On the first day of game week for Kansas State in 2025, the Wildcats announced their 2025 football captains. This year’s group is comprised of four seniors and two juniors. Maybe most notable is the fact that four of the six are Kansas natives.

Quarterback Avery Johnson

This is the second straight season that the K-State quarterback gets the nod as a captain. Last season, Avery Johnson threw for the most touchdowns in a single season in program history, as well as the most yards by a sophomore quarterback. He starts the 2025 season just 18 touchdown throws away from the career record.

Safety VJ Payne

One of the top players on the Kansas State defense this coming season, VJ Payne is the lone veteran voice in the Wildcat secondary. Payne will be expected to lead with big plays, and also help guide inexperienced returners and a big group of newcomers who are going to be relied upon heavily this season.

Defensive End Cody Stufflebean

Cody Stufflebean made the decision to come back for the 2024 season. His choice to come back in 2025 seemed easier than the year prior. He will be the most experienced defensive end this coming season, and was the voice for the defensive line that Kansas State sent to Big 12 Media Days.

Defensive Tackle Damian Ilalio

The Manhattan native’s ascent has been impressive, but not surprising. Damian Ilalio excelled as a playmaker in high school and an elite wrestler. Since cracking the rotation at K-State, he quickly became the top tackle on the depth chart.

Linebacker Austin Romaine

Austin Romaine is just a true junior, but like Johnson, was thrown into the fire early as a true freshman and burned his redshirt. It has paid dividends as Romaine broke out as one of the Big 12’s best linebackers last season. Not just reliable on almost every play, he also had the knack for making the big play when it was needed. He forced key fumbles against Tulane and Kansas last season that set up the game-winning scores.

Offensive Lineman Taylor Poitier

He has been at K-State as long as his head coach. Taylor Poitier enters his seventh season of college football. After injuries derailed a promising career early on, he has bounced back with a pair of healthy seasons and gets one more crack. Similar to Payne, he is a veteran voice among the inexperienced.