It's about that time of year folks.
With the NFL season now under two weeks away, the eyes of the American sporting world will be on the Aviva Stadium today, as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic comes to town, with arguably its best match-up to date.
Kansas State will face Iowa State in a game played between two of the top 25 teams in the country at Lansdowne Road this weekend.
Over 24,000 international fans have descended on the capital ahead of the game, with both teams arriving early on Thursday morning, generating significant tourism revenue for Dublin.
Well-established on the sporting calendar at this point, the Aviva gridiron event will be somewhat overshadowed this year by the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings taking place at Croke Park next month.
With some differences in playing rules, college football and NFL are not directly connected competitions. The college game, with its multitude of divisions and conferences, is a proving ground for potential NFL players, who can be drafted into the professional league if they impress for their schools.
Although the amateur players have only recently been granted the right to earn money through endorsements, the college game has always been huge business, with some teams attracting crowds of up to 100,000 fans for their matches and games nationally averaging over 40,000 fans.
The 2025 college football season starts next weekend, with this match-up commonly referred to as 'Week 0".
This is the 109th meeting between the teams known as the Cyclones and Wildcats, and this time the mood certainly feels different. The iconic rivalry between the pair, known as ‘Farmaggedon’ not only kicks off the season, but allows two proud Big 12 colleges the opportunity to play on these shores for the first time.
For Kansas State, this game is the continuation of a journey, with head coach Chris Klieman entering his seventh season at the helm. Last year, the Wildcats finished with a 9-4 record (5-4 within the Big 12), with a win in the Rate Bowl over Rutgers in late December.
21 August 2025; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman during a media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin ahead of the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Kansas State University and Iowa State University this weekend. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman
Speaking with RTÉ Sport on Thursday, Klieman was excited about the experience of coming to Dublin for his players.
"I know that we’re all competitive, we all want to win", he said. "I hope all of our players, whether it’s ten, 20 or 40 years from now, can tell whomever, I was a part of that game."
"I know this game is going to continue to grow - and it’s not just the fact that we were a part of it, but we were chosen. I think that’s the cool thing."
Iowa State are fresh off a successful season of their own, which was head coach Matt Campbell's eighth in charge.
A top-15 ranking was the result of a 11–3 campaign (7–2 within the Big 12) - and while they fell short in the Big 12 Championship Game, the Cyclones caused a considerable upset when they defeated Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl 42–41, ensuring the first 11-win season in their history.
Campbell has been impressed with Dublin and the Aviva so far. "You walk out on this stadium and it’s pretty special," he said.
"It’s got an iconic vibe to it and we know and respect how special this rivalry is - so you throw those two things at it and it makes for a really special occasion. We respect that."
NFL season upon us - Final weekend for Irish talent to impress
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 16: Green Bay Packers Kicker Mark McNamee (41) lines up a kick during the NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts on August 16, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers kicker Mark McNamee (41) lines up a kick against the the Indianapolis Colts
We are now two weeks away from the 2025 NFL Season, which kicks off in the early hours of Friday, 5 September when the Dallas Cowboys meet the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
This weekend will be a welcome opportunity for Irish talent to showcase what they can do ahead of roster cuts early next week - or potentially before they are elevated to the starting roster, joining the likes of Enniskerry’s Green Bay Packers punter Dan Whelan, who has had an impressive pre-season.
Entering his third season, the Wicklow man hit three punts for an average of 50 yards, with his longest going for 59 yards.
Ballyboden’s Mark McNamee is expected to feature in the final pre-season game for the Packers when they face the Seattle Seahawks in Wisconsin on Saturday night (9pm Irish time). Starting kicker Brandon McManus has had some days off this week, allowing McNamee the opportunity to show what he can do.
It is unlikely the Dubliner will be named starter for the new season as he has only been with the team for a few weeks, and McManus is widely regarded as one of the league's best. For McNamee, the potential opportunity is to claim a roster spot through an international player exemption, and continue to learn, with an eye on 2026, or to be in the building if needed this year.
"Really good job today...Hey Charlie, break us down!"
Charlie Smyth breaks down the post-practice huddle 👏@NFLUKIRE | @csmyth2601 pic.twitter.com/wr2Pq2ZIB1
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 20, 2025
Charlie Smyth from Down enters his final preseason game this weekend for the New Orleans Saints when they face the Denver Broncos at home on Saturday (6pm Irish time).
Smyth has impressed in recent weeks, scoring with kicks from 23 and 40 yards last Sunday, and is in an intriguing training-camp battle with last season's starter Blake Grupe.
Derryman Jude McAtamney finished his preseason on Thursday night, when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 42-10.
The Swatragh man made all six of his extra-point attempts and could be in contention to take Graham Gano's place.
At 38 years of age and coming off some injury issues last season, Gano is entering the twilight of his NFL career, and a huge opportunity could emerge for McAtamney.