NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats paid the price for deciding to opt out of a college football game on Sunday.
The Big 12 Conference announced that it fined the two schools $500,000 each for their decisions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
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 is issuing an institutional penalty of $500,000 to Iowa State and Kansas State for opting out of their participation in the conference’s bowl pool,” the conference said in a statement.
“While the conference recognizes the difficult timing surrounding coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners.”
Iowa State finished 8-4 and Kansas State was 6-6 to end the season. Both teams, because they reached six wins, were bowl eligible. But both schools found themselves in an inexpedient position.
Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement earlier this week and Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell decided to go to Penn State.
PENN STATE HIRES IOWA STATE’S MATT CAMPBELL AS NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORTS
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 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 have worked 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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“This decision was not made lightly, but with the transition in our coaching staff and more 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 fighting back from a 2-4 record to lead us to bowl eligibility again, and we’re glad our seniors were able to go out on top with a win at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.”
