Three Toughest Tests for Iowa State Football in 2026

Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Carson Brown (32) gets tackle by Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) after making a catch during the third quarter in the NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Three Toughest Tests for Iowa State Football in 2026

Originally posted on Iowa State Cyclones on SI
By Lucca Mazzie | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 8:00 AM ET

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The Iowa State Cyclones have proven over the last few years that they can be a top program in the Big 12. Star players, a great coaching tenure, and massive positives have been the story for Iowa State as of recently.

But it all went downhill over the offseason. The Cyclones lost their head coach to the Penn State Nittany Lions, and he took the majority of his players with him. That left Iowa State with essentially nothing to work with.

The Cyclones hired Jimmy Rogers to be their next head coach and added a ton of pieces. The majority came from the Group of Five and FCS programs, along with the Washington State Cougars, where Rogers coached last year. Now, Iowa State hopes to take the next step to success and potentially win some big games in 2026.

But it’s not going to be easy. The Cyclones have some tough tests next season, which would be absurd victories if they went Iowa State’s way. Let’s look at the three toughest tests of the season.

At Iowa Hawkeyes

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In week two of the season, Iowa State has to go on the road to play against Iowa in one of the biggest and best rivalries in college football.

This is going to be an interesting one. Over the last few years, Iowa State has gotten the better of Iowa, winning back-to-back years in football, as well as nearly sweeping all other sports.

But next year, the Hawkeyes should be the favorites. They will be at home, and they do have a better roster. But you never know in rivalry games, and both teams certainly will have this one on their schedules.

At BYU Cougars

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In their sixth game of the year, Iowa State has to play its toughest matchup. They go on the road to a tough environment, playing BYU.

The Cougars are expected to be a top team in the Big 12, and could potentially be a playoff team in 2026 after returning tons of offensive production. It’s going to be tough for Iowa State to take them down.

Vs Oklahoma State Cowboys

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One of the most intriguing college football teams of the year is Oklahoma State. With the majority of their roster and head coach coming from the North Texas Mean Green, the Cowboys have done a quick rebuild, and look phenomenal for 2026.

Iowa State is lucky to get them at home, but it doesn’t mean the Cowboys will be any less talented. It’s going to be really tough to beat them next season.

This article first appeared on Iowa State Cyclones on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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