The prospect of the Sunflower Showdown escalating to new heights this fall has been gaining traction, especially with recent developments in college football transfer movements. Notably, Kansas football is reportedly eyeing a high-profile transfer receiver, Dylan Edwards, from Kansas State. According to a recent report by On3’s Pete Nakos, Edwards is beginning to explore visiting options as part of his transfer process. This potential move could add a new layer of rivalry intensity between the two schools, especially if Edwards ends up suiting up for Kansas against his former team later this year.
Background on Dylan Edwards and Kansas State
Edwards has been a prominent figure at Kansas State, but his relationship with the Wildcats has been complicated. The running back, who originally committed to Kansas State out of Derby High School, initially pledged allegiance to the Wildcats but later flipped his commitment twice — first to Notre Dame, then to Colorado. After spending one year at Colorado, Edwards returned to Kansas State, seeking to revive his college career.
That ambitious journey has been marked by flashes of brilliance and some turbulent moments. During the 2025 season, Edwards was largely sidelined due to injuries. His playing time was limited, and his impact on the field was minimal. The one clear moment of significance came during Kansas State’s Week 0 loss to Iowa State in Ireland, where Edwards muffed a first-quarter punt, a mistake that seemed to overshadow his less frequent contributions throughout the season.
Following the injury-riddled season and limited playing opportunities, Edwards made the decision to leave the team midseason in an effort to preserve his redshirt status. This move reflected the ongoing uncertainty about his future at Kansas State, as he looked for a fresh start elsewhere.
The Transfer Rumors and Fan Reactions
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The latest buzz suggests that Kansas is seriously considering adding Edwards to its roster. The Wildcats’ fans are already aware of the potential rivalry implications. Edwards isn’t particularly popular among Kansas State supporters, partly because of his decision to leave the team midseason and his shifting loyalties in high school. His return to college football this year, possibly wearing a Jayhawks jersey instead of a Wildcat one, would only heighten the rivalry’s intensity.
The timing of this potential transfer couldn’t be more critical for Kansas, which is looking to strengthen its roster heading into 2026. The Jayhawks have already secured commitments from two other transfer running backs — Colorado State’s Jalen Dupree and Syracuse’s Yasin Willis. Both players are expected to fill important roles after the departures of Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams, who graduated last season.
Edwards’s explosive style of play remains highly valued, especially since he was considered a four-star recruit out of high school. When healthy and on form, he’s a dynamic athlete capable of breaking significant runs and contributing substantially to the offense. His potential addition would boost Kansas’s offensive potency and inject some excitement into their offensive backfield.
Implications for the Kansas State-Kansas Rivalry
The possibility of Edwards transferring to Kansas adds an intriguing subplot to the traditional rivalry. Wildcat fans’ sentiments are likely to be mixed — some may feel betrayed, given his earlier decisions and limited impact in 2025. Others might see his transfer as a strategic move to find more playing time and resurrect his college career.
Kansas State, meanwhile, will be hosting Kansas at Bill Snyder Family Stadium this fall, and the game is expected to be even more heated if Edwards lines up against his former team. The rivalry, already intense, could see elevated stakes not just because of the on-field competition but also because of these transfer storyline developments.
The transfer portal has become a central battleground in college football, especially in rivalries where individual player decisions can ignite passions and rivalries anew. Edwards’s potential move highlights how individual transfers are reshaping team compositions and the narrative around college football rivalries, making the upcoming matchup in Manhattan one of the most anticipated in recent years.
Looking Ahead
Kansas and Kansas State are both actively shaping their rosters for the 2026 season. Kansas’s recent transfer pickups indicate a focused effort to bolster a running game that lost key contributors to graduation. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s coaching staff is likely to keep a close eye on Edwards’s transfer process, either to prepare for him as a future opponent or to manage team dynamics should he end up in a Jayhawks uniform.
The atmosphere at Bill Snyder Family Stadium this fall promises to be electric, with fans eager to see how the transfer saga unfolds and whether Edwards will make his college football debut for Kansas against his former Wildcats. Both programs are navigating the modern college football landscape, where player movement via the transfer portal continues to redefine rivalries and team strategies.
As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on the transfer market, especially within the Sunflower Showdown. Whether Edwards ultimately transfers or not, his case underscores the shifting nature of college athletics, the importance of roster management, and the heightened stakes that come with player decisions in the age of the transfer portal.
