However, the momentum didn't last long for Iowa State, and on second and goal at the Wildcasts' 1-yard line, a botched toss from quarterback Rocco Becht to Abu Sama resulted in a fumble, which Kansas State recovered.

No. 22 Iowa State survived a late comeback from No. 17 Kansas State to win a 24-21 slugfest and capture the first victory of the 2025 season at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The Cyclones converted on a critical fourth-and-3 to win a third straight game against Kansas State.