by: D’Andre McKenzie 9/12/2026
IOWA CITY, Iowa
There are rivalry games, and then there is the Cy-Hawk Game.
On Saturday, September 12, the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes welcomed the Iowa State Cyclones to Kinnick Stadium for the latest chapter in one of college football’s most meaningful in-state rivalries. Both teams entered the night 1-0, but only Iowa left undefeated after Caden Buhr’s 42-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining secured a dramatic 16-13 victory.
The win moved Iowa to 2-0, returned the Cy-Hawk Trophy to Iowa City and snapped Iowa State’s two-game winning streak in the series.
This rivalry dates back to 1894, although the teams did not begin meeting annually until the series resumed in 1977. Iowa entered this year’s matchup with a 47-25 advantage in the all-time series, but recent history had belonged to Iowa State. The Cyclones won close games in both 2024 and 2025, giving the Hawkeyes even more motivation to reestablish control of the rivalry.
The game also presented a fascinating contrast between the two sidelines.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz entered his 28th season leading the Hawkeyes, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision. He has been at Iowa since December 1998 and is the winningest coach in Big Ten history.
Across the field stood first-year Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers, who replaced Matt Campbell after spending one season at Washington State. Before that, Rogers led South Dakota State to the 2023 FCS national championship during a perfect 15-0 season.
One program entered the night with the longest-tenured coach in the sport. The other was beginning a new era. Once the game started, however, the difference in experience did not matter. This became exactly what people expect from the Cy-Hawk rivalry: physical, defensive and decided by the smallest of margins.
Neither team scored during the first quarter as both defenses controlled the opening stages. Iowa State finally broke through early in the second when Kyle Konrardy converted a 29-yard field goal.
The Cyclones then took a 10-0 lead when Jace Raynor connected with Vince Benetti for a four-yard touchdown with 7:51 remaining in the first half.
Iowa needed an answer, and the Hawkeyes found one quickly. Hank Brown completed a 56-yard pass to Tony Diaz, setting up Brown’s one-yard touchdown run. Buhr later connected from 45 yards, cutting Iowa State’s lead to 10-9 before halftime.
Konrardy extended the Cyclones’ advantage with a 51-yard field goal during the third quarter, giving Iowa State a 13-9 lead. From there, both defenses continued fighting for every inch of the field.
That is what makes games like this different. Neither defense wanted to surrender a yard, let alone a scoring drive. Every possession carried additional pressure because one mistake could decide the entire game.
Iowa’s defense was especially dominant down the stretch. The Hawkeyes held Iowa State scoreless over the final 25 minutes and allowed the Cyclones only eight yards during the fourth quarter. Iowa finished the game with 284 total yards while holding Iowa State to 255 yards and nine first downs.
Buhr brought Iowa within one point by making a 32-yard field goal with 6:22 remaining. The Hawkeyes still trailed 13-12, but their defense forced Iowa State into a three-and-out and returned the ball to the offense with 4:28 left.
Brown and the Hawkeyes then produced the most important drive of the night. Iowa moved 31 yards in nine plays while taking more than four minutes off the clock. With the game resting on his right foot, Buhr stepped onto the field and drilled a 42-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.
Kinnick Stadium erupted.
The kick gave Iowa its first lead of the entire game and completed the Hawkeyes’ comeback from a 10-point deficit. It was also Buhr’s first career game-winning field goal, capping a perfect night in which he connected from 45, 32 and 42 yards.
Brown completed 21 of 30 passes for 191 yards and added Iowa’s only touchdown on the ground. Diaz led the Hawkeyes with eight receptions for 95 yards, while linebacker Cam Buffington recorded a career-high 15 tackles.
The final score was another reminder of how competitive this rivalry has become. Each of the past nine meetings has been decided by 10 points or fewer, while the past five have all been decided by one possession. Iowa’s official recap and box score confirmed the scoring sequence and game statistics.
Still, the Cy-Hawk Game is about much more than the final score.
Iowa does not have an NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL franchise, which gives this matchup a level of statewide importance that is difficult to understand until you experience it in person. For many fans, this is Iowa’s Super Bowl. Families, friends and coworkers live with the result for an entire year.
That energy could be felt throughout Iowa City well before kickoff. Some fans began tailgating the night before, and the areas surrounding Kinnick Stadium remained packed throughout the day. Trailers, grills and televisions filled the lots as fans continued watching football outside the stadium. The excitement surrounding the venue was nearly as intense as the atmosphere inside it.
Kinnick Stadium itself provided one of the best environments I have personally experienced. Its design keeps the crowd close to the field and makes nearly every seat feel connected to the action. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital overlooks the stadium, providing the setting for the famous Hawkeye Wave, while a drone show added another memorable element to the night.
The university also recognized its men’s basketball program after another Elite Eight appearance, giving the crowd an opportunity to celebrate one of the school’s most successful teams.
What stood out just as much as the football was the hospitality. From the security staff and stadium personnel to the merchants and fans around Iowa City, everyone helped make the experience memorable.
Iowa still has plenty to prove this season. The Hawkeyes are a young team, and one rivalry victory does not guarantee that they will contend for the College Football Playoff. Many of their fans entered the year with a cautious “let’s see how it goes” attitude.
After Saturday night, however, the Hawkeyes are 2-0, the Cy-Hawk Trophy is back in Iowa City and the first major test of their season has been passed.
The Cy-Hawk Game might not be played during traditional rivalry week, but it deserves to be discussed among the country’s most compelling rivalry experiences. If this matchup were played at the end of November, it could easily become one of the signature games of rivalry weekend.
For anyone who has an opportunity to attend a game at Kinnick Stadium, take it. The football, the tailgating, the traditions and the people make Iowa City a spectacle worth experiencing.
I already know I will be back.