Quarterback Rocco Becht shines as Kansas State and Iowa State open their 2025 seasons at the Aer Lingus Classic. Full game recap, player stats, schedule insight, and where to watch.
Background & Build-Up
The 2025 college football season officially began with a global spectacle: Iowa State vs Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, held at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Dubbed the international edition of “Farmageddon,” it’s a long-standing Big 12 rivalry elevated to a global stage.
Rocco Becht’s Role
Rocco Becht enters his third year as Iowa State’s starting QB. He took the reins as a redshirt freshman after Hunter Dekkers’ departure and has compiled impressive numbers — a staggering 6,625 combined passing yards and 48 touchdowns over 2023–24 seasons. In 2025, he aims to stake his claim as one of the Big 12’s premier quarterbacks.
Game Recap: Iowa State vs Kansas State
Final Score & Flow
- Iowa State 24, Kansas State 21 — a dramatic finish in the fourth quarter.
- The game was tight throughout. After a touchdown tie by Johnson to Jayce Brown in Q4, Iowa State pulled ahead with critical plays from Becht and teammates.
Rain & Mistake-ridden Conditions
A soggy Aviva field contributed to multiple turnovers. Iowa State recovered a muffed punt and benefited from a Kansas State fumble on a pitch, both leading to early scoring opportunities.
Key Performers & Highlights
- Rocco Becht: opened scoring with a quick TD drive — four plays, 49 yards; kept Iowa State in the hunt with his arm and legs.
- Avery Johnson: tied the game in Q2 on a 10-yard QB draw; later found Jayce Brown for a one-play, 65-yard TD to pull K-State ahead briefly.
- Turnovers defined momentum: Iowa State’s Abu Sama III fumbled near the red zone, negating a promising drive. Kansas State finally tied via Johnson-to-Brown bomb.
Rocco Becht: The Cyclones’ Emerging Leader
Career Snapshot
- Started as a walk-on redshirt freshman in 2022; rose to be Iowa State’s QB in 2023.
- Posted 3,210 yards passing, 23 TDs vs 8 INTs in 2023; led team to Big 12 championship in 2024 and the Pop-Tarts Bowl, winning dramatic comeback with a late TD.
Records & Recognition
- Ranks 3rd in Iowa State history with 59 career “touchdowns responsible for”, displaying his dual-role prowess. In 2024 alone, he accounted for 33 TDs, second only to Purdy in school single-season history.
Mindset & Vision
- Known as “relentless,” Becht isn’t swayed by fanfare or pressure. His focus remains on proving himself among the conference elite.
Key Stats & Turning Points
| Quarter | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 1st | Becht opens scoring with a TD at the first drive after Kansas State muffed a punt. |
| 2nd | Johnson hits QB draw; KSU takes lead briefly via Brown TD. Iowa State dropouts mar scoring chances. |
| 3rd | Defensive highlight: K-State’s Tobi Osunsanmi records sack, bringing pressure. |
| 4th | Becht keeps composure late; Iowa State regains lead, holding off Wildcats. |
These early miscues and momentum swings underlined the importance of execution in opener conditions — setting the tone for both teams moving forward.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
Iowa State’s Outlook
Optimism is high after back-to-back successful seasons. With offensive line improvements and added depth, several projections expect ISU to challenge for the Big 12 title and reach the College Football Playoff quarters. Predictions range from 8–4 to an ambitious 16–0. Many see Becht and standout tight ends like Ben Brahmer and Gabe Burkel anchoring a balanced, versatile offense.
Kansas State’s Strategy
K-State leans on their QB Avery Johnson and a run game bolstered by depth and scheme, but will need to correct early-season errors and protect better under pressure if they want to contend.
Where to Watch & Follow
- Broadcast: Game aired live on ESPN, including international coverage from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
- Live Updates: CBS Sports offered minute-by-minute scoring updates and analysis.
- DFS Picks & Props: Fantasy players weighed Johnson vs Becht stats and props extensively.