Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)
September 12, 2026 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa Hawkeyes -14.5 / Iowa State Cyclones 14.5; Over/Under: 40.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Kinnick Stadium. Here’s an Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction. This article includes an Iowa vs. Iowa State Pick.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones beat Southeast Missouri State, and they play Bowling Green next. Iowa State looks for a third straight 2-0 start. Jaylen Raynor is completing 50 percent of his passes for 184 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Dominic Overby and Omari Hayes have combined for 139 receiving yards on 4 catches, while Vince Benetti has 1 reception.
The Iowa State Cyclones’ ground game is averaging 108 yards per contest, and Aiden Flora leads the way with 45 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Iowa State is allowing 10 points and 209 yards per game. Sullivan Schlimgen leads the Iowa State Cyclones with 9 tackles, Isaac Terell has 3 sacks, and Beni Ngoyi has 1 interception.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Northern Illinois, and they play Northern Iowa next. The Iowa Hawkeyes look for their first 2-0 start since the 2023 season. Hank Brown is completing 60 percent of his passes for 129 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Tony Diaz and DJ Vonnahme have combined for 126 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Reece Vander Zee has 2 receptions.
The Iowa Hawkeyes’ ground game is averaging 289 yards per contest, and Kamari Moulton leads the way with 183 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Iowa is allowing 0 points and 120 yards per game. Cam Buffington leads the Iowa Hawkeyes with 6 tackles, Joseph Anderson has 1.5 sacks, and Deshaun Lee has 1 interception.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win
- Iowa has won each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has covered the spread in each of its last four games in September.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road games.
- Iowa has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight home games against teams from Iowa.
- Iowa State has lost the first half in 15 of its last 16 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Iowa State has won each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Iowa has lost three of its last four games against opponents from the Big 12 Conference.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games against opponents from the Big 12 Conference.
- Iowa State has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Iowa State has won the first half in each of its last six games in September.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Iowa State’s last eight games against teams from Iowa have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of Iowa’s last eight September games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Iowa Hawkeyes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Addison Ostrenga ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Iowa State Cyclones Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Omari Hayes ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa ranks T1st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (0.0).
- Iowa ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Iowa State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Iowa State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction
Iowa is the better team and should be favored at home, but this is a thick line for a rivalry spot. I love my points in a rivalry game where both teams get up, and the underdog has covered 6 of the last 8 meetings between Iowa and Iowa State. The last two games were decided by a combined four points. I’m also not sold on this Iowa offense finding consistent success against a respectable defense. I expect a hard-fought game between two rivals. We’re getting a hook on top of a key number. Give me the points with Iowa State.
