Honestly, if you looked at the Big 12 map ten years ago, a recurring rivalry between a school in the flinty hills of Manhattan, Kansas, and a massive metropolitan university in Orlando would’ve felt like a glitch in the simulation. But here we are. The Kansas St vs UCF matchup has quickly morphed from a cross-country novelty into one of the most reliable barometers for the "new look" Big 12.
Just last night—Wednesday, January 14, 2026—we saw exactly why these two schools keep fans on edge. UCF rolled into Bramlage Coliseum, a place where visiting teams usually go to watch their shooting percentages die, and basically took over the building.
What Just Happened in Manhattan?
The final score was 82-73 in favor of the Knights. If you missed the first half, consider yourself lucky if you’re a Wildcats fan. UCF jumped out to a 16-point lead and looked like they were playing at a different speed. Themus Fulks was everywhere. He finished with 13 points and 12 assists, which is his fifth double-double of the season.
K-State didn't just lay down, though. Jerome Tang’s squad is nothing if not resilient. They clawed back to within a single point (57-56) midway through the second half. P.J. Haggerty was a human microwave, pouring in 23 points. But every time the "Octagon of Doom" started to get truly loud, UCF hit a dagger. Riley Kugel (19 points) and Jamichael Stillwell (18 points) were just too much in the end.
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The loss leaves Kansas State at a rough 0-4 in conference play. That’s their worst start in the Big 12 since the 2021-22 season. Meanwhile, UCF is sitting pretty at 14-2 overall and 3-1 in the league. They aren't just a "football school" anymore; they're a legitimate threat to win the Big 12 title this year.
The Football Side of the Coin
If you think the basketball games are wild, the football history between these two is even more fascinating. It’s a classic "clash of cultures." You have the established, blue-collar consistency of Kansas State versus the high-octane, "Space Game" energy of UCF.
Back on September 27, 2025, they met at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. K-State took that one 34-20, largely thanks to Dylan Edwards putting on a clinic. He rushed for 166 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run that basically deflated the UCF sideline.
What's weird is that while UCF usually has the advantage in raw speed, K-State has consistently managed to out-muscle them. The Wildcats are 3-0 all-time against the Knights in football.
- 2010: K-State wins a 17-13 defensive slog.
- 2023: K-State wins 44-31 in a high-scoring introduction to the Big 12.
- 2025: K-State wins 34-20 behind a dominant ground game.
UCF's Jacurri Brown and Tayven Jackson have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve struggled with the discipline K-State’s defense demands. In that September 2025 game, UCF actually outgained K-State in passing yards (197 to 168), but three turnovers and three sacks proved to be the "K-State Special"—they don't always look prettier, but they usually look more efficient.
Why This Matchup Matters for the Big 12
Most people get it wrong when they think of Kansas St vs UCF as just another conference game. It’s actually a battle for the soul of the "New Big 12."
With Texas and Oklahoma gone, there’s a vacuum at the top. K-State represents the old guard—the program that proved you can win big in a small market with development and tough culture. UCF represents the future—a recruiting powerhouse in a fertile state with a massive alumni base.
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When UCF beats K-State in basketball at Bramlage, it sends a message that the hierarchy is shifting. When K-State shuts down UCF’s speed in football, it reminds everyone that "grown man football" still wins championships in the Midwest.
Key Players You Need to Know
If you’re betting on or just watching these games, there are a few names that keep popping up.
For UCF:
- Riley Kugel (G): The Florida transfer is a pro. He’s averaging 14.5 points and has a knack for hitting the biggest shot of the night.
- Themus Fulks (G): He is the engine. If he has 10+ assists, UCF almost never loses.
- Jamichael Stillwell (F): A beast on the boards. He’s currently averaging over 8 rebounds per game.
For Kansas State:
- Avery Johnson (QB): He’s the face of the football program. His ability to run the ball (75 yards vs UCF in 2025) makes him a nightmare to scheme against.
- Dylan Edwards (RB): The Colorado transfer has been the lightning to K-State's traditional thunder.
- P.J. Haggerty (G): In basketball, he’s the only consistent scoring threat right now. He’s averaging 23 points in Big 12 play, even if the team is struggling.
What’s Next?
If you’re a Wildcats fan, don't panic—yet. The basketball team heads to Oklahoma State this Saturday. It’s a must-win to keep the season from spiraling.
For the Knights, the sky is the limit. They host No. 1 Arizona on Saturday. That is going to be a massive litmus test. If they can knock off Arizona, UCF won't just be "receiving votes" in the AP Poll; they’ll be a Top 15 team.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the turnovers: In both sports, the winner of the Kansas St vs UCF matchup is almost always the team that wins the turnover battle. In their last basketball meeting, UCF's discipline was the difference.
- Follow the guards: UCF’s current basketball success is predicated on veteran guard play. If Fulks or Kugel get into foul trouble, they become a different (and worse) team.
- Recruiting wars: Keep an eye on the transfer portal. Both Jerome Tang and Gus Malzahn have been aggressive in using the portal to fill gaps, and often they are chasing the same caliber of athlete.
The geography might be weird, and the flight might be long, but the rivalry is real. Whether it's on the hardwood or the gridiron, these two programs are going to be standing in each other's way for a long time.