Kansas State Defeated Tulane 31-20
The Wildcats improved to 3-0 after a strong offensive performance in Manhattan.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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Kansas State secured a 31-20 victory over Tulane behind a dominant dual-threat showing from quarterback Avery Johnson. The win keeps the Wildcats undefeated at 3-0 on the season.
Why it matters
The win maintains Kansas State's perfect season record while demonstrating the team's ability to control the clock and limit opposing offensive production. It marks a key victory as the program continues its early-season campaign.
Avery Johnson led the offense with 227 passing yards on 21-of-28 passing and 152 rushing yards. Cooper Helmke added a significant 58-yard field goal in the win.
The players
Avery Johnson
He is the starting quarterback for the Kansas State football team who led the team to a 3-0 start.
Jay Harris
He is a running back for Kansas State who contributed two touchdowns in the victory over Tulane.
Jaron Tibbs
He is a wide receiver who recorded nine catches for 114 yards during the contest.
Cooper Helmke
He is a kicker who successfully converted a 58-yard field goal during the game.
Kadin Semonza
He is the quarterback for Tulane who completed 13 of 26 passes for 165 yards.
The details
Avery Johnson accounted for two rushing touchdowns, while teammate Jay Harris also added two rushing scores to lead the Wildcats. The Kansas State offense effectively controlled the game with a 75-yard scoring drive that consumed eight minutes of the second half.
Timeline
The game took place on September 19, 2026.
Upcoming games for both teams are scheduled for next Saturday.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Kansas State firmly in the mix for early-season rankings as they look to build on a 3-0 start. The victory serves as a benchmark for the team's defensive and offensive cohesion ahead of conference play.
Kansas State improved its season record to 3-0, maintaining a critical early-season winning streak. Tulane, meanwhile, must look to recover its momentum before facing Southern Mississippi next week.
The takeaway
Kansas State continues to showcase a high-powered offense capable of both air and ground production. Maintaining this balance will be essential for the team as they move into their next matchup against Cincinnati.
What happens next
Kansas State plays Cincinnati next Saturday, and Tulane plays Southern Mississippi next Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the team's performance, see the Football section.
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