Iowa State–Arizona State Rematch Earns National Spotlight

Athlon Sports released its “Way Too Early” Top 10 college football games list for the 2025 season, and at No. 9 sits the high-stakes rematch between Iowa State and Arizona State, this time in Ames rather than Arlington.

After Arizona State dominated the Cyclones 45–19 in last December’s Big 12 Championship, the stage is set for redemption and rivalry on November 1, 2025.

The matchup stands out for several reasons. First, it’s an actual case of revenge: Iowa State will be eager to avenge its crushing championship loss at home. With a potential trip to the Big 12 title game on the line, the stakes rival a playoff-seeding showdown. The intrigue deepens considering both teams’ lofty expectations and outlooks in 2025.

ASU enters the season riding high, fresh off a conference title and its first College Football Playoff berth, reasserting itself under Kenny Dillingham. Meanwhile, Iowa State looks to build off its 11-win breakout campaign under Matt Campbell, navigating a loaded Big 12 landscape.

Another layer: this marks the first Big 12 Championship rematch at Jack Trice Stadium, amplifying its novelty and emotional impact for fans. Athlon highlighted not just the competitive balance but the narrative arcs, revenge, momentum, and home-field intensity that make this contest a must-watch early-season benchmark.

Positioned as the opener for their four-game road slate, ASU won’t take it easy, and Iowa State’s Week 5 opponent becomes a compelling litmus test for the Cyclones’ championship aspirations. The timing also offers TV partners a flagship game in late-season Big 12 coverage, aligning with Athlon’s savvy for spotlight matchups.

If Athlon’s projections hold, this game won’t just determine a conference rivalry; it may serve as a defining signal for both teams’ playoff potential and national positioning. Fans in Ames are already circling November 1, knowing this game could swing momentum across the Big 12 season.