Colorado Edges Kansas State in Overtime
Colorado rallied from a late deficit to beat Kansas State 27-24 in overtime, dropping the Wildcats to 4-5 overall.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Colorado defeated Kansas State 27-24 in overtime after Garret Oakley's touchdown catch with two seconds left forced the extra period. The loss was Kansas State's second straight and left the Wildcats 1-4 in Big 12 play.
Why it matters
The result deepens Kansas State's conference struggles while giving Colorado a comeback win built on multiple touchdown drives. Boulder-area fans follow the Buffaloes closely, and the outcome shapes how both programs are viewed in the Big 12 standings.
Colorado scored touchdowns on runs of six and 22 yards from Richard Young and a 47-yard run from JaQuail Smith, while Blake Barnett threw for three scoring passes including a 28-yard strike to Josh Manning and a 33-yard connection to Linkon Cure. The final score of 27-24 came in overtime, and the status of Kansas State's season remains open after its fourth-quarter rally fell short.
The players
Richard Young
Colorado running back who scored two touchdowns in the win, including a 22-yard run that gave his team a 21-14 lead.
Blake Barnett
Colorado quarterback who threw multiple touchdown passes, including the late pass to Garret Oakley that tied the game and forced overtime.
The details
Colorado trailed early but tied the game at 7-7 before halftime on Barnett's 28-yard pass to Josh Manning. Barnett connected with Garret Oakley for a touchdown with two seconds remaining to force overtime, and Colorado scored on its overtime possession to win.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Colorado defeats Kansas State 27-24 in overtime.
November 7, 2026: Kansas State hosts Oklahoma State, kickoff time to be determined.
Season Trajectory
The win lifts Colorado in a conference where Kansas State has now dropped to 1-4, leaving the Wildcats with a steep climb to reach bowl eligibility. The result tightens the Big 12 middle of the standings as the season moves into November.
Kansas State's loss leaves its Big 12 path narrower, and the November 7 home game against Oklahoma State will test whether the Wildcats can stop the slide. Fantasy managers tracking Colorado's backfield should note Richard Young's two touchdowns in this game.
The takeaway
A single overtime game can swing a season's momentum, and Colorado's late drive shows how quickly a conference race can change. Following the remaining schedule will clarify whether this result holds significance for either program.
What happens next
Kansas State hosts Oklahoma State on November 7, 2026, with kickoff time to be determined.
Further reading
For more on the conference race, see Football coverage from Boulder.
