KANSAS CITY, Mo.—In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals today announced their 2026 regular season schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date.

Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at Truist Park vs. the Atlanta Braves. This will mark the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, one day earlier than Kansas City’s opener this season. It will be just the third time in 12 years dating back to 2015 that the Royals will open on the road, following 2017 at Minnesota and 2020 at Cleveland. This will mark the second time the Royals are beginning the season vs. a National League opponent, following 2016 vs. the Mets, but it will be the first time they’re starting the season in a National League ballpark.

The Royals will play their home opener at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30 vs. the Minnesota Twins. Following an off day on Tuesday, March 31, the Royals will continue the 3-game series vs. the Twins before beginning a 3-game series vs. the Milwaukee Brewers to wrap a 6-game homestand.

The Royals will end the regular season with a 6-game homestand vs. the White Sox and Guardians from Sept. 22-27.

Two home series will be impacted by the World Cup at the Truman Sports Complex. From June 18-21, the Royals will host a 3-game series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals beginning Thursday night. Following an off day on Saturday, the teams will conclude the series on Sunday. The Royals also have a scheduled off day on Friday, July 3 before beginning a 3-game series vs. the Philadelphia Phillies from Saturday, July 4-Monday, July 6.

For the fourth consecutive season, Major League Baseball will continue its balanced schedule, in which the Royals will play all other 29 teams. Kansas City’s 162-game schedule will include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 52 games vs. American League Central teams (13 games across 4 series vs. all 4 opponents)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 62 league games vs. American League East and West teams (6-7 games vs. each opponent)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 48 Interleague games (6 games vs. St. Louis and 3 games vs. all other NL teams)

The breakdown of divisional games will include 7 home games and 6 road games vs. the White Sox and Guardians, and 6 home games and 7 road games vs. the Tigers and Twins.

Of the 10 teams who play in the American League East and West divisions, the Royals will play two of those opponents (Rays and Athletics) seven times and the remaining eight of those teams six times.

Aside from 6 games vs. the Cardinals (3 at home and 3 on the road), the Royals will play 3 games against each of the other 14 National League teams. From July 4-Aug. 12, the Royals will play 21 of 34 games vs. National League teams.

The Royals will travel to eight National League ballparks, including Atlanta (March 26-29), St. Louis (May 15-17), Cincinnati (June 1-3), Washington (June 15-17), New York (July 7-9), Colorado (July 31-Aug. 2), Los Angeles (Aug. 10-12) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 18-20).

The Royals will host all major holidays, including Easter Sunday vs. Milwaukee (April 5), Mother’s Day vs. Detroit (May 10), Memorial Day vs. the Yankees (May 25), Father’s Day vs. St. Louis (June 21), Independence Day vs. Philadelphia (July 4) and Labor Day vs. Arizona (Sept. 7).

The Royals will be in Detroit on&nbsp;Jackie Robinson&nbsp;Day (April 15), Cincinnati on&nbsp;Lou Gehrig&nbsp;Day (June 2) and Houston on&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Day (Sept. 15).

The All-Star break will run from July 13-16 and will include the 96th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be played on Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kansas City will host a pair of three-opponent homestands, including 9 games in 10 days from May 18-27 vs. the Red Sox, Mariners and Yankees. They will host 9 games in 9 days from Sept. 1-9 vs. the Marlins, Blue Jays and Diamondbacks.

The Royals are scheduled for a trio of three-city road trips, including 10 games in 10 days from May 29-June 7 at Texas, Cincinnati and Minnesota, 10 games in 11 days from July 23-Aug. 2 at Detroit, Minnesota and Colorado and 9 games in 10 days from Sept. 11-20 in Boston, Houston and Pittsburgh.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals today announced their 2026 regular season schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date.Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at Truist Park vs. the Atlanta Braves. This will mark the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, one day earlier than Kansas City’s opener this season. It will be just the third time in 12 years dating back to 2015 that the Royals will open on the road, following 2017 at Minnesota and 2020 at Cleveland. This will mark the second time the Royals are beginning the season vs. a National League opponent, following 2016 vs. the Mets, but it will be the first time they’re starting the season in a National League ballpark.The Royals will play their home opener at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30 vs. the Minnesota Twins. Following an off day on Tuesday, March 31, the Royals will continue the 3-game series vs. the Twins before beginning a 3-game series vs. the Milwaukee Brewers to wrap a 6-game homestand.The Royals will end the regular season with a 6-game homestand vs. the White Sox and Guardians from Sept. 22-27.Two home series will be impacted by the World Cup at the Truman Sports Complex. From June 18-21, the Royals will host a 3-game series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals beginning Thursday night. Following an off day on Saturday, the teams will conclude the series on Sunday. The Royals also have a scheduled off day on Friday, July 3 before beginning a 3-game series vs. the Philadelphia Phillies from Saturday, July 4-Monday, July 6.For the fourth consecutive season, Major League Baseball will continue its balanced schedule, in which the Royals will play all other 29 teams. Kansas City’s 162-game schedule will include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 52 games vs. American League Central teams (13 games across 4 series vs. all 4 opponents)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 62 league games vs. American League East and West teams (6-7 games vs. each opponent)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 48 Interleague games (6 games vs. St. Louis and 3 games vs. all other NL teams)The breakdown of divisional games will include 7 home games and 6 road games vs. the White Sox and Guardians, and 6 home games and 7 road games vs. the Tigers and Twins.Of the 10 teams who play in the American League East and West divisions, the Royals will play two of those opponents (Rays and Athletics) seven times and the remaining eight of those teams six times.Aside from 6 games vs. the Cardinals (3 at home and 3 on the road), the Royals will play 3 games against each of the other 14 National League teams. From July 4-Aug. 12, the Royals will play 21 of 34 games vs. National League teams.The Royals will travel to eight National League ballparks, including Atlanta (March 26-29), St. Louis (May 15-17), Cincinnati (June 1-3), Washington (June 15-17), New York (July 7-9), Colorado (July 31-Aug. 2), Los Angeles (Aug. 10-12) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 18-20).The Royals will host all major holidays, including Easter Sunday vs. Milwaukee (April 5), Mother’s Day vs. Detroit (May 10), Memorial Day vs. the Yankees (May 25), Father’s Day vs. St. Louis (June 21), Independence Day vs. Philadelphia (July 4) and Labor Day vs. Arizona (Sept. 7).The Royals will be in Detroit on&nbsp;Jackie Robinson&nbsp;Day (April 15), Cincinnati on&nbsp;Lou Gehrig&nbsp;Day (June 2) and Houston on&nbsp;Roberto Clemente&nbsp;Day (Sept. 15).The All-Star break will run from July 13-16 and will include the 96th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be played on Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.Kansas City will host a pair of three-opponent homestands, including 9 games in 10 days from May 18-27 vs. the Red Sox, Mariners and Yankees. They will host 9 games in 9 days from Sept. 1-9 vs. the Marlins, Blue Jays and Diamondbacks.The Royals are scheduled for a trio of three-city road trips, including 10 games in 10 days from May 29-June 7 at Texas, Cincinnati and Minnesota, 10 games in 11 days from July 23-Aug. 2 at Detroit, Minnesota and Colorado and 9 games in 10 days from Sept. 11-20 in Boston, Houston and Pittsburgh.

Royals announce 2026 regular season schedule

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Recent K-State graduate Serena Sundell has signed a contract with the WNBA’s Dallas Wings and will be active for Wednesday’s game against Connecticut.

Sundell was signed to a seven-day hardship contract by the Wings. She was a 2025 WNBA Draft selection by the Seattle Storm. She was the ninth player in program history to be selected during the WNBA Draft.

In addition to signing with Dallas, Sundell signed a contract with the Adelaide Lightning of Australia’s WNBL. She will begin her season with Adelaide in October.

Sundell has had an active summer, as she played for the United States in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League Americas in Punta Arenas, Chile, on July 21-27. She also finished as a runner-up with her 3x3 team at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series event in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on August 1-2.

Sundell helped her team, B&amp;B, win the 3XBA event at the Spokane Hoopfest on June 27-28 in Spokane, Washington. The 3XBA event featured 32 of the most elite basketball players in the nation.

A 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, Sundell led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.

Sundell was K-State’s second-leading scorer with an average of 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career, on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation in the 2024-25 season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field.

With her point (508) and assist (262) totals in the 2024-25 season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season.

In her career, Sundell set the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She established the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104).

She was the first player in school history and the 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Recent K-State graduate Serena Sundell has signed a contract with the WNBA’s Dallas Wings and will be active for Wednesday’s game against Connecticut.Sundell was signed to a seven-day hardship contract by the Wings. She was a 2025 WNBA Draft selection by the Seattle Storm. She was the ninth player in program history to be selected during the WNBA Draft.In addition to signing with Dallas, Sundell signed a contract with the Adelaide Lightning of Australia’s WNBL. She will begin her season with Adelaide in October.Sundell has had an active summer, as she played for the United States in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League Americas in Punta Arenas, Chile, on July 21-27. She also finished as a runner-up with her 3x3 team at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series event in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on August 1-2.Sundell helped her team, B&amp;B, win the 3XBA event at the Spokane Hoopfest on June 27-28 in Spokane, Washington. The 3XBA event featured 32 of the most elite basketball players in the nation.A 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, Sundell led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.Sundell was K-State’s second-leading scorer with an average of 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career, on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation in the 2024-25 season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field.With her point (508) and assist (262) totals in the 2024-25 season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season.In her career, Sundell set the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She established the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104).She was the first player in school history and the 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists.

K-State's Sundell Signs Contract with WNBA’s Dallas Wings

CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith allowed one hit in a career-high seven innings, Korey Lee hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Monday night.

Smith (4-7) pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career, facing just 23 batters on 80 pitches.

Lee, in his first start since getting called up from Triple-A Charlotte, drove a shot over the left-field wall for his first home run of the season for a 5-0 lead in the fourth. Brooks Baldwin followed with a home run near the same spot for a six-run lead.

Chicago has won three straight games after losing 14 of 18.

Kansas City dropped to 13-10 in August. The Royals entered having scored at least five runs in 20 of 34 games (58.8%) since the All-Star break, tied with Milwaukee for the most in the majors.

Kansas City starter Noah Cameron (7-6) allowed six earned runs and eight hits in five innings.

Mike Yastrzemski hit a double in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had one in the ninth for the Royals' two hits.

Chicago scored three runs on four hits in the first inning. Edgar Quero hit a shot into the gap in left-center field to score Chase Meidroth from first to open the scoring. Lenyn Sosa followed with a hit into the right-field gap for back-to-back doubles. Curtis Mead added Chicago’s third double for his third RBI of the season and a 3-0 lead.

Chicago scored in the first inning for the third time in four games after doing so just once in the previous nine.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.50) is scheduled to make his 21st start of the season while White Sox LHP Martín Pérez (1-3, 2.51) will be making his sixth start.

CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith allowed one hit in a career-high seven innings, Korey Lee hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0 on Monday night.Smith (4-7) pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career, facing just 23 batters on 80 pitches.Lee, in his first start since getting called up from Triple-A Charlotte, drove a shot over the left-field wall for his first home run of the season for a 5-0 lead in the fourth. Brooks Baldwin followed with a home run near the same spot for a six-run lead.Chicago has won three straight games after losing 14 of 18.Kansas City dropped to 13-10 in August. The Royals entered having scored at least five runs in 20 of 34 games (58.8%) since the All-Star break, tied with Milwaukee for the most in the majors.Kansas City starter Noah Cameron (7-6) allowed six earned runs and eight hits in five innings.Mike Yastrzemski hit a double in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had one in the ninth for the Royals' two hits.<h2>Key moment</h2>Chicago scored three runs on four hits in the first inning. Edgar Quero hit a shot into the gap in left-center field to score Chase Meidroth from first to open the scoring. Lenyn Sosa followed with a hit into the right-field gap for back-to-back doubles. Curtis Mead added Chicago’s third double for his third RBI of the season and a 3-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Chicago scored in the first inning for the third time in four games after doing so just once in the previous nine.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.50) is scheduled to make his 21st start of the season while White Sox LHP Martín Pérez (1-3, 2.51) will be making his sixth start.

⚾ Shane Smith gives up 1 hit in 7 innings as White Sox beat the Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today that&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week, presented by Chevrolet, for the period of Aug. 18-24.

This is Pasquantino’s third career American League Player of the Week honor, following June 2-8 this season and Aug. 8-14, 2022. His three such awards are tied with&nbsp;Carlos Beltrán&nbsp;for the 6th most in Royals history, trailing only&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;(12),&nbsp;Hal McRae&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Billy Butler&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;(4) and&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;(4).

Pasquantino, 27, hit .379 (11-for-29) in 7 games last week and led the Major Leagues in home runs (6) while leading the American League in RBI (12) and ranking 2nd in the AL in slugging (1.069) and OPS (1.506).

He homered in 5 straight games last Monday through Friday to match a franchise record, previously done by Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002 and&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;from Aug. 25-29, 2021. It was the second 5-game HR streak in the Majors this season, following&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani, who did it from July 19-23.

Half of his 6 HR last week gave the Royals a lead, and his 15 go-ahead HR this season rank tied for 5th in the Majors. He has 26 go-ahead RBI on the season, tied with&nbsp;Cal Raleigh&nbsp;for the Major League lead.

He recorded an extra-base hit in all 7 games last week and enters tonight 1 shy of the franchise record held by&nbsp;Danny Tartabull, who had an extra-base hit in 8 straight games from June 25-July 3, 1991. Only two players in the Majors this season have longer extra-base-hit streaks, including&nbsp;Taylor Ward, who had an extra-base hit in 10 straight from May 14-24 and Ohtani, who did it in 8 straight games from Aug. 5-13.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Major League Baseball announced today that&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino&nbsp;has been named American League Player of the Week, presented by Chevrolet, for the period of Aug. 18-24.This is Pasquantino’s third career American League Player of the Week honor, following June 2-8 this season and Aug. 8-14, 2022. His three such awards are tied with&nbsp;Carlos Beltrán&nbsp;for the 6th most in Royals history, trailing only&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;(12),&nbsp;Hal McRae&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Billy Butler&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;(4) and&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;(4).Pasquantino, 27, hit .379 (11-for-29) in 7 games last week and led the Major Leagues in home runs (6) while leading the American League in RBI (12) and ranking 2nd in the AL in slugging (1.069) and OPS (1.506).He homered in 5 straight games last Monday through Friday to match a franchise record, previously done by Sweeney from June 25-29, 2002 and&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;from Aug. 25-29, 2021. It was the second 5-game HR streak in the Majors this season, following&nbsp;Shohei Ohtani, who did it from July 19-23.Half of his 6 HR last week gave the Royals a lead, and his 15 go-ahead HR this season rank tied for 5th in the Majors. He has 26 go-ahead RBI on the season, tied with&nbsp;Cal Raleigh&nbsp;for the Major League lead.He recorded an extra-base hit in all 7 games last week and enters tonight 1 shy of the franchise record held by&nbsp;Danny Tartabull, who had an extra-base hit in 8 straight games from June 25-July 3, 1991. Only two players in the Majors this season have longer extra-base-hit streaks, including&nbsp;Taylor Ward, who had an extra-base hit in 10 straight from May 14-24 and Ohtani, who did it in 8 straight games from Aug. 5-13.

Vinnie Pasquantino Named American League Player of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Following a season-opening 31-7 victory over Fresno State on Saturday, Kansas' Jalon Daniels and the Jayhawks' offensive line earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.

The win over Fresno State was the first in the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, where Kansas was led by redshirt senior quarterback Jalon Daniels in the win, who completed a career-high completion percentage of 90% (18-of-20) for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns to go along with 8 rushes for 47 yards.&nbsp;

Daniels' three touchdown passes gave him 48 career passing touchdowns for his career and marked the most for a Kansas quarterback in a season-opener since 2017. Daniels completed receptions to 10 different receivers in the season opener, including 6 completions to redshirt junior Cam Pickett, who scored twice.

Against Fresno State, Daniels became the fourth Big 12 player all-time to have a single game with at least three passing touchdowns, 45 rushing yards and a 90.0 completion percentage. The other three are Jalen Hurts (October 19, 2019), Robert Griffin III (September 17, 2011) and Seneca Wallace (September 29, 2001).

Kansas' offensive line was named the Big 12's first offensive line of the week after paving the way for 207 yards on the ground, while allowing just one sack.&nbsp;

Under Leipold and offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa, Kansas' offense allowed just .83 sacks per game (10 total) in 2024, which were the fewest allowed in the Big 12 and fourth fewest nationally. Kansas' 10 sacks allowed were the fewest by a Jayhawk team since at least 1996.

Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas has allowed just 39 sacks, which are the fewest among Big 12 programs and are the third fewest nationally, behind only Oregon (23) and Army (32). Prior to Leipold's arrival, Kansas allowed the most sacks in the country in 2020 with 47.

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Following a season-opening 31-7 victory over Fresno State on Saturday, Kansas' Jalon Daniels and the Jayhawks' offensive line earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors, the Big 12 Conference announced on Monday.The win over Fresno State was the first in the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, where Kansas was led by redshirt senior quarterback Jalon Daniels in the win, who completed a career-high completion percentage of 90% (18-of-20) for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns to go along with 8 rushes for 47 yards.&nbsp;Daniels' three touchdown passes gave him 48 career passing touchdowns for his career and marked the most for a Kansas quarterback in a season-opener since 2017. Daniels completed receptions to 10 different receivers in the season opener, including 6 completions to redshirt junior Cam Pickett, who scored twice.Against Fresno State, Daniels became the fourth Big 12 player all-time to have a single game with at least three passing touchdowns, 45 rushing yards and a 90.0 completion percentage. The other three are Jalen Hurts (October 19, 2019), Robert Griffin III (September 17, 2011) and Seneca Wallace (September 29, 2001).Kansas' offensive line was named the Big 12's first offensive line of the week after paving the way for 207 yards on the ground, while allowing just one sack.&nbsp;Under Leipold and offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa, Kansas' offense allowed just .83 sacks per game (10 total) in 2024, which were the fewest allowed in the Big 12 and fourth fewest nationally. Kansas' 10 sacks allowed were the fewest by a Jayhawk team since at least 1996.Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas has allowed just 39 sacks, which are the fewest among Big 12 programs and are the third fewest nationally, behind only Oregon (23) and Army (32). Prior to Leipold's arrival, Kansas allowed the most sacks in the country in 2020 with 47.

Jalon Daniels, Kansas’ Offensive Line Earn Week 0 Big 12 Player of the Week Honors

North Dakota at&nbsp;17/20&nbsp;K-State

Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

TV: ESPN+ (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/08b19103-2a66-4de3-998d-c2e5aa222b1d" target="_blank">Watch</a>)

K-State Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/live" target="_blank">Listen</a>)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines)

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 139 or 198, and on the SiriusXM App

<a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a>

1)&nbsp;Coming off a hard-fought loss to Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin last week, K-State returns to Manhattan for its home opener against North Dakota on Saturday evening inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game, which kicks off at 6 p.m., will be shown on ESPN+ with Shawn Kenney (play-by-play) and Barrett Brooks (analyst) on the call.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his 16th-career start under center. The Wichita, Kansas, product is coming off an efficient game in the season opener as his 70.0% completion rate (21-of-30) was a career best (minimum 10 attempts). His 168.4 pass efficiency rating against Iowa State was the second highest of his career, only to be outdone by a 186.0 mark last year at West Virginia.

3)&nbsp;K-State’s offensive playmakers accounted for 383 yards in the season opener. Wide receivers Jayce Brown, Jerand Bradley and Jaron Tibbs combined for 188 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Brown had a 37-yard touchdown catch and Bradley had a 65-yard score, both coming in the fourth quarter. Running back Joe Jackson made his second-career start and rushed for a career-high 51 yards.

4)&nbsp;K-State’s defense held Iowa State to only 4.2 yards per play and 2.8 yards per rush thanks to six tackles for loss, which included four sacks. It was the seventh time in the last 14 games the Wildcats had at least four sacks. Defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi had a career-high 2.0 sacks, while defensive back Qua Moss had a sack that forced a fumble, which the Wildcats recovered.

5)&nbsp;The Wildcats’ defensive backs totaled six pass breakups, the fourth time in the last six games dating back to last year that K-State tallied at least five breakups. Cornerback Donovan McIntosh led the way with a career-high two passes defended, while he set a new career high with eight tackles. Fellow cornerback Zashon Rich and linebacker Austin Romaine also collected eight tackles in the season opener.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS375&nbsp;– K-State has totaled at least 375 offensive yards in 33 games since 2022, which is tied for eighth among Power 4 teams.

70.0&nbsp;– Completion percentage by Avery Johnson in the season opener, the highest of his career (minimum 10 attempts).

22&nbsp;– Consecutive games that Jayce Brown has recorded at least one catch, which dates back to the 2023 Texas Tech game.

4&nbsp;– Sacks last week against Iowa State, the seventh time in the last 14 games the Wildcats had at least four sacks.

1&nbsp;– This is the first meeting all-time between K-State and North Dakota. The two teams were originally scheduled to play in 2020.

• All-time, Kansas State is 96-28-5 (76.4%) in home openers, while head coach Chris Klieman is 10-2 (83.3%) in home openers as a head coach.

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 101-20 (83.5%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes an 84-9 (90.3%) mark at home. Over that period of time, the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 18 times and unblemished marks at home on 26 occasions.

• Kansas State has won each of its last 10 games against FCS competition dating back to the 2014 season.

• The last time the Wildcats fell to an FCS opponent was the 2013 season opener against defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State.

• Ironically, that Bison squad’s defensive coordinator was current K-State head coach Chris Klieman, and the linebackers coach was current K-State linebackers coach Steve Stanard.

• Saturday’s contest against North Dakota is the third time in Chris Klieman’s seven years that the Wildcats will take on a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, a conference he was part of for eight years after the conference’s inception in 2008, including five years as a head coach at North Dakota State from 2014-18.

• The Wildcats defeated Southern Illinois, 31-23, in the second game of the 2021 season following a neutral-site season opener against Stanford in Arlington, Texas. Then, in 2022, K-State topped South Dakota, 34-0, in the season opener.

• The Wildcats hold a 14-4 record all-time against current members of the MVFC.

• This will be the first all-time matchup between K-State and North Dakota. Interestingly, the two teams were scheduled to play in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic altered the schedules.

• K-State is one of only 10 Power 4 schools that have won at least nine games in each of the last three seasons, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee.

• Among those teams, only Kansas State, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon have accomplished that feat in addition to winning a conference championship during that timeframe.

• The Wildcats rank 13th among Power 4 teams and are tops among current Big 12 programs with 28 total wins over the last three seasons.

• K-State has a total of 231 victories since 1996, which is tied for 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind BYU (239), TCU (238) and Utah (233).

• Kansas State has totaled 144 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

• The Cats are also second among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011. They sit at 59.1% (75-52), trailing only Oklahoma State (61.1%; 77-49).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 42-21 (66.7%) at home in Big 12 play and 33-31 (51.6%) on the road/neutral.

• The 2025 Wildcats are tied for sixth in most returning letterwinners since 2003 with 45, which is impressive considering the roster limits that took effect over the summer.

• Among the group, K-State returns 13 starters from last season – which is tied for 10th in the nation – while its 15 returning starters from the Rate Bowl are tied for seventh in the nation.

• Of the 13 returning starters, seven hail from the state of Kansas.

• On offense, the Kansans are quarterback Avery Johnson (Wichita), running back Dylan Edwards (Derby) and offensive linemen Taylor Poitier (Kansas City) and Sam Hecht (Shawnee).

• Defensively, the list includes defensive tackle Damian Ilalio (Manhattan), linebacker Des Purnell (Topeka) and defensive end Cody Stufflebean (McPherson).

• Kansas State played nine night games a year ago – going 6-3 in those contests – and the Wildcats begin the season with each of their first four games kicking off at 5 p.m. local time or later.

• The season opener against Iowa State kicked off at 5 p.m. (Irish Standard Time), while K-State’s first two home games will each kick off at 6 p.m. (Central Time). Then, the Wildcats travel to face Arizona in a game that will kick off at 6 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time).

• Last season was the first time that K-State played nine night games during the regular season in the Big 12 era (1996).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 120-42 career record, as his 74.1% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that are in at least their 10th season. He is also one of just 16 current Power 4 head coaches with at least 100 career victories.

• Klieman, who is 48-29 since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25, the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019.

• Kansas State earned four come-from-behind wins in 2024 when trailing in the fourth quarter, tied for the second most in the country (Illinois, 5).

• The Wildcats’ four wins last season when trailing in the fourth quarter tied the school record originally set by the 2011 squad (Eastern Kentucky, Miami, Baylor, Texas A&amp;M).

• At Tulane, a Dylan Edwards touchdown run and a Jack Fabris fumble return – the latter with 8:13 left – erased a 27-20 deficit in a 34-27 win.

• At Colorado, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown with 2:14 remaining swung a 28-24 deficit to a 31-28 victory in the Buffaloes’ lone home loss of the season.

• K-State trailed Kansas, 27-26, until Chris Tennant’s 51-yard field goal with 1:42 left earned the Wildcats a 29-27 win.

• Lastly, the Wildcats recorded their largest bowl come-from-behind victory in the 2024 Rate Bowl as they trailed Rutgers by 17 points in the third quarter and by 12 points in the fourth quarter before a 44-41 victory.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 25-plus seasons as it has 135 since 1999, nine more than the next closest team (Alabama – 126) and 17 more than the next Big 12 program (Utah – 118).

• K-State recorded four non-offensive scores during the 2024 season, its most since also recording four in 2020.

• The four non-offensive scores a year ago were: a Ty Bowman blocked punt against UT Martin that was returned for a score by Colby McCalister, a 60-yard fumble return by Jack Fabris at Tulane, a 71-yard punt return by Dylan Edwards against Arizona, and a 43-yard interception return by Marques Sigle at West Virginia.

OFFENSIVE NOTESWELLS LEADING THE CHARGE

• After spending the 2024 season coaching the K-State quarterbacks and serving as co-offensive coordinator, associate head coach Matt Wells is now the full-time play caller in 2025.

• All Wells did during his first season on staff was tutor Avery Johnson to a school-record 25 touchdown passes, while his sophomore signal caller ranked fifth in school history in passing yards (2,985) and completions (238).

• Wells and Johnson helped guide a K-State offense that finished in the top 15 nationally in four categories and in the top 10 of school history in 15 game or season categories.

TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 33 of the last 41 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.

• The 33 games with at least 375 yards are tied for eighth among Power 4 programs and second among Big 12 schools. Georgia leads the way with 36, followed by LSU, Oregon, TCU, Texas and USC with 34, while Washington is at 33.

• During that stretch, K-State holds a 26-7 record when totaling at least 375 yards, while the Wildcats are 2-6 when going under that mark.RED ZONE SUCCESS• Since Chris Klieman’s first season at K-State in 2019, the Wildcats have been the best in the Big 12 in terms of converting red-zone opportunities into points.

• The Wildcats rank first in the Big 12 with an 89.7% (270-of-301) success rate in the red zone since 2019, just ahead of both Texas Tech (87.8%) and Oklahoma State (87.5%).

• K-State also ranks first in the league in touchdown success rate at 67.1% (202-of-301), ahead of Kansas (66.4%) and UCF (65.0%).RED ZONE THREATS• Kansas State’s tight end unit combined for 13 touchdown receptions in 2024, which led the nation.

• The 13 touchdowns came from four different players who are all back in 2025 in Garrett Oakley (5), Will Anciaux (3), Will Swanson (3) and Brayden Loftin (2).GROUND AND POUND• K-State finished the 2024 season ranking 11th nationally by averaging 215.5 rushing yards per game, while the Cats were second in the country by averaging a school-record 6.08 rushing yards per carry.

• The Cats rushed for at least 200 yards in eight games last year, the most in the Big 12 and the second most among Power 4 schools.

• The average was driven by 95 rushes of at least 10 yards to rank seventh in the nation, while K-State’s 34 rushing plays of 20 or more yards last season ranked second (UNLV, 36).NEW – BUT EXPERIENCED – OL• Kansas State brought back seven offensive linemen who have seen playing time in a Wildcat uniform prior to the start of 2025 but only three that earned starts. However, K-State is not void of experience thanks to the addition of a few transfers.

• The Wildcats’ primary offensive linemen in the season opener have totaled 162 games played and 49 starts, led by left guard Taylor Poitier (32 games, 17 starts).

• The other primary linemen to open the 2025 season were center Sam Hecht (31 games, 14 starts), right guard JB Nelson (32 games, 9 starts), right tackle Andrew Leingang (28 games, 3 starts), left tackle John Pastore (11 games, 1 start) and reserve tackle Terrence Enos Jr. (28 games, 5 starts).VERY EFFICIENT• Quarterback Avery Johnson had one of his better outputs in terms of efficiency in the season opener, completing 70.0% of his passes and producing a 168.4 pass efficiency rating.

• Johnson went 21-of-30 for 273 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against Iowa State. His 70.0% completion clip was a career best (minimum 10 attempts), bettering his 66.7% mark in last year’s season opener against UT Martin. His pass efficiency rating was the second highest of his career, only to be outdone by a 186.0 mark last year at West Virginia.SECOND-YEAR STARTER• Quarterback Avery Johnson is in his second year of starting duties after setting the school record for single-season touchdown passes at 25 a year ago.

• Additionally, Johnson finished second in school history in passing yards by a sophomore (2,712), fourth in pass attempts (372), fifth in overall passing yards and completions (217), sixth in total offensive yards (3,317) and eighth in touchdown responsibility (32).

• A product of Wichita, Kansas, Johnson is ranked in the top 10 in four career categories, while he is just outside the top 10 in several others (see page 47).

WINNING FROM A YOUNG AGE• Despite only starting 15 career games, Avery Johnson has led the Wildcats to 10 wins to rank 11 in school history in wins among K-State signal callers since 1990.

• Additionally, his 67.7% winning percentage ranks ninth among those that have started at least 10 games.

ONE OF A SELECT FEW• Avery Johnson was one of only five players in the nation and one of three from Power 4 schools to record at least 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards in 2024. He was joined on that list by Jalen Milroe (Alabama), Taylen Green (Arkansas), Devon Dampier (New Mexico), Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) and John Mateer (Washington State).

• Additionally, Johnson was one of nine signal callers nationally with at least 25 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns. The others to hit those marks were Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Rocco Becht (Iowa State), Alonza Barnett III (James Madison), Will Howard (Ohio State), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Jordan McCloud (Texas State), Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky) and Mateer.

A NEW ERA IN THE BACKFIELD• Running back Dylan Edwards shined during his first opportunity as K-State’s primary running back in the 2024 Rate Bowl, and he looks to carry that momentum into 2025.

K-State Hosts North Dakota in 2025 Home Opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a convincing 31-7 win over Fresno State in the opening game of the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks won't wait long for their second game inside The Booth as they are set to take on Wagner on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Mark Neely and Todd Doxson on the call.

The Jayhawks and Seahawks will face off for the first time ever in this matchup Friday night. While Kansas earned a Week 0 win over the Bulldogs, Wagner will be making its 2025 season debut against the Jayhawks. Out of the Northeast Conference, the FCS Seahawks went 4-8 last season under coach Tom Masella. Friday's game will be the Jayhawks' Salute to Service game, celebrating service members with tributes throughout the game.

Kansas opened its season in style in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,525 fans. Senior quarterback Jalon Daniels had a brilliant season debut, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 47 yards on the ground, leading the Jayhawks to a strong, efficient effort on offense.

Wide receiver Cam Pickett, a transfer from Ball State, making his Kansas debut, emerged as one of Daniels' favorite targets in the win, catching six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Keaton Kubecka also caught the first touchdown of his career when he hauled in a 12-yard score from Daniels in the third quarter. The running game was also solid, with Daniel Hishaw Jr., totaling 68 yards on 13 carries and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams adding 57 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

Defensively, the Jayhawks were stout, allowing just 216 yards of total offense and just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Linebackers Trey Lathan and Bangally Kamara anchored the effort, combining for 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry. The defensive unit combined for 10 tackles-for-loss in the win, along with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three sacks.

Following the matchup with Wagner, Kansas will travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m., on ESPN2. Following an open week, the Jayhawks return for two more home games at The Booth against Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Cincinnati.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a convincing 31-7 win over Fresno State in the opening game of the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks won't wait long for their second game inside The Booth as they are set to take on Wagner on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Mark Neely and Todd Doxson on the call.The Jayhawks and Seahawks will face off for the first time ever in this matchup Friday night. While Kansas earned a Week 0 win over the Bulldogs, Wagner will be making its 2025 season debut against the Jayhawks. Out of the Northeast Conference, the FCS Seahawks went 4-8 last season under coach Tom Masella. Friday's game will be the Jayhawks' Salute to Service game, celebrating service members with tributes throughout the game.Kansas opened its season in style in front of a sold-out crowd of 41,525 fans. Senior quarterback Jalon Daniels had a brilliant season debut, completing 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 47 yards on the ground, leading the Jayhawks to a strong, efficient effort on offense.Wide receiver Cam Pickett, a transfer from Ball State, making his Kansas debut, emerged as one of Daniels' favorite targets in the win, catching six passes for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Keaton Kubecka also caught the first touchdown of his career when he hauled in a 12-yard score from Daniels in the third quarter. The running game was also solid, with Daniel Hishaw Jr., totaling 68 yards on 13 carries and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams adding 57 yards and a touchdown on six carries.Defensively, the Jayhawks were stout, allowing just 216 yards of total offense and just 37 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Linebackers Trey Lathan and Bangally Kamara anchored the effort, combining for 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry. The defensive unit combined for 10 tackles-for-loss in the win, along with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three sacks.Following the matchup with Wagner, Kansas will travel to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m., on ESPN2. Following an open week, the Jayhawks return for two more home games at The Booth against Big 12 opponents, West Virginia and Cincinnati.

Kansas Set to Host Wagner for Fright Night Matchup at The Booth

DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.

The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.

John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.

Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.

The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.

Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.

Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.

Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.

Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.

McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.

All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.

Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.

Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756070514258.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 10-8 on Sunday.The Royals improved to 28-14 in series finales this season. They are 9-4 when they are in danger of being swept.John Schreiber (3-2) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his 34th save.Riley Greene hit his 31st homer for the Tigers, who had won five straight and nine of 10. Jack Flaherty (7-13) was tagged for eight runs in five-plus innings.The Royals scored six runs in the third inning after Flaherty retired the first two batters.Luke Maile singled and scored on Mike Yastrzemski's double. Bobby Witt Jr. made it 2-1 with an RBI single, and Pasquantino followed with a two-run homer. Garcia singled, Salvador Perez drove in Kansas City's fifth run and Adam Frazier made it seven straight hits with an RBI double.Jahmai Jones hit a three-run double for Detroit in the fourth, and the Tigers added three more runs in the fifth. Wenceel Pérez homered, and Zach McKinstry’s two-out RBI single made it 7-6 Detroit.Flaherty departed after the Royals started the sixth with a pair of hits, and Tyler Holton allowed a two-run single to Kyle Isbel. Holton's wild pitch allowed Isbel to score Kansas City's ninth run.Garcia homered in the seventh to make it 10-7, but Spencer Torkelson answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.<h2>Key moment</h2>McKinstry had a chance for a tying two-run homer in the seventh, but Frazier made the catch against the right-field wall.<h2>Key stat</h2>All nine Royals starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.53 ERA) starts Monday in the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. RHP Shane Smith (3-7, 4.12 ERA) goes for Chicago.Tigers: The AL Central leaders begin a three-game set at the Athletics on Monday night.

⚾ Pasquantino and Garcia homer as the Royals hold off the Tigers 

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened its season on a high note as the Coyotes knocked off the Hastings College Broncos 2-1 on Saturday at Lloyd Wilson Field.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdbcec4d-562c-48e5-9733-5a440b0ee80c?elinkdata=27956">Emma Gervy's</a> 64th minute goal proved to be the difference maker for the Coyotes in the match.

The victory was also the first in program history over Hastings. KWU was previously 0-10-1 all-time against the Broncos before Saturday's win.

It only took 75 seconds into the season for the Coyotes to score the first goal of the year. After a throw in from the right side, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e4fa96-6bdf-44ff-b826-d91d86c31c4a?elinkdata=27956">Talia Walsh</a> found herself in possession of the ball about 12 yards out after a scrum to gain possession, and she scored it giving the Coyotes a 1-0 lead.

Just about 10 minutes later Hastings found the equalizer. Madison Rhodes scored on a 1-vs-1 breakaway chance when Wesleyan keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c18db3f5-4647-4d70-8a3f-9eb6f8bab179?elinkdata=27956">Isabella Galvan</a> came out to challenge the ball leaving an open net for Rhodes to score.

The score stayed the same until the 64th minute when the Coyotes got the go-ahead goal.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09710629-9681-499a-b77d-51daee2dabbb?elinkdata=27956">Brooklyn Velotta</a> sent the ball into Gervy at the top of the penalty area. She chipped it over the keeper's head right before the two collided and the ball bounced into goal off the right post and in before a defender could get to it.

After the goal, the Coyotes locked in defensively, holding Hastings to only one shot the rest of the match.

KWU (1-0) outshot the Broncos 13-10 in the match. Velotta and Gervy each had four to lead the Coyotes. Galvan had one save in goal for the Coyotes as she only faced two shots on frame in the match.

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer opened its season on a high note as the Coyotes knocked off the Hastings College Broncos 2-1 on Saturday at Lloyd Wilson Field.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdbcec4d-562c-48e5-9733-5a440b0ee80c?elinkdata=27956">Emma Gervy's</a> 64th minute goal proved to be the difference maker for the Coyotes in the match.The victory was also the first in program history over Hastings. KWU was previously 0-10-1 all-time against the Broncos before Saturday's win.It only took 75 seconds into the season for the Coyotes to score the first goal of the year. After a throw in from the right side, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e4fa96-6bdf-44ff-b826-d91d86c31c4a?elinkdata=27956">Talia Walsh</a> found herself in possession of the ball about 12 yards out after a scrum to gain possession, and she scored it giving the Coyotes a 1-0 lead.Just about 10 minutes later Hastings found the equalizer. Madison Rhodes scored on a 1-vs-1 breakaway chance when Wesleyan keeper <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c18db3f5-4647-4d70-8a3f-9eb6f8bab179?elinkdata=27956">Isabella Galvan</a> came out to challenge the ball leaving an open net for Rhodes to score.The score stayed the same until the 64th minute when the Coyotes got the go-ahead goal.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09710629-9681-499a-b77d-51daee2dabbb?elinkdata=27956">Brooklyn Velotta</a> sent the ball into Gervy at the top of the penalty area. She chipped it over the keeper's head right before the two collided and the ball bounced into goal off the right post and in before a defender could get to it.After the goal, the Coyotes locked in defensively, holding Hastings to only one shot the rest of the match.KWU (1-0) outshot the Broncos 13-10 in the match. Velotta and Gervy each had four to lead the Coyotes. Galvan had one save in goal for the Coyotes as she only faced two shots on frame in the match.

KWU Women's Soccer opens season with 2-1 win over Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball split two matches on Saturday in the Hastings College Classic at Lynn Farrell Arena. The Coyotes got a four-set win over College of Saint Mary, then fell to the host Broncos in four sets.

KWU 3, CSM 1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 26-24): The Coyotes won the first two sets against College of Saint Mary and then rallied in the fourth to come away with the win over the previously undefeated Flames.

In the opening set, KWU led 24-19 before CSM scored four straight points to get within one at 24-23 before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4e16d15-a578-4308-9aed-5d4b5a1f1e80?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill gave the set to the Coyotes.

In the second set, the Coyotes raced out to a 7-2 lead and held it the rest of the way, leading by as much as 10 at 21-11 before closing out the set 25-17.

In the third, the Coyotes led 21-20, but CSM would score the last five points of the set to come away with the win.

KWU led most of the fourth, leading 23-21 when CSM scored the next three to take a 24-23 lead. A service error tied things up and gave serve back to the Coyotes. Kills by Madelyne Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/952c8301-0b7d-4dc2-b84c-4ad27970a0ae?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan</a> closed out the set and the match for the Coyotes.

Serpan had 22 kills in the match to lead the Coyotes, while Wolf added 10 as KWU hit .163 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63f1bba8-30f3-454c-b52d-324235b0e5b9?elinkdata=27987">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 30 assists in the match and 10 digs for her first double-double as a Coyote. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61172475-2fa5-45c7-be41-af316f89895f?elinkdata=27987">Kori Arnold</a> had 33 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04651117-2b0f-4290-a5d6-08a7a780726e?elinkdata=27987">Kate Bebout</a> had three blocks to lead the Coyote front row defense.

HAS 3, KWU 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22): Three out of four sets were decided by two points, and the other by three, as the Coyotes were right there with host Hastings, but couldn't get over the top in the final match of the day.

Wesleyan trailed 20-12 in the opening set, but put the rally caps on starting with a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afa73614-a0fe-442a-8ccf-5e53584dc651?elinkdata=27987">Gianna Adriaanse</a>. The Coyotes kept pushing back, using a 10-2 run to tie things up at 22-all. Hastings took a 23-22 lead, but the Coyotes closed out the set with back-to-back Wolf kills to win 25-23.

The Coyotes pushed out to a 7-2 lead in the second set but a 9-1 run from Hastings gave the Broncos an 11-8 lead. KWU battled back tying it at 17 before Hastings scored three in a row to lead 20-17. Again the Coyotes drew even at 21-all, but fell behind 24-21. KWU tried to rally again tying it at 24-all, but Hastings got the last two of the set to win 26-24.

Hastings had a 23-18 lead in the third set before the Coyotes rallied to tie things up at 23-all. Again the Broncos would get the final two points of the set for the win.

KWU trailed 8-3 in the fourth but scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-9 lead. Hastings answered right back with its own run, taking a 20-14 lead. KWU got within a point at 23-22, but Hastings scored the final two again to close out the match.

Serpan led the Coyotes again with 13 kills while Wolf had nine. KWU hit .143 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2d8fc1b-589f-49a4-80bf-6c37761e1716?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 23 assists and Stuhlsatz had 16. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42a96c3-4d8c-4245-b9c1-f58d9fdc7b8c?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 10 digs for a double-double. Arnold led the way with 20 digs for the Coyotes and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38050cd4-2b2c-41b1-814f-930b49b84ce6?elinkdata=27987">Tristyn Hedman</a> had 13. Serpan had four blocks.

HASTINGS, Neb. - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball split two matches on Saturday in the Hastings College Classic at Lynn Farrell Arena. The Coyotes got a four-set win over College of Saint Mary, then fell to the host Broncos in four sets.KWU 3, CSM 1 (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 26-24): The Coyotes won the first two sets against College of Saint Mary and then rallied in the fourth to come away with the win over the previously undefeated Flames.In the opening set, KWU led 24-19 before CSM scored four straight points to get within one at 24-23 before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4e16d15-a578-4308-9aed-5d4b5a1f1e80?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill gave the set to the Coyotes.In the second set, the Coyotes raced out to a 7-2 lead and held it the rest of the way, leading by as much as 10 at 21-11 before closing out the set 25-17.In the third, the Coyotes led 21-20, but CSM would score the last five points of the set to come away with the win.KWU led most of the fourth, leading 23-21 when CSM scored the next three to take a 24-23 lead. A service error tied things up and gave serve back to the Coyotes. Kills by Madelyne Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/952c8301-0b7d-4dc2-b84c-4ad27970a0ae?elinkdata=27987">Rylee Serpan</a> closed out the set and the match for the Coyotes.Serpan had 22 kills in the match to lead the Coyotes, while Wolf added 10 as KWU hit .163 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63f1bba8-30f3-454c-b52d-324235b0e5b9?elinkdata=27987">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a> had 30 assists in the match and 10 digs for her first double-double as a Coyote. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61172475-2fa5-45c7-be41-af316f89895f?elinkdata=27987">Kori Arnold</a> had 33 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04651117-2b0f-4290-a5d6-08a7a780726e?elinkdata=27987">Kate Bebout</a> had three blocks to lead the Coyote front row defense.HAS 3, KWU 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22): Three out of four sets were decided by two points, and the other by three, as the Coyotes were right there with host Hastings, but couldn't get over the top in the final match of the day.Wesleyan trailed 20-12 in the opening set, but put the rally caps on starting with a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afa73614-a0fe-442a-8ccf-5e53584dc651?elinkdata=27987">Gianna Adriaanse</a>. The Coyotes kept pushing back, using a 10-2 run to tie things up at 22-all. Hastings took a 23-22 lead, but the Coyotes closed out the set with back-to-back Wolf kills to win 25-23.The Coyotes pushed out to a 7-2 lead in the second set but a 9-1 run from Hastings gave the Broncos an 11-8 lead. KWU battled back tying it at 17 before Hastings scored three in a row to lead 20-17. Again the Coyotes drew even at 21-all, but fell behind 24-21. KWU tried to rally again tying it at 24-all, but Hastings got the last two of the set to win 26-24.Hastings had a 23-18 lead in the third set before the Coyotes rallied to tie things up at 23-all. Again the Broncos would get the final two points of the set for the win.KWU trailed 8-3 in the fourth but scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-9 lead. Hastings answered right back with its own run, taking a 20-14 lead. KWU got within a point at 23-22, but Hastings scored the final two again to close out the match.Serpan led the Coyotes again with 13 kills while Wolf had nine. KWU hit .143 as a team. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b2d8fc1b-589f-49a4-80bf-6c37761e1716?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 23 assists and Stuhlsatz had 16. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42a96c3-4d8c-4245-b9c1-f58d9fdc7b8c?elinkdata=27987">Blair Pennington</a> had 10 digs for a double-double. Arnold led the way with 20 digs for the Coyotes and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38050cd4-2b2c-41b1-814f-930b49b84ce6?elinkdata=27987">Tristyn Hedman</a> had 13. Serpan had four blocks.

KWU Women's Volleyball splits matches to open season at Hastings

MIDLAND, Texas (August 23, 2025)—Nate Baez slugged a three-run triple in the 7-3 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland Rockhounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. C.J. Culpepper also earned his first Double-A victory with five shutout innings as the Wind Surge starter.

After Midland loaded the bases on three walks in the bottom of the first inning, Baez and Andrew Cossetti connected on a 3-2-3 double play, and Culpepper struck out Luke Mann to leave the jam unscathed. 

Culpepper would later finish with five shutout frames alongside three hits, four walks, and six strikeouts in his first win of the season.&nbsp;Ben Ross drove in the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the second to put Wichita on the board. 

Kala’i Rosario added two more runs on a double to left field three innings later to give the Wind Surge a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;Joshua Kuroda-Grauer hit an RBI single to right to give Midland their first run in the home half of the sixth before Wichita added four more runs in the top of the seventh on a bases-clearing triple by Baez and a run-scoring knock from Ross, giving the Wind Surge a 7-1 advantage heading into the stretch.&nbsp;

Tommy White hit a homer to right field; then the RockHounds got another run in the bottom of the eighth on an infield groundout to bring themselves within four, but Mike Paredes settled down and finished the night by striking out Mann looking to finish a 7-3 Wichita victory.

Wichita continues the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 24 at 1:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The Wind Surge return to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

MIDLAND, Texas (August 23, 2025)—Nate Baez slugged a three-run triple in the 7-3 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Midland Rockhounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. C.J. Culpepper also earned his first Double-A victory with five shutout innings as the Wind Surge starter.After Midland loaded the bases on three walks in the bottom of the first inning, Baez and Andrew Cossetti connected on a 3-2-3 double play, and Culpepper struck out Luke Mann to leave the jam unscathed. Culpepper would later finish with five shutout frames alongside three hits, four walks, and six strikeouts in his first win of the season.&nbsp;Ben Ross drove in the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the second to put Wichita on the board. Kala’i Rosario added two more runs on a double to left field three innings later to give the Wind Surge a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;Joshua Kuroda-Grauer hit an RBI single to right to give Midland their first run in the home half of the sixth before Wichita added four more runs in the top of the seventh on a bases-clearing triple by Baez and a run-scoring knock from Ross, giving the Wind Surge a 7-1 advantage heading into the stretch.&nbsp;Tommy White hit a homer to right field; then the RockHounds got another run in the bottom of the eighth on an infield groundout to bring themselves within four, but Mike Paredes settled down and finished the night by striking out Mann looking to finish a 7-3 Wichita victory.POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>C.J. Culpepper earns his first win of both the season and in his Double-A career.&nbsp;</li><li>C.J. Culpepper throws five innings for his second straight start.</li><li>Nate Baez hits his fourth triple with the Wind Surge. Entering this season, he had only hit two triples over the three years of his professional career.</li><li>The double for Kala’i Rosario puts him an extra base hit shy of 50 with Wichita in 2025.</li><li>2024 Wind Surge outfielder Carson McCusker hits two home runs tonight for Triple-A St. Paul, tying and breaking the single-season franchise record for long balls hit by an individual player (21, 22).</li>
 </ul>Wichita continues the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 24 at 1:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The Wind Surge return to Equity Bank Park for the team’s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/" target="_blank">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets" target="_blank">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.

Wichita Powers Through Midland For The Win

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.

Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.

E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.

This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998339600.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755998416516.png" alt="Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Sold out David Booth Memorial Stadium on Saturday -photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only the east side where the students sit awaiting a facelift this coming offseason.Then the Jayhawks got busy as they seek to rebound from a 5-7 finish a year ago.Daniels quickly led them downfield after the opening kickoff, hitting Pickett with a 21-yard touchdown throw. After Fresno State answered with Gilliam's TD run, the Jayhawks' longtime quarterback — a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate whose career has been slowed by injuries — helped Kansas reel off 17 points and take a 24-7 lead into halftime.Daniels added a touchdown throw to Keaton Kubecka in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>Fresno State got off to a good start under new coach Matt Entz, and Warner was 5 of 5 for 81 yards in the first quarter. But he was just 13 of 24 for 98 yards the rest of the way while turning the ball over three times.Kansas dominated both lines of scrimmage. The defense of new coordinator D.K. McDonald was especially disruptive, holding the Bulldogs to just 37 yards on 29 carries while totaling 10 tackles-for-loss.<h2>Up next</h2>Fresno State plays Georgia Southern in its home opener next Saturday.Kansas plays Wagner on Friday night in its final tuneup before visiting rival Missouri.