Iowa State is on pace for the best season in school history

In the thriling win, quarterback Rocco Becht finished with 371 total yards, including a career-high 97 yards on the ground. Trailing 35-30 late in the fourth quarter, Becht orchestrated an 80-yard drive in just 11 plays, ending in a one-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion that sealed the game.

The win not only matched its best start in school history — achieved in 1938 — but also marked for the first time the Cyclones have started 4-0 in Big 12 play. 

Their sights are now set on breaking another school record, the most wins in a single season, currently held at nine.

Ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll, Iowa State has reached its highest ranking since peaking at No. 8 in 2020. 

With five games remaining, their lone ranked opponent left is No. 16 Kansas State. Per ESPN Matchup Predictor, Iowa State is projected to win its remaining schedule including this crucial clash, positioning them with a legitimate shot at finishing the regular season undefeated.

With this momentum, the Cyclones are poised to not only aim for a playoff berth but also contend for the Big 12 title which would be the first in program history. 

The landscape of college football is unpredictable, but Iowa State's combination of talent and determination could finally propel them into the national spotlight.