Iowa State’s unbeaten start to the season will face its toughest test yet on Saturday in Cincinnati. The 14th-ranked Cyclones (5–0) take the field against a Bearcats team that sits at 3–1 but carries momentum after a road win last week. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Head coach Matt Campbell called Cincinnati “the most complete football team we’ve played this year,” praising their dual-threat quarterback and the way Tyson Veidt’s defense flies to the football. “They’re confident, they’re tough, they’re physical, they run to the football…you’re talking about the most complete football team we’ve played,” Campbell said.
Our guys are here‼️ pic.twitter.com/guWbUKEQuY
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) October 4, 2025
Campbell knows his group will need to respond at a high level. “They’re playing with great confidence,” he said. “And what a test for us to be quite honest with you.” He added that the challenge is as much about Iowa State as the opponent: “What we have to do is really be the best version of us as we prepare ourselves for Saturday.”
At 5–0, Iowa State has positioned itself as one of the surprise stories of the Big 12. A win in Cincinnati would solidify that start and keep the momentum alive heading deeper into October.
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