Disappointing Season Comes To End As Colorado Falls To Kansas State

A forgettable 2025 season has come to a close for coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.

With quarterback Kaidon Salter receiving his ninth and final start in a Colorado uniform, the Buffs ventured to Kansas State on Saturday and lost in a competitive game, 24-14. Kansas State running back Joe Jackson scored three touchdowns on the day, although Colorado outgained the Wildcats in total yards, 323-321.

Colorado closed its third season under "Coach Prime" at 3-9 (1-8 Big 12). Kansas State improved to 6-6 (5-4 Big 12), locking in a bowl game.

This article will be updated with scoring plays and other key moments throughout Colorado's final game of the season.

Final Score: Kansas State 24, Colorado 14

Live Score Updates Colorado Season Finale Kansas State Wildcats Deion Sanders Kaidon Salter Football Avery Johnson Touchdown — Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Dallan Hayden (7) is tackled by Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Rex Van Wyhe (28) and safety VJ Payne (7) during the first quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson entered victory formation with about 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter, putting an end to Colorado's 2025 season.

Kansas State's Joe Jackson Scores Third Touchdown

Score Update: Kansas State 24, Colorado 14 (Q4, 2:37)

Kansas State likely put things away with this touchdown as Joe Jackson's third score of the game put the Wildcats up 10 with less than three minutes to play.

Micah Welch Scores Key Touchdown

Score Update: Kansas State 17, Colorado 14 (Q4, 7:03)

Without anything to play for, Colorado continues to show fight in Manhattan. Running back Micah Welch scored his second touchdown of the day midway through the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run.

Luis Rodriguez Tacks On Field Goal

Score Update: Kansas State 17, Colorado 7 (Q4, 10:23)

A 35-yard field goal from Luis Rodriguez gave Kansas State a 10-point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

End Quarter 3 Score Update: Kansas State 14, Colorado 7

After three quarters, Kansas State leads the Buffs by a touchdown and is driving in CU territory. Another Wildcats score would make things difficult for Colorado.

Joe Jackson Scores Second Touchdown

Score Update: Kansas State 14, Colorado 7 (Q3, 4:32)

Kansas State running back Joe Jackson scored his second touchdown of the day with about four minutes remaining in the third quarter, rushing in a 1-yard score. Despite an impressive drive for the Wildcats, Colorado has still outgained K-State in total yards, 209-178.

Halftime Score Update: Kansas State 7, Colorado 7

A late Micah Welch touchdown gave Colorado some needed momentum heading into the locker room.

Quarterback Kaidon Salter threw for 78 yards and an interception in the first half, and running back Dallan Hayden rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, the Buffs held K-State to 114 total yards.

Micah Welch Scores Game-Tying Touchdown

Score Update: Kansas State 7, Colorado 7 (Q2, 0:18)

Colorado running back Micah Welch tied things up late in the first half on a 1-yard rushing touchdown. After coming up empty on their first three drives, the Buffs traveled 84 yards on 11 plays.

End Quarter 1 Score Update: Kansas State 7, Colorado 0

Colorado's lone offensive drive of the first quarter ended with Kansas State blocking a 39-yard field goal from Alejandro Mata. The Wildcats have the ball back up 7-0 to begin the second quarter.

Joe Jackson Scores Touchdown On Kansas State's Opening Drive

Score Update: Kansas State 7, Colorado 0 (Q1, 7:40)

Two third-down conversions and a fourth-down conversion in the red zone helped Kansas State get on the board first midway through the opening quarter. Running back Joe Jackson, who rushed for a school-record 293 yards last week, scored a 4-yard rushing touchdown.

What To Know About Kansas State

Largely due to injuries, including the loss of former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards, Kansas State has played well below expectations this season. Still, the Wildcats have looked better in recent weeks, highlighted by a thrilling 51-47 loss to the No. 12 Utah Utes last weekend.

Statistically, Kansas State ranks 13th in both total yards gained (374.5) and allowed (391.9) per game in the Big 12 Conference. Johnson showed little growth this season with 2,270 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, although the junior is hardly to blame for Kansas State's struggles.

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"We're down so many players, and I know a lot of people thought we'd come over here and lay down and that maybe the kids had cashed it in," coach Chris Klieman said after Kansas State's loss to Utah, per ESPN. "Because I've heard it enough. I've heard I have cashed it in. I've heard the players have cashed it in, we need to get new leadership here, we need to get new players, new coaches. I'm tired of it. I got to be honest with you, I'm tired of it."

Kickoff at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is set for 10 a.m. MT on Fox Sports 1.