Your Picks on Washington St. vs Kansas St.

The matchup and opening results

The Kansas State Wildcats host the Washington State Cougars at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan on September 12, 2026. This 2026 college football matchup is the programs' first meeting.

Kansas State began Collin Klein's head-coaching tenure by beating Nicholls 71-3. The Wildcats generated 559 total yards and nine touchdowns while surrendering 122 yards. Avery Johnson completed 15 of 21 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown. Rodney Fields Jr. contributed 101 rushing yards and a score.

Washington State opened Kirby Moore's first season with a 24-10 loss at No. 17 Washington. The Cougars were within one score late in the fourth quarter but finished with 242 total yards and three turnovers. Caden Pinnick completed 16 of 25 passes for 142 yards with two interceptions, alongside 61 rushing yards and a touchdown.

What the prices require

Kansas State is listed at -936 on the moneyline and -17.5 (-110) against the spread. Washington State is +638 outright and +17.5 (-110). The total is 49.5, with over and under each priced at -110.

Those opening performances describe what happened against different opponents; they do not establish how often Kansas State should cover 17.5 points. Washington State's three turnovers also do not establish that Kansas State will receive similar opportunities. The Cougars' roster includes 50 newcomers, but that turnover alone cannot quantify a scoring margin.

Final betting decision

Pass on the side, moneyline and total. Kansas State's production is a positive opening result, but the available evidence does not support a price-based betting edge or a defensible exact-score projection. Washington State's late competitiveness likewise does not establish value on the underdog. No winner or score pick is issued.