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The Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats paid the price for their decisions to pull out of a college football game on Sunday.
The Big 12 Conference announced it had fined the two schools $500,000 each for their decisions.
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Iowa State Cyclones running back 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 imposes an institutional fine of $500,000 on Iowa State and Kansas State for choosing not to participate in the Conference bowl pool,” the conference said in a statement.
“While the Conference recognizes the difficult time regarding coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners.”
Iowa State finished 8-4 and Kansas State 6-6 to end the season. Both teams, because they had six wins, were bowl eligible. 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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Avery Johnson of the Kansas State Wildcats 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 previous 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 worked through this process with them today.”
Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor said he spoke to 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. (Gerald Leong/AP Photo)
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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 try to field a team that was not representative of Kansas State University,” Taylor said. “We applaud this group for withstanding a 2-4 record to once again bring us to bowl eligibility, and we are happy that our seniors were able to emerge with a victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.”
