Every matchup during the Big 12 conference season represents an opportunity and Wednesday’s matchup between a pair of Wildcats programs is certainly that. Arizona has been on fire in the first months of this season and play host to a Kansas State team desperate to make some kind of impact after a slow start to the year.
It hasn’t all been bad for Kansas State (9-5), but it’s understandable to be underwhelmed by these Wildcats. A four-game losing streak during nonconference play included a heartbreaking loss to Nebraska and an abysmal showing at home against Bowling Green. The Wildcats got back on track in recent weeks before falling by ten points to BYU in their conference debut just a few days ago.
On the other hand, Arizona (14-0) has answered every bell and conquered every challenge two months into this season. The Wildcats have sensational wins over Florida, UConn, and Alabama, while also notching double-digit wins against Auburn, San Diego State, and several other programs. This perfect start has been extremely impressive on both sides of the ball, featuring a balanced attack from a very talented lineup built by Tommy Lloyd.
Kansas State vs. Arizona: When and Where
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 9:00 pm ET
Location: McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Arizona
Kansas State vs. Arizona: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FS1
Streaming: FuboTV
Kansas State vs. Arizona: Betting Odds
Spread: Arizona Wildcats-20.5, Kansas State Wildcats +20.5
Moneyline: Arizona Wildcats -3030, Kansas State Wildcats +2000
Total: 168.5
Kansas State vs. Arizona: Series History
All-time series: Kansas State leads 9-6
Last meeting: Kansas State 73, Arizona 70 (February 11, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Kansas State Wildcats
P. J. Haggerty (23.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg)
Abdi Bashir Jr. (13.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
Nate Johnson (11.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.7 apg)
Khamari McGriff (10.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Taj Manning (2.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Arizona Wildcats
Koa Peat (14.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Brayden Burries (14.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
Jaden Bradley (13.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg)
Motiejus Krivas (10.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg)
Ivan Kharchenkov (9.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Looking at both sides of the coin, this doesn’t seem like a very good matchup for Kansas State. Those Wildcats got a rough draw to open Big 12 play and will need a legendary effort from both Haggerty and this entire defense to slow down Arizona. A great number of Arizona players are playing at an efficient and impressive level, and we didn’t even point out Tobe Awaka, who’s averaging a double-double this season off the bench. Kansas State needs a historic effort on both sides of the ball to slow down a team that has won their last nine games by an average of 28 points per contest.
With everything we’ve seen to this point, is there any doubt that Arizona will roll to their 15th win and continue their unbeaten start? Does Kansas State actually have a chance to pull off a major upset on the road?