Cy-Hawk Preview: Can Iowa End Iowa State's Winning Streak at Kinnick?

Iowa City, IA – The Cy-Hawk rivalry returns to Kinnick Stadium on September 12, and the stakes have never been higher. The Iowa Hawkeyes are looking to snap a two-game losing streak against their in-state rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones, who are coming off a tumultuous offseason that saw head coach Matt Campbell leave for Penn State and the program undergo a massive roster overhaul. This year's matchup is a clash of stability versus chaos, with Iowa's proven system facing a completely rebuilt Iowa State squad.

What Happened to Iowa State?

The Cyclones finished the 2025 season with an 8-4 record, including a dramatic 16-13 win over Iowa in Ames. But the celebration was short-lived. In December, Campbell accepted the head coaching job at Penn State, leaving the program in disarray. The team declined a bowl invitation, and the roster was gutted by the transfer portal. Over 50 players left Ames, leaving the Cyclones with virtually no returning starters as fall camp opened in August.

New Head Coach, New System

Iowa State moved quickly to replace Campbell, hiring Jimmy Rogers, the 36-year-old former Washington State head coach. Rogers built a national championship-winning program at South Dakota State in the FCS, including a perfect 15-0 season in 2023. He is a defensive-minded coach known for developing quarterbacks, including Mark Gronowski, who won the Walter Payton Award under Rogers. The Iowa angle is impossible to ignore: Gronowski transferred to Iowa and is now competing for the starting quarterback job. Rogers' system will be tested early against a Hawkeye defense that has been a nightmare for first-year coaches.

New Quarterback, New Questions

Rocco Becht, the three-year starter who led Iowa State to two Cy-Hawk wins, followed Campbell to Penn State. In his place, the Cyclones will rely on Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor, a strong-armed quarterback who was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2023. Raynor has talent, but he has never faced an Iowa defense coordinated by Phil Parker. That is a daunting task for any quarterback, especially in week two with a brand-new playbook.

The Roster Turnover: A Staggering Number

The scale of Iowa State's rebuild is unprecedented. The Cyclones lost 55 players to the transfer portal and brought in roughly the same number of newcomers. The offensive line is entirely new, with transfers from Oklahoma, Auburn, Michigan State, and other programs. The defensive line is anchored by Washington State transfer Isaac Terrell, who had 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season. But with zero returning starters, the team is essentially starting from scratch.

Key Players to Watch

• DE Isaac Terrell (Washington State): The crown jewel of the transfer class, Terrell is a disruptive force off the edge.
• LB Montreze Smith Jr. (Austin Peay): An FCS Freshman All-American with 74 tackles and 3 interceptions.
• RB Cameron Pettaway (Bowling Green): The MAC Freshman of the Year who led the nation in kick-return average.
• WRs Omari Hayes (Tulane) and Cody Jackson (Tarleton State): The projected top two receivers, both with over 500 yards last season.

What Iowa Brings to the Table

The Hawkeyes are the model of consistency. Under head coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has built its identity on a powerful running game and a stifling defense. Tim Lester enters his third year as offensive coordinator, and the offense is expected to be more dynamic. The defense, coordinated by Phil Parker, remains one of the best in the Big Ten. Iowa's depth and experience are a stark contrast to Iowa State's uncertainty.

Series History: A Tale of Two Eras

The Cy-Hawk rivalry dates back to 1894, with Iowa holding a commanding 51-23 all-time lead. But the recent history is less favorable for the Hawkeyes. Iowa State has won three of the last five meetings, including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. Iowa's last home win in the series came in 2018, a 13-3 defensive battle. The last time Iowa won by a lopsided margin at Kinnick was a 42-3 victory in 2016. Hawkeye fans are hoping for a similar result this year.

What to Watch For

• Iowa's Run Game vs. Iowa State's New Defense: Rogers is known for a run-stop-first scheme, but can his new players execute it in week two?
• Phil Parker's Defense vs. Jaylen Raynor: A first-year quarterback facing a veteran Iowa defense is a mismatch on paper.
• The Depth Gap: Iowa has experienced players at every position. Iowa State is still figuring out who will start.

The Bottom Line

Vegas has Iowa as a 12.5-point favorite, and that line has held steady since May. The betting market is pricing in the roster teardown in Ames, not the recent rivalry history. But this is the Cy-Hawk, and anything can happen. The game is likely to be close for a half, but Iowa's depth and experience should take over in the second half. My prediction: Hawkeyes 35, Cyclones 13.

For Iowa fans, this is a chance to reclaim the Cy-Hawk trophy and send a message that the rivalry is back in Hawkeye hands. For Iowa State, it is a test of how quickly a new coach and a new roster can come together. Either way, it will be a night to remember at Kinnick.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM CT on September 12. The game will be broadcast on Fox.