K-State’s Dylan Edwards Ready for Big Stage in Dublin Showdown Against Iowa State

As Kansas State touches down in Dublin for a historic Week Zero opener, the atmosphere is buzzing with a mix of jet lag and excitement. For defensive back Dylan Edwards and his teammates, the trip to Ireland is a unique challenge, sitting six time zones away from home to kick off the 2025 college football season against a familiar Big 12 rival, the Iowa State Cyclones.

The logistical hurdles are significant. Austin Romaine, another key figure on the Wildcats’ defense, highlighted the difficulty of the travel schedule, noting the team had just two hours after landing before hitting the practice field again. The primary focus now is adjusting to the time change and getting crucial rest before Saturday’s kickoff. Despite the unusual circumstances, the team’s mindset remains squarely on the task at hand: starting the season 1-0.

Embracing the Moment on an International Stage

For many players, including Dylan Edwards, this trip marks a first-ever journey outside the United States. Edwards described the experience as a “blessing,” emphasizing the novelty of everything from the bus rides to the overwhelming kindness of the local people. While the environment is new, the goal remains the same.

“The stage isn’t too big for this team,” Edwards stated, reflecting the squad’s confidence. “We’re just playing an away game farther away from home… We’re going to go out there and play our game, play the K-State way.” This mentality is crucial for a team preparing to play in front of an international audience eager to be introduced to American football.

A Football Focus: Containing a Familiar Foe

When the conversation turns to football, the focus sharpens. The Wildcats are intimately familiar with their opponent, having faced Iowa State just last season. Defensively, the key will be diagnosing the Cyclones’ offensive scheme, which relies heavily on shifts, motions, and creating confusion.

Austin Romaine pointed out that containing Iowa State’s quarterback, Rocco Becht, is a top priority. “He’s a really good scrambler,” Romaine noted, “so keeping him contained in the pocket will be huge for us.” This familiarity is seen as an advantage, allowing the K-State defense to prepare for the specific looks and tendencies they’ve studied on film from recent matchups.

For Dylan Edwards, this game represents an opportunity to step into a more significant role. When asked if the stage felt magnified, he remained grounded, drawing on a lifetime of playing football. “No stage is too big… It’s a football game. I’m going to go out there and play every football game how I’ve been playing.” His preparation hasn’t changed, even as his responsibilities within the defense have grown. This level-headed approach, focusing on details and playing free, will be vital for a Kansas State team looking to make a statement on a national—and international—stage to open the season. The world will be watching, and Dylan Edwards is ready.