Kansas State Wildcats

The Kansas State Wildcats play at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, where the Octagon of Doom creates a hostile environment for visitors. Under Jerome Tang, the Wildcats have returned to NCAA Tournament success. Kansas State's purple and white colors and passionate fanbase support the program. The program has reached four Elite Eights and produced NBA talent. Kansas State's identity as Kansas's in-state rival adds significance to every game. The Wildcats' rivalry with Kansas, the Sunflower Showdown, defines the program's place in the state.

Kansas State reached the 1951 national championship game, losing to Kentucky. The Wildcats have made 32 NCAA Tournament appearances. Mitch Richmond, Michael Beasley, and Jacob Pullen are among the program's NBA alumni. Kansas State's 1958 and 1964 Elite Eight runs established the program's tournament pedigree. The Wildcats joined the Big 12 in 1996. The rivalry with Kansas is one of the most heated in college basketball.