Iowa State and Kansas State fined $500K each for turning down bowl bids despite winning seasons.

Iowa State and Kansas State have been fined $500,000 each by the Big 12 for declining bowl invitations despite finishing with winning records. Iowa State cited a shortage of healthy players due to injuries and a coaching transition after Matt Campbell left for Penn State. Kansas State, following Chris Klieman’s retirement, also declined, citing leadership uncertainty and player availability. Both schools emphasized player safety and team well-being. The open bowl spots will be filled by teams with the highest Academic Progress Rate scores, including Auburn and Florida State.