Iowa vs No. 16 Iowa State: Cy-Hawk Trophy Rivalry Showdown Set for Historic Early September Clash
A Historic Rivalry Continues
Week 2 of the college football season features an early season rivalry game as the Cy-Hawk Trophy will be on the line when Iowa faces No. 16 Iowa State. The 2025 edition promises to be no different from previous matchups, with both teams entering undefeated and both bragging rights and early-season positioning on the line in one of college football’s most heated rivalries.
Current Form and Momentum
The Cyclones have impressed with their 2-0 start, already looking like a conference title contender. They demonstrated their defensive prowess by containing Kansas State’s potent offense in their opener, while Iowa showed their typical defensive strength by limiting Albany to just 43 yards on the ground last week.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has proven he can challenge the Hawkeyes’ defense, having thrown for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns in last year’s 20-19 victory. His 2025 season has started impressively, including setting a school record by completing 95% of his passes with 3 touchdown passes in their recent win over South Dakota.
Rivalry Dynamics and Predictions
Recent history shows an advantage for road teams, with visitors winning four of the last five games in this rivalry. While Iowa won six straight from 2015 to 2021, Iowa State has claimed victory in two of the last three meetings. These games are typically close affairs, with the last five meetings decided by an average margin of just 4 points.
According to analytical predictions, Iowa State enters as the favorite, winning 65.4% of computer simulations, while Iowa projects to win in the remaining 34.6%. The spotlight will be on Rocco Becht, who has developed into one of the Big 12’s most reliable quarterbacks. His poise and accuracy give Iowa State an edge in a rivalry often decided by quarterback play, while his ability to stretch the field vertically forces defenses to respect the pass, opening space for the Cyclones’ rushing attack.
