The Kansas State Wildcats are ranked 20th in the Preseason Associated Press Top 25 college football poll.  It is the second time in the last three K-State has been ranked in the initial AP poll, while it was the highest the Wildcats have been ranked in the organization’s preseason survey since 2004 when they were ranked 12th.

Other Big 12 programs joining K-State in the Preseason Top 25 are Oklahoma ( fourth ) and Baylor ( 10th ). In addition, Auburn — K-State’s opponent on Thursday September 18 — checked in at No. 6. Florida State is ranked No. 1.

Kansas State returns 39 letterwinners — including 14 starters — from last year’s squad that tallied an 8-5 record.

The Wildcats open the 2014 season on Aug. 30 with a 6:10 -p.m., tilt against Stephen F. Austin at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.