Dylan Edwards’ Transfer to Kansas Adds Fuel to a Fiery Sunflower Showdown
It’s not often you see a player flip the script on a rivalry quite like this. Dylan Edwards, once pegged as the future of Kansas State’s offense, is now wearing crimson and blue. That’s right - the former Wildcats standout is officially a Kansas Jayhawk, and the Sunflower Showdown just got a whole lot spicier.
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold addressed the move this week, acknowledging the emotional undercurrent that comes with a player switching sides in one of the Big 12’s most heated rivalries. But Leipold made it clear - this isn’t about drama. It’s about football.
“Rivalries and emotions and things can be there, and it probably will continue until a game is played,” Leipold said. “For us, it was more of him being healthy and being in a great mindset, knowing that this is a place that can utilize his skills. For him, it's about playing his best football that he possibly can.”
That mindset might be just what Edwards needs. His 2025 campaign never got off the ground after an early ankle injury against Iowa State derailed his season.
He played in just four games, racking up 205 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns before redshirting. For a player who came into the year with sky-high expectations, it was a frustrating turn.
The injury, combined with some fan frustration over his perceived commitment, left Edwards in a tough spot. Some questioned his focus, others questioned his motivation. But regardless of the noise, he now gets a fresh start in Lawrence - and the Jayhawks get a dynamic athlete who can help fill the void left by Daniel Hishaw and Leshon Williams.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: transferring to your old rival is going to stir the pot. Even if there’s no bad blood behind the scenes, this move is going to sting for Kansas State fans.
Edwards, once a Wildcat hopeful, now has the potential to be a thorn in their side. That first return trip to Manhattan?
It’s going to be electric.
Kansas State’s Stock Drops in Early Big 12 Projections
While Kansas is adding firepower, Kansas State is trying to regroup after a turbulent 2025 season - and early projections aren’t kind. CBS Sports slotted the Wildcats at No. 9 in their way-too-early Big 12 rankings for 2026. That’s a steep drop for a team that entered last season with legitimate title aspirations.
The reasons are pretty clear. Quarterback Avery Johnson struggled in his second year, failing to take the leap many expected.
Injuries to key players piled up. The offensive line never found its rhythm.
And the defense - typically a calling card in Manhattan - lost its edge, especially after several key players hit the transfer portal.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope in the form of new head coach Collin Klein. A familiar face in the program, Klein played a big role in recruiting Johnson during the Chris Klieman era. Now, as the man in charge, he gets the chance to reshape the identity of a team that’s lost its way.
But it won’t be easy. The Wildcats have holes on both sides of the ball, and the Big 12 isn’t getting any softer. Texas Tech and BYU are early favorites to take the conference crown, and Kansas State - once seen as a perennial contender - suddenly finds itself in the middle of the pack.
If Johnson can rebound and Klein can stabilize the ship, there’s still a path forward. But for now, the Wildcats are in reset mode. And with Dylan Edwards now suiting up for their biggest rival, the road to redemption just got a little more complicated.