland
Playing the season opener overseas is a unique experience. The Wildcats will travel across the Atlantic to face the Cyclones in Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
- The international setting adds extra excitement but also more travel stress and adjustments.
- Injuries make preparation even more difficult, as coaches need to build team chemistry with new starters in just a few days.
This means the opener is not just about talent, but also about how well the team can adapt under pressure.
What Fans Should Watch For
Fans should keep a close eye on:
- Final injury reports before the game
- How well the replacement players perform
- Whether Kansas State’s defense can handle Iowa State’s offensive attacks
- The impact of travel and international play on team performance
The game will be a major test for Kansas State early in the season.
The Kansas State Wildcats are heading into their season opener in Ireland with some serious challenges. With three key defensive players injured, the team’s strength will be tested against Iowa State.
Coach Chris Klieman has shown cautious optimism, but it looks unlikely that all three injured players will return in time.
This match is more than just a season opener—it’s a chance for Kansas State’s younger players to step up and prove themselves on an international stage.
Fans should prepare for a game filled with uncertainty, excitement, and big moments, as the Wildcats look to overcome injuries and begin their season with a victory.