KU built a 17-0 lead in the 124th annual Sunflower Showdown game.
K-State rallied for an 18-17 halftime lead against KU in Manhattan.
Field-level photos captured KU and Kansas State trading leads in 2026.
Manhattan, Kansas
It was a beautiful Saturday for college football in Manhattan as two Kansas rivals went at it inside sun-splashed Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
KU built a 17-0 lead in the 124th annual Sunflower Showdown, but K-State roared back for an 18-17 advantage at halftime. The teams traded leads after that, setting the tone for a competitive afternoon.
The Jayhawks came up with a goal-line stop late in the game but couldn’t turn it into points. The Wildcats iced a 35-24 win — their 18th straight in this series — with Maize High product Avery Johnson’s nine-yard touchdown pass to KSU receiver Jaron Tibbs.
Johnson had a very good day, passing for 209 yards and a TD and running for 132 yards on 12 carries.
Here are some field-level photos of the action.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson runs for a long gain against Kansas during the first half of their game in Manhattan, Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas wide receiver Nik McMillan celebrates a touchdown during the first half of their game against Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State tight end Linkon Cure fumbles the ball while Kansas safety Corey Gordon (3) and Kansas defensive end Dakyus Brinkley (9) work to make the recovery during the first half of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State running back Rodney Fields Jr. scores a touchdown during the first half of their game against Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas punter Matthew Gill fumbled a snap which resulted in a safety during the first half of their against Kansas State game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State tight end Linkon Cure fumbles the ball while Kansas safety Corey Gordon (3) and Kansas defensive end Dakyus Brinkley (9) work to make the recovery during the first half of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State head coach Collin Klein paces the sideline during the first half of their game against Kansas in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall picks up a long gain during the first half of their game against Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold yells at the line judge during the first half of their game against Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State cornerback Nick McClellan knocks the ball out of the hands of Kansas punter Matthew Gill to force a safety during the first half of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas running back Dylan Edwards scores a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half on Saturday in Manhattan. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State running back Joe Jackson during the third quarter of the Sunflower Showdown game against Kansas in Manhattan on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates with fans after the Wildcats defeated Kansas for the 18th straight time in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates with fans after the Wildcats defeated Kansas for the 18th straight time in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson was shaken up after a long run during the first half of their game against Kansas in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson picks up a first down during the second half of their game against Kansas in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall scrambles while looking for receiver downfield during the secondt half of their game against Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State cornerback Nick McClellan celebrates with teammate Mikey Bergeron after McClellan forced a safety during the first half of their game against Kansas in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State safety Logan Bartley intercepts a Kansas pass in the end zone during the second half of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson jukes Kansas defender Austin Alexander during the fourth quarter of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas running back Dylan Edwards tries to evade the Kansas defense during the second half of their game in Manhattan on Saturday. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
Kansas State place kicker Luis Rodriguez celebrates with holder Simon McClannan after a fourth quarter field goal all but sealed another win over Kansas for the Wildcats. Travis Heying The Wichita Eagle
