Iowa State vs. No. 15 Utah: Cyclones Face First Big 12 Test in Ames
Iowa State (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) hosts No. 15 Utah (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) on Saturday in what marks the first conference matchup of the season for both teams. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. MDT at Jack Trice Stadium and will be broadcast on Fox.
The Cyclones enter the contest after a narrow 31-28 loss to in-state rival Iowa, while Utah comes off a dominant 33-0 shutout of Utah State. This is the seventh meeting between the two programs, with Iowa State holding a 5-1 series lead.
What the Cyclones Need to Prove
Expectations for Iowa State were modest coming into the season after head coach Matt Campbell's departure and a wholesale roster change. But first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers has shown the team can compete, even in defeat.
The loss to the Hawkeyes, now ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25, came down to a game-winning field goal. That performance signaled to future opponents that this is a different Iowa State squad, ready to shake up the Big 12 standings.
Iowa State has handled lesser opponents in Southeast Missouri and Bowling Green as expected. Saturday presents the first real measuring stick against a ranked opponent in conference play.
Utah's First Road Test
Utah has not been challenged through three games, but that could change in Ames. The Utes' first road game of the season brings questions about how the offense will respond to a hostile environment.
Quarterback Devon Dampier, in his second season with Utah after transferring from New Mexico, brings Big 12 road experience that should help settle the offense. The offensive line, which has just come together this season, will face its toughest test yet.
Utah's defense has been stellar, recording a shutout against Utah State. The unit will look to contain Iowa State's rushing attack, though running back Aiden Flora remains a threat that Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will need to account for.
Player to Watch: Braden Pegan
Wide receiver Braden Pegan has emerged as Dampier's favorite target, recording 235 receiving yards on 15 catches so far in 2026. With Iowa State limiting opponents to 93 rushing yards per game, Utah may lean on the passing game to move the ball.
Scalley said he wants to see the offense improve from the line to the receivers, and this matchup could be an opportunity for another breakthrough. If Dampier needs to make something happen through the air, Pegan's number will likely be called.
Coaches Weigh In
Scalley praised his team's unselfish play after the Utah State win, highlighting the effort of blockers downfield.
“When you see, for example, on Bray's long touchdown. You break a tackle or two and all of a sudden a ton of green grass. So that was another fun one to watch. You watch Braden Pegan block downfield. You watch Byrd Ficklin sprinting downfield and Bennee was sprinting downfield as well just looking to block for their guys and that's what's fun.”
Rogers acknowledged the challenge Utah presents on both sides of the ball.
“Utah's a really, really good football team. They're going to find ways to get their guys to the football and they have many of them, so it's not like you can just take away one of them or you hone in on one of them. They got two running backs that probably started most places in the country. They have two quarterbacks that would start at most places in the country and they both step on the field at the same time, and then they have elite speed on the perimeter with good length. Then their O-line is big and strong.”
How to Watch, Listen, or Stream
- TV: Fox
- Livestream: Fox Sports app with participating TV provider
- Radio: ESPN 700 AM/92.1 FM / KZNS 1280
- Weather: Cloudy, low 60s at kickoff with a chance of rain
What's Next
Utah has a bye week before hosting Kansas on Oct. 10. Iowa State travels to face West Virginia next week.
For Iowa State fans, this game represents a chance to see if the Rogers era can deliver against top-tier competition. A win would signal the Cyclones are legitimate contenders in the new-look Big 12.