What team could replace Kansas State if they opt out of bowl game?
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What team could replace Kansas State if they opt out of bowl game? originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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On December 4th, On3 reporter Brett McMurphy announced that 6-6 Kansas State were considering opting out of their bowl game, opening the door for a 5-7 team to play a bowl game. This report came shortly after Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein was announced as Chris Klieman’s replacement for K-State’s head coach position.
Kansas State has not reached a final decision whether to participate in a bowl, sources told @On3sports. KSU is considering all its options. If KSU opts out, Rice (5-7) is next in line for a bowl berth & the Owls are interested in accepting a bid, if available, source said
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 5, 2025
According to McMurphy, Rice are first in line to call dibs, as they are apparently ranked higher than Auburn and several other 5-7 teams based on multi-year APR rankings. It is important to state that these rankings are not open to the general public.
If Kansas State opts out of bowl, the 5-7 teams, based on 2020-24 multi-year APR rankings, an NCAA source told @On3sports, is in order Rice, Auburn, UCF, Miss St & Florida St. These rankings aren't publicly available. @RedditCFB & others have reported incorrect lists of APR teams
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 5, 2025
Rice were 5-5 entering their last two games of the regular season, but they were slammed by both South Florida and UNT by a combined score of 108-27. As a result, the Owls missed out on direct bowl eligibility.
Rice would become the 10th Texas FBS team to qualify for the postseason, joining University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech, and others if Kansas State do decide to not play.
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