For two Big 12 programs, the reward for a bowl-eligible season wasn’t a postseason matchup, but a hefty fine. After concluding their regular season with at least six wins, the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State are not headed towards bowl games. Naturally, this decision has financial repercussions of $1 million.

“The Big 12 Conference is issuing a $500,000 institutional fine to Iowa State and Kansas State for opting out of their participation in the Conference Bowl pool,” the official statement reads.

On Dec. 3, Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement after seven seasons. Soon enough, former QB Collin Kline filled the shoes of a new head coach. Moreover, the roster is not in its best shape presently. Plagued with injuries on both units, the administration and the player leadership deemed it fit to opt out of the postseason appearance.

“This decision was not taken lightly,” said Kansas State AD Gene Taylor on Sunday. “But with our coaching staff transition and several uncertainties regarding player availability, I felt it was not in our best interest to try to field a team that was not representative of Kansas State University.”

Ahead of their regular-season finale against Colorado, CB Jayden Rowe, safety Colby McCalister, CB Justice Clemons, WR Bryce Noernberg, and kicker Keyton Simmering were listed out of the game. With a 6-6 record, the unit is appreciative of the opportunity to play in the bowl game. However, going by the popular consensus at Kansas State, the Wildcats voted to withdraw from the bowl appearance.

On similar lines, Iowa State passed on the Bowl appearance. With a decent eight-win record, the Cyclones qualified for the postseason matchup. However, with HC Matt Campbell’s departure to Penn State, the program faced a void. Shortly after, Jimmy Rogers replaced him as the new leader at Ames. On Sunday morning, Ames held a team vote regarding the bowl game. Following a “robust” discussion, the players opted to sit out.

“The administrative staff & coaches respect & support the players decision,” Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard released a statement on the decision.”Our student-athletes have had an incredible season & we are grateful for their leadership as we worked through this process w/them today.”

Before entering the last matchup against Oklahoma State, significant injuries to key players plagued the Cyclones. DB Jamison Patton, Ta’Shawn James, and Eddie Lemos, along with LB Beau Goodwin, were out. On the offensive unit, WR Xavier Townsend and OL Deylin Hasert were ruled out.

Who will fill out the vacant bowl berths?

Both programs are still in transition with their new leadership. Additionally, due to a short supply of healthy players, they rejected the bowl invitation on Sunday. On the other hand, the conference acknowledges the transition the programs are undergoing. However, they must also perform their assigned duties effectively.

“While the conference acknowledges the difficult timing around coaching changes, the Big 12 is responsible for fulfilling its contractual obligations to its bowl partners,” the official statement added.

At present, the matter at hand is resolved, and the Big 12 will not entertain more comments on this subject. However, the Cyclones mentioned players’ health as a reason but did not point to a head coaching change in their official statement. Since bowl game eligibility requires at least six-win teams. In this case, both Kansas State and Iowa State have declined the bid.

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Following this, it opens the door for 5-7 programs, holding the highest Academic Progress Report score, to get their shot at a Bowl appearance. As the Athletic puts it, Auburn and Florida State, with an APR score of 990 in 2024, might get a shot at it.