National Spotlight Coming to Jack Trice Stadium for Cy-Hawk Showdown

For Iowa State, this is a fitting moment. The Cyclones are coming off a dramatic win in last year’s edition of the rivalry, when they knocked off Iowa on the road with a game-winning 54-yard field goal in the final seconds. That victory helped ignite renewed optimism within the program, and it set the tone for what head coach Matt Campbell hopes will be a return to form in 2025.

Now, with momentum building from a strong Week One showing, Iowa State has an opportunity to elevate its national profile. Hosting FOX’s flagship pregame show is more than just a media win; it is a chance to show the country what Big 12 football in Ames looks like at its peak.

The Cy-Hawk game has always carried weight in the state of Iowa, but now it gets a national platform to match the local intensity. For Iowa State and the Big 12, the timing is perfect. This game offers the kind of early-season stage that can shape perception, drive playoff narratives, and reinforce that the Big 12 has no shortage of meaningful matchups with real stakes.

Expect the cameras, commentary, and conversation to center on Ames come September 6. And expect the Cyclones to embrace every bit of it.