Randy Peterson
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April 30, 2025
In keeping with the 100-day theme, let’s look at Iowa State’s football schedule, considering it’s roughly 100 days until the Farmagedden roadshow to Dublin, Ireland. Particularly, let’s come up with an over-under number of Cyclones wins for the 2025 season. And note that the Cyclones do not face Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah, or West Virginia.
It’s too soon to predict the depth chart, because until May 25, Matt Campbell can still recruit from the transfer portal. Therefore, For Entertainment Purposes Only, let’s brainstorm a regular-season winning total -- and then you can decide whether Iowa State wins will be more or less.
So, let’s start the bidding at 10 for the regular season.
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vs. KANSAS STATE IN THE AER LINGUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC in IRELAND (Aug. 23)
The Cyclones open the season with a Big 12 opponent for the first time since losing against Oklahoma State 21-14 on Aug 30, 1997. A win, which means Jon Heacock’s defense has made K-State quarterback Avery Johnson uncomfortable, and Rocco Becht has found comfort with new receivers – and Matt Campbell’s team can start 5-0.
Win/lose: Iowa State win.
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vs. SOUTH DAKOTA (Aug. 30)
The Coyotes are coming off an 11-3 record after losing in the FCS semifinal round. Quarterback Aidan Bouman returns. He’s a three-season starter whose career started at Iowa State. This isn’t exactly an opponent you’d prefer in a sandwich game between Kansas State and before Iowa.
Win/lose: Iowa State win.
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vs. IOWA (Sept. 6)
While the Cyclones enter the game having played two anticipated very good opponents, the Hawkeyes’ season-opener was against Albany. The game is at Jack Trice Stadium. The stadium will rock, as it always does during Cy-Hawk. Has Iowa found comfort yet with new quarterback Mark Gronowski?
Win/lose: Iowa State win.
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at ARKANSAS STATE (Sept. 13)
The only question about this one is the location of the game. In Jonesboro, Arkansas? The Cyclones won this game 52-7 last season in Ames.
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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vs. ARIZONA (Sept. 27)
By now, and after a much-deserved weekend off, Becht and his receivers should again be the strength of the offense. Assuming linebackers aren’t going through another injury-plagued season, it would not surprise me if the Cyclones hit 5-0 for the second season in a row.
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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at CINCINNATI (Oct. 4)
Playing at Cincinnati isn’t exactly the toughest road test in college football. Iowa State won there, 30-10, in 2023. The Bearcats are improving, but doubtfully by enough for an upset.
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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at COLORADO (Oct. 11)
Even though it’s midseason, I really doubt the Buffs have gotten over losing stars, including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Could they win at home? Sure, and certainly this should be a close game. The Cyclones must be mostly healthy, however, because this could be an all-hands-on-deck type of game.
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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vs. BYU (Oct. 25)
Now for the fun stuff – five games that will make or break Iowa State’s return to the Big 12 championship game. Even after a second bye weekend, and this game falling on Homecoming and Hall of Fame weekend, the Cyclones’ first loss would not be surprising, but . . .
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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vs. ARIZONA STATE (Nov. 1)
The game for which you’ve been awaiting. The rematch of the 2024 Big 12 championship game the Sun Devils won 45-19. Running back Cam Skattebo is gone, but the other significant players return.
Win/lose: Iowa State loses.
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at TCU (Nov. 8)
Some experts think coach Sonny Dykes hit the transfer portal sweepstakes, with the best-ranked transfer recruiting class (is there really such a thing)? Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt, after the Horned Frogs closed last season by winning six of the final seven games.
Win/lose: Iowa State loses.
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vs. KANSAS (Nov 22)
Quarterback Jalon Daniels returns to lead a team that beat Iowa State 45-36 last season at the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium. Becht completed 24 of 37 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns in that game. To avenge that defeat, he’ll have to be as good, if not better.
Win/lose: Iowa State wins.
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at OKLAHOMA STATE (Nov. 29)
Mike Gundy’s team can't be any worse that the 3-9 it went last season. Can it? This game is in Stillwater, where Iowa State has won twice in the last three trips. The Cowboys will improve from last season, but doubtfully it’s enough to spoil the Cyclones’ postseason.
Win/loss: Iowa State wins.
So there you go. Ten wins, including 5-1 at home.
DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to change the total as many times as I want, between now and the season’s start.
(Award-winning columnist Randy Peterson can be, and has been, reached at randypete4846@gmail.com or at any Okoboji-area beverage/food establishment between the hours of open and close.)