Kansas and Kansas State combined for 20 selections on Athlon Sports’ 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Teams, highlighted by a pair of first-team nods for the Sunflower State.
Kansas center Bryce Foster and defensive lineman Dean Miller earned first-team honors for the Jayhawks, while Kansas State was represented on the first team by all-purpose back Dylan Edwards and linebacker Austin Romaine.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, a rising dual-threat star, headlined the Wildcats' presence on the second team, joined by wide receiver Jayce Brown, offensive linemen Sam Hecht and Taylor Poitier, and safety VJ Payne. Tight end Garrett Oakley, defensive linemen Tobi Osunsanmi and Damian Ilalio, and linebacker Desmond Purnell were tabbed for the third team, with Edwards also earning third-team punt returner honors.
Kansas placed running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. on the second team as an all-purpose player, while kicker Laith Marjan earned a second-team specialist nod. Offensive lineman Kobe Baynes landed on the third team. Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., defensive lineman D.J. Withers, and linebacker Joseph Sipp Jr. were named to the fourth team.
The full Athlon list features four teams each on offense, defense and special teams and includes players from every Big 12 program.
KU will open the season on August 23, as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium against Fresno State. K-State opens its season on August 23 in Dublin, Ireland, as they face Iowa State in the Aer Lingus Classic.