Iowa State will face off against 15th-ranked Utah at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday in what looks to be a statement game for both teams. 

Utah needs the win in order to keep or improve its No. 15 ranking in the AP poll and stay at the top of the Big 12 with BYU and Texas Tech, while Iowa State is looking to secure the first signature win of the Jimmy Rogers era. 

Can the Cyclones shock the world and pull off a major upset?

Matchup: Iowa State (2-1) vs. Utah (3-0)

Scheduled game time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:30 PM CT

Location: Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa 

Weather: High around 72°F, partly cloudy with scattered afternoon rain/thunderstorm chances and breezes coming out of the south.

TV: FOX 

Announcers: Tim Brando (Play-by-Play) & Devin Gardner (Analyst) 

Radio: ESPN 700 AM, 92.1 FM, Bill Riley (calling the game), Steven Sylvester (analysis), and Zack Moss (sideline reporter), or SiriusXM Channels 177 or 237

Student Radio: 88.5 FM KURE (Iowa State student radio broadcast) 

Iowa State will encounter a significant challenge this Saturday in their first Big 12 matchup of the season against Utah, who is favored to win by two scores. 

On offense, Utah is averaging 47.3 points per game (9th in FBS) and 518.0 total yards per game (11th in FBS). They have had the ability to do it in the air and on the ground, and quarterback Devon Dampier has been picking apart defenses all season.

Iowa State is a more run-focused team led by breakout back Aiden Flora; the Cyclones are averaging 203.7 rushing yards per game (5.5 yards per carry). Iowa State's ability to run the ball will be pivotal to their success in Saturday's game. If it can chew the clock and control the game on the ground, it could have a real chance to upset Utah.

On defense, both teams have been great to start the season. Iowa State has allowed just 11.0 points per game (top 15 nationally) and 226.3 total yards per game (10th nationally). The Cyclones' ability to stop the run and cover in the back end has been impressive to start the season, holding teams to 143.0 passing yards per game and only 83.3  rushing yards per game.

The Utes have also been great on defense as well, only allowing 8.0 points per game (4th nationally) and 239.3 total yards per game (top 10 nationally). Their run defense poses the biggest threat to the Cyclones, with their defense holding teams to 75 rushing yards per game.

I believe Iowa State will make this their type of game at home. They are going to try to run at Utah and run the ball effectively and efficiently. This will keep the Utes' offense off the field and keep their defense rested. This will be a grind-it-out type of game with few explosive passing plays (the forecasted rain won't help, either) and I think the Cyclones benefit from it.

Prediction: Iowa State 24, Utah 20

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