K-State Homecoming 2025: A ‘K-State of Mind’ Celebration Brings the Wildcat Family Together

A couple waves in k-state gear while riding a 4-wheeled bike. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Student ambassador candidates Abby Taylor and Jory Ratzlaff. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

A float in the parade with a pomped K-State on the side in purple and white. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Two student ambassadors Evelynn Ediger and Remi Baldock sit on the back of a red car.

The K-State band marches with a member playing a drum in the parade. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Two students ambassadors Lela Spitler and Christian Pena ride in a yellow car. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

K-State students standing on top of a purple and green pomped float.

A woman rides in a red car while holding up a big willie the wildcat hand with a powercat on it.

A car from the F1 Racing club has american flags hanging off the side of it. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Smoky the bear points out the window towards the camera from a large truck. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

Abby Taylor and Carlee Clawson InterviewsBy Brian Nicholson

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From philanthropy and parade traditions to a sold-out Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Kansas State’s 110th Homecoming captured the spirit and pride of the Wildcat community.

Kansas State University’s 110th Homecoming celebration brought a powerful blend of tradition, competition, and community pride to Manhattan as students, alumni, and fans returned under the theme “K-State of Mind.” The week-long celebration highlighted what it truly means to be a Wildcat — connection, service, and purple pride lived out across campus and beyond.

Homecoming week kicked off with the Philanthropy 5K Run/Walk, benefiting Be Able, a local nonprofit committed to providing resources and support for individuals in adversity. Runners and walkers — from students to K-State alumni pushing strollers in purple hoodies — filled the streets around campus in a show of unity that extended beyond athletics and festivities.

Across the week, campus spirit surged through window painting, banner competitions, lawn displays, and skit performances, as student groups and organizations competed to showcase their interpretation of the Homecoming theme. Aggieville and campus buildings came alive with purple decorations, creative displays, and a friendly buzz of rivalry that only K-State can generate.

One of the most anticipated moments came during the annual Homecoming Parade on Friday evening, where former Track & Field and Cross Country coach Cliff Rovelto served as Grand Marshal. As floats rolled through the heart of Manhattan and the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band led chants down Poyntz Avenue, the crowd response to Rovelto’s appearance reflected deep appreciation for his decades of dedication to K-State Athletics.

For many students, Homecoming wasn’t just a celebration — it was a moment of inspiration.

“Being part of Student Alumni Board let me connect with current and former Student Ambassadors,” said Abby Taylor, junior and Homecoming Chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma. “Seeing how they represented K-State showed me the impact that role could have, and it pushed me to run myself.”

That energy carried into student competitions and creative displays, where themes and decorations brought “K-State of Mind” to life. “When I heard the theme, I was immediately drawn to incorporating K-State into every aspect of our events,” Taylor added. “I wanted to choose something that would allow us to highlight many elements of K-State, whether that’s athletics, history, or day-to-day student life. We ended up going with the theme ‘Building the KSU Dream’ for Kappa, Farmhouse, and Acacia.” Her leadership helped ensure that student organizations brought the theme to life in ways that engaged the entire campus.

Everything was built toward Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where a sea of purple filled the stands. Alumni reunited, students wrapped up a week of events with pride, and Manhattan became the heartbeat of Wildcat Nation once again. Tailgates, cheers, and the roar of the crowd set the stage for the climactic moment of Homecoming 2025: Abby Taylor was officially announced as the 2026 K-State Student Ambassador, capping off a week of spirited events, competitions, and celebration. The announcement brought applause from the stands, a recognition of Taylor’s leadership, and a reminder of how Homecoming inspires Wildcats to step into roles that carry the K-State legacy forward.

Homecoming 2025 wasn’t just an event. It was a living reminder of what it means to have a “K-State of Mind.”