MANHATTAN, Kan. Kansas State will welcome in-state rival No. 16 Kansas this weekend for the 2026 Dillons Sunflower Showdown, a three-game Big 12 baseball series at Tointon Family Stadium beginning Friday evening.
The opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, followed by a 4 p.m. first pitch on Saturday and a 1 p.m. finale on Sunday.
With only four conference series remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats (26-15, 9-9 Big 12) enter the matchup tied for sixth place in the standings. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks (30-11, 14-4 Big 12) sit atop the conference.
All three contests will be streamed on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Fans can also listen via KMAN radio for the first two games, while Sunday’s broadcast will air on the K-State Sports Network. Live audio streaming is also available through the official athletics website and app.
Series preview
The weekend matchup features a strong Kansas squad that has surged through conference play, winning the majority of its recent games and holding first place in the Big 12. Kansas State, meanwhile, continues to push for positioning in a tightly packed middle of the standings.
K-State outlook
The Wildcats come into the series after securing a midweek win over GCU, improving their road success and continuing a productive offensive stretch. The team has consistently generated runs, frequently posting double-digit hits and showing power at the plate with multiple home run games.
Shortstop Dee Kennedy has been a standout, tying the program’s single-season home run record and earning national recognition as one of the top players at his position. Several other hitters have also contributed to one of the more potent lineups in the country.
On the mound, James Guyette is expected to start Friday, bringing a team-leading strikeout total. Lincoln Sheffield, who leads the conference in wins, is projected for Saturday after a dominant complete-game performance in his last outing.
Scouting Kansas
The Jayhawks arrive as one of the hottest teams in the nation, boasting a conference-best record and multiple national rankings. They have strung together a series of wins, including a sweep over Nebraska and a recent series victory at Oklahoma State.
Kansas has also received strong pitching performances, highlighted by standout outings from its rotation and bullpen, including a reliever recognized nationally for his impact this season.
Series history
Kansas holds a slight edge in the all-time rivalry, though Kansas State has found success in recent series, winning four of the last five before last season. Games between the two are often closely contested, with many decided by narrow margins.
What’s at stake
With the regular season winding down, the series carries significant implications for conference standings and postseason positioning. Kansas aims to maintain its grip on first place, while Kansas State looks to climb the standings and strengthen its resume heading into the Big 12 Tournament.
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