Johnson, Fields lead Kansas State over WSU Cougars 34-7

Jaylen Thomas ended the first half with a pick-six for WSU's lone score.

BY AVERY OSEN, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sep 12, 2026, 1:28 PM Updated: 1:29 pm

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws a pass during the first half against the WSU Cougars on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns, Rodney Price Jr. added a 75-yard rushing score, and Kansas State beat the WSU Cougars 34-7 on Saturday.

Kansas St. Wildcats 34, WSU Cougars 7: Box Score

The Kansas State defense has yet to allow an offensive touchdown this season in two games — as the lone Cougar touchdown came on a 47-yard interception return by Jaylen Thomas to end the first half.

Price ran for 105 yards on 13 carries, while Josh Manning, Joe Jackson and Brandon White all had receiving touchdowns for Kansas State (2-0). Manning had 10 receptions for 97 yards. Johnson was 22 of 34 with two interceptions, and he rushed for 78 yards.

House call for @Joeboy_3 pic.twitter.com/h4mr6sfQnv

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 12, 2026

Price started the first drive of the second half with his long scoring run. Kansas State finished with 295 yards on the ground compared to 101 for the Cougars.

Caden Pinnick was 9 of 20 for 65 yards for the Cougars (0-2). Kirby Vorhees had 45 yards on the ground.

Wendell Gregory had five tackles and two sacks for Kansas State, which has allowed just three points this season in 120 minutes.

The game was delayed due to lightning for almost an hour after the halftime break.

TOUCHDOWN @Bwhite3_‼️ pic.twitter.com/WbfARrAsot

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 12, 2026

The takeaway

Washington State’s offense looked rough for the second straight week after scoring just 10 points against Washington.

Johnson had flashes of brilliance for Kansas State, but he also showed some spots of needed growth. The interception at the end of the half gave the Cougars some life on a bad mistake.

@JaylenThomas_3 to the crib ‼️

His second INT of the half. https://t.co/hqkCF9hQtI pic.twitter.com/65dCaIdIn0

— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) September 12, 2026