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The Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats paid the price for deciding not to participate in a college football game on Sunday.
The Big 12 Conference announced it fined the two schools $500,000 each for their decisions.
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Iowa State Cyclones return Abu Sama III #24 in action against Kansas State Wildcats safety Logan Bartley #10 during the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic game between Kansas State University and Iowa State University at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
“The Big 12 Conference is imposing a $500,000 institutional fine on Iowa State and Kansas State for opting out of the Conference’s bowl group,” the conference said in a statement.
“While the Conference recognizes the difficult time surrounding coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for meeting its contractual obligations to its bowl partners.”
Iowa State finished 8-4 and Kansas State went 6-6 at the end of the season. Both teams, because they achieved six victories, were eligible for the bowl. But both schools found themselves in an inopportune position.
Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement earlier in the week and Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell decided to leave for Penn State.
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Kansas State Wildcats’ Avery Johnson gestures during the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic game between Kansas State and Iowa State at Aviva Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Iowa State officials and the former coaching staff met with players Sunday to gauge their interest in participating in a bowl game.
“The administrative staff and coaches respect and support the players’ decision,” Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season and we are grateful for their leadership as we work through this process with them today.”
Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said he spoke with Wildcats players and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark before making the decision.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass against Oklahoma State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Gerald Leong)
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“This decision was not made lightly, but with the transition of our coaching staff and several uncertainties regarding player availability, I felt it was not in our best interest to attempt to field a team that was not representative of Kansas State University,” Taylor said. “We applaud this group for fighting back from a 2-4 record to lead us to bowl eligibility once again, and we are happy that our seniors were able to emerge victorious with a victory inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.”
