Dylan Edwards Flips the Script in the Sunflower Showdown - and Embraces His Role as Rivalry Villain
MANHATTAN - Not long ago, Dylan Edwards’ No. 3 Kansas State jersey was hanging proudly next to Avery Johnson’s in Rally House stores across Aggieville.
Two hometown stars. Two foundational pieces for the Wildcats heading into the 2025 season.
But while Johnson’s No. 2 remains a symbol of promise and loyalty in a shifting college football landscape, Edwards’ jersey has become a relic of frustration - and now, for many K-State fans, a symbol of betrayal.
That’s because Edwards is coming back to Manhattan - not as a Wildcat, but as a Kansas Jayhawk.
Yes, you read that right. The former K-State running back is flipping sides in one of college football’s longest-running rivalries, and he’s doing it with full awareness of what that means. Edwards, once a prized recruit and once seen as a potential game-changer in purple, will now line up in crimson and blue at Bill Snyder Family Stadium - the same field where his college journey took a sharp turn.
Let’s rewind a bit. Edwards’ recruitment was a saga in itself.
He initially committed to Kansas State out of high school, only to flip to Notre Dame. From there, he decommitted and chose to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado.
After a season with the Buffaloes, he transferred to K-State, returning to his home state with high expectations and a shot at redemption.
But things never quite clicked in Manhattan. His second season with the Wildcats was marred by injury and inconsistency.
He muffed the first punt of the year and never regained his footing. Fans were left guessing week to week about his availability - a frustrating subplot in a season that already wasn’t living up to expectations.
Eventually, Edwards redshirted and left the team in early November. Then-head coach Chris Klieman called the situation “unfortunate” after Edwards hit the transfer portal.
Fast forward to January 16. Edwards is spotted courtside at Allen Fieldhouse for KU’s win over Baylor.
A few hours later, he posts on Instagram: *“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” * The caption ends with #rockchalk.
Just like that, he’s a Jayhawk.
And with that decision, Edwards has officially stepped into the villain role for K-State fans - a role that, frankly, he seems comfortable playing.
This isn’t just a transfer. This is gasoline on the fire of a rivalry that dates back to 1902.
Kansas State has owned the Sunflower Showdown for the better part of two decades, winning 17 straight matchups since 2008. Even this past season, when the Wildcats looked vulnerable and were without Edwards, they still rolled into Lawrence and walked out with a 42-17 win.
But now, the Jayhawks have a new weapon - and if Edwards can stay healthy and deliver on the flashes of talent he’s shown throughout his winding college career, he could help Kansas do something it hasn’t done in nearly two decades: beat K-State.
If that happens - if Edwards is the one who finally helps the Jayhawks snap the streak - he’ll be a legend in Lawrence. And a name K-State fans won’t soon forget… for all the wrong reasons.
The boos will be loud when Edwards steps onto the field at Bill Snyder Family Stadium later this year. Maybe louder than the roar he got when he broke off that electrifying 75-yard touchdown against UCF. But this time, the cheers will come from the other sideline.
With his transfer, Edwards hasn’t just changed teams - he’s changed the temperature of a rivalry. He’s added a personal edge to a game that already means everything to fans on both sides of the state.
And when Kansas makes the drive down Bill Snyder Highway for the 2026 edition of the Sunflower Showdown, you can bet no one in Manhattan will be wearing that old purple No. 3.