Kansas State is joining the growing wave of college programs putting brand logos right on the field, and Progressive Insurance is the latest company to land a spot at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
The university announced Tuesday, Aug. 18, that Progressive’s logo will appear on the turf this fall as part of an on-field sponsorship push that’s spreading across college sports. Kansas State is one of 12 schools to take part in the program, and the agreement goes beyond the field marking. Progressive will also show up through in-game scoreboard features, in-venue LED signage, and digital and social media game-day integrations.
K-State athletic director Gene Taylor called the partnership a meaningful one for the program.
“We are pleased that K-State has been included in this national partnership opportunity, which speaks volumes about our football program and brand,” K-State athletic director Gene Taylor said in a release. “ Progressive is a household name and brand itself, and entering the college football space will provide them new exposure opportunities.”
Kansas State is part of a broader list of schools getting expanded Progressive deals this fall, alongside Georgia, Iowa, Oregon, Texas Tech, and USC.
Learfield brokered the agreement for each school, but the financial details for Kansas State were not disclosed. Sports Business Journal reported the deal is expected to be multiyear and expire coterminously.
And for anyone wondering: there’s still no word on whether Flo, Progressive’s ad campaign star, will show up at a Wildcats game this season.
In Other News...
Kansas State Just Got A Bigger Offensive Line Concern
Kansas States first open practice to the media on Aug. 18 offered an early look at how the offensive line might take shape, but it also added another layer of uncertainty. Left tackle John Pastore and left guard Tanner Morley were not on the field, leaving two important spots on the front line without their expected options as the Wildcats continued early preseason work.
The absence only deepens a position group that already had questions heading into camp, and there has been no official word from the program on why either player was out or how long the situation might last. For a team trying to settle its protection up front, the lack of clarity makes the left side of the line one of the more closely watched areas moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State Already Has One Big Concern Up Front In Camp
Kansas State is trying to sort out its offensive line early in camp, and the first real concern has already surfaced up front. The Wildcats went through Tuesdays practice without John Pastore and Tanner Morley, two players believed to be dealing with injuries, leaving the staff to keep working with a group that is still trying to find its shape before the season settles in.
George Fitzpatrick was also on hand, but only as an observer while he continues working toward medical clearance. For a line that is being built without three potential starters in the mix, every missed practice rep matters, and it leaves Kansas State with an early test of depth and flexibility as camp continues. [Read more 🡒]