Iowa vs. Iowa State: Cy-Hawk Showdown Headlines Big Ten Saturday Night
The Iowa Hawkeyes host the Iowa State Cyclones in the 2026 edition of the Cy-Hawk Series, a rivalry that splits households across the state. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT on NBC, with Iowa entering as a 14-point favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
For Iowa fans, this is more than just another game. It is a chance to assert dominance over an in-state rival while building momentum in the Big Ten race. For the Cyclones, it is an opportunity to pull off a major upset and reshape the narrative of the rivalry.
What is at stake in the Cy-Hawk game?
Iowa enters the matchup ranked 21st in the AP poll, looking to improve to 2-0 after a solid start to the season. Iowa State, unranked, comes in hungry to prove they belong on the same field as their in-state rivals. The game carries significant weight for both programs, with bragging rights and early-season positioning on the line.
The Hawkeyes have historically relied on a stout defense and a physical running game, a formula that has served them well in this rivalry. Iowa State will need to find answers on offense if they hope to keep pace with a Hawkeye defense that has been among the best in the Big Ten.
Full Week 2 schedule for ranked teams
While the Cy-Hawk game is the main event for Iowa viewers, the rest of the college football landscape offers plenty of intrigue. Here is the complete Week 2 slate for ranked teams, with all times Central:
Early games
- Howard at 5 Indiana, 11 a.m., BTN (Indiana -56.5)
- 6 Oregon at Oklahoma State, 11 a.m., ESPN (Oregon -22.5)
- Arizona State at 10 Texas A&M, 11 a.m., ABC (Texas A&M -14.5)
- 11 Oklahoma at Michigan, 11 a.m., Fox (Oklahoma -5.5)
- 16 Penn State at Temple, 11 a.m., ESPN2 (Penn State -23.5)
- Western Kentucky at 2 Georgia, 11:45 a.m., SECN (Georgia -40.5)
Afternoon games
- 12 Alabama at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m., ABC (Alabama -10.5)
- Rice at 3 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m., NBC (Notre Dame -44.5)
- Arizona at 15 BYU, 2:30 p.m., Fox (BYU -7.5)
- Utah State at 19 Washington, 2:30 p.m., BTN (Washington -26.5)
- UC Davis at 17 SMU, 3 p.m., ACCNX (SMU -24.5)
Primetime games
- 18 Tennessee at Georgia Tech, 6 p.m., ESPN (Tennessee -12.5)
- Southern at 22 Houston, 6 p.m., ESPN+ (Houston -51.5)
- 1 Ohio State at 4 Texas, 6:30 p.m., ABC (Texas -1.5)
- Louisiana Tech at 8 LSU, 6:30 p.m., SECN+ (LSU -35.5)
- 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State, 6:30 p.m., CBS (Texas Tech -26.5)
- Iowa State at 21 Iowa, 6:30 p.m., NBC (Iowa -14)
- Charlotte at 9 Ole Miss, 6:45 p.m., ESPN2 (Ole Miss -47.5)
Late games
- Arkansas at 20 Utah, 9:15 p.m., ESPN (Utah -12.5)
- Louisiana at 14 USC, 10 p.m., BTN (USC -30.5)
Can Oklahoma finally break through at Michigan?
One of the most intriguing matchups of the day pits 11th-ranked Oklahoma against Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Sooners have struggled to generate offensive momentum in recent seasons, but a strong defense could keep them in the game. Michigan, meanwhile, dropped out of the AP poll despite winning its opener, and questions remain about their ability to move the ball consistently.
The line has Oklahoma as a 5.5-point favorite, suggesting oddsmakers believe the Sooners are ready to take that next step. This is a classic SEC vs. Big Ten battle with playoff implications for both programs.
Arch Manning gets a rematch with Ohio State
The marquee game of the night features No. 1 Ohio State traveling to Austin to face No. 4 Texas. A year ago, Texas quarterback Arch Manning had a debut to forget against the Buckeyes. This time, he looks like a much more polished player, and he has home-field advantage in what could decide the top spot in the AP poll.
Texas enters as a slim 1.5-point favorite, setting up what should be one of the most competitive games of the young season. The winner takes a major step toward a playoff berth and national championship contention.
How to watch and betting information
All game lines are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook and are subject to change. Fans in Iowa can catch the Cy-Hawk game on NBC, with streaming available through the network's digital platforms.
For those looking to wager on any of Saturday's games, please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
More college football coverage is available through Sports Illustrated's Top 25 rankings, full schedule, and team pages.