Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For the second time in the last three seasons, Kansas State was ranked 21st in the Preseason Amway Coaches Poll released Thursday morning as the Cats were one of four Big 12 teams ranked in the season’s initial top 25.

The Wildcats were also ranked 21st by the coaches prior to the Big 12 Championship season of 2012, which was the first time K-State was in the preseason poll since 2004. It is the first time overall Kansas State has been included in the coaches poll since the final 2012 survey when the Wildcats finished the year at No. 11.

Other Big 12 programs joining the Cats in the 2014 preseason poll were Oklahoma (third), Baylor (10th) and Texas (24th). Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas Tech were among 27 schools that received votes but sit outside the top 25. Additionally, Auburn – K-State’s opponent on Thursday, September 18 – checked in at No. 5.