K-State Launches Exhibition Play at Missouri Friday Night
Kansas State University (K-State) is set to begin its exhibition play with a matchup against the University of Missouri on Friday night. The game will take place at 9 p.m. Central Time at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. This event marks a significant occasion as it is the first exhibition meeting between the two schools, which have a long-standing history of competition.
K-State vs. Missouri: A Historic Rivalry
The K-State Wildcats and Missouri Tigers have faced each other 237 times since 1907, primarily as conference opponents in multiple leagues, including the Missouri Valley and Big 12. K-State holds a significant edge in their overall record against Missouri, with 75 wins to 21 losses. At home, K-State leads even more convincingly, boasting a 58-9 record at Bramlage Coliseum.
This exhibition game is particularly notable as it comes after K-State won their last five regular season matchups against Missouri. Their last encounter was on February 21, 2012, where K-State secured a 78-68 victory at Mizzou Arena. Iowa State’s performance in past encounters demonstrates the competitive nature of this longstanding rivalry.
Details of the Matchup
- Date: October 24, 2025
- Time: 9 p.m. CT
- Location: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Missouri
- Television: SEC Network
- Radio: K-State Sports Network (Flagships: KMAN 1350 & WIBW 580)
Coaches and Team Records
K-State is led by Jerome Tang, who has a record of 61-42 in his fourth year at the university. His career record stands at 63-42. Tang’s exhibition record is 5-1, although he has yet to face Missouri in an exhibition setting.
On the other side, Missouri’s Dennis Gates has a record of 55-46 in his fourth season with the Tigers and a career record of 105-86. Last season, Gates guided Missouri to 22 wins, a significant improvement over the previous year.
Looking Ahead
K-State will continue its exhibition schedule with a second game against Newman University on October 31, 2025. This will be their 2025 exhibition season’s closing match before the regular season begins.
Noteworthy Statistics
| Team | Exhibition Record | Home Record |
|---|---|---|
| K-State | 75-21 | 58-9 |
| Missouri | Not available | Not available |
Player Highlights
K-State has seen success in recent exhibition games, with a notable win against Missouri State in 2017 that was instrumental in raising funds for hurricane relief efforts. The Wildcats have only faced another Division I school in an exhibition setting once before, which adds to the excitement of the upcoming game against Missouri.
Future Meetings
Looking ahead, K-State and Missouri are scheduled to meet for another exhibition game at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, prior to the 2026-27 regular season. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances and continue this storied rivalry.
As the Wildcats prepare to face the Tigers, fans can expect an engaging match filled with competitive spirit. A win for K-State would mark their first victory in an exhibition game against Missouri and extend their winning streak in exhibition play.
