Injury update reveals challenges for Kansas State linebacker Asa Newsom ahead of the match against Iowa State

The Kansas State Wildcats are set to begin their 2025 season with a highly-anticipated matchup against Big 12 rival Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland. The game, scheduled to kick off at 12:00 ET on Saturday, promises to be an exciting clash between two of the conference's top programs.

Coach Chris Klieman, entering his seventh season in Manhattan, will lead the Wildcats as they aim to build on their recent success. Kansas State football has won at least nine games in each of the last three seasons, culminating in a Sugar Bowl appearance in the 2022 season. The team is hopeful of another strong season, with a preseason Associated Press ranking of no. 17 in the country.

However, the Wildcats will face a significant challenge without linebacker Asa Newsom, who will miss the game due to an injury. Newsom, despite posting only four total tackles in 2024, was expected to be a key defensive contributor for Kansas State this season. Coaches have spoken highly of Newsom during the offseason, suggesting he could be a breakout star for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats will, however, welcome the addition of transfer safety Gunner Maldonado, who is available to play for Kansas State in their 2025 season opener. Maldonado's arrival is expected to bolster the Wildcats' defense, although he may not start due to his recent injury.

On the other side of the field, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has expressed enthusiasm about the game, stating that it is a great opportunity for his team. The Cyclones, ranked at no. 22 in the preseason AP poll, will field their star quarterback, Rocco Becht, who led the team to a successful 2024 season.

Kansas State, in response, will rely on the arm of Avery Johnson, who returns after a solid 2024 campaign. The Wildcats are aiming to win the Big 12 conference in the 2025 season, and this game against Iowa State is a crucial first step towards that goal.

The game between Kansas State and Iowa State is a rematch of a closely contested 2024 matchup, which Kansas State won by a narrow margin. Both teams are eager to prove their dominance in this year's encounter. The Wildcats are hopeful that their preseason preparations and the addition of Maldonado will give them the edge they need to secure a victory.

The Wildcats are looking to improve on their 2024 season, where they won nine games and secured a bowl victory over Rutgers. With the return of key players and the addition of Maldonado, they are confident that they can build on that success and make a deep run in the 2025 season.

As the countdown to the game begins, fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting the clash in Dublin. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to start their seasons on a high note. The Wildcats and the Cyclones are ready to show what they are made of, and the football world will be watching closely.