There is something about a crackling radio signal that just hits different. You’re driving through a sea of corn on I-35, the sun is dipping low, and suddenly, the voice of John Walters cuts through the static. It’s a Friday night or a Saturday morning, and you realize you aren't just listening to a game; you’re tapped into the literal heartbeat of Ames.
Honestly, in a world where every single play is sliced into a ten-second TikTok clip, iowa state football radio should feel like a relic. It’s not, though. For a massive chunk of the Cyclone faithful, those airwaves are the only way to experience the Saturday tension. Whether you're stuck in the driveway because you can't bring yourself to turn off a tie game or you're tailgating in the shadow of Jack Trice Stadium, the radio broadcast is the glue.
The Legends Behind the Mic: Walters and Heft
You can't talk about the Cyclone Radio Network without mentioning the duo that has basically become the soundtrack of Iowa winters and autumns. John Walters and Eric Heft. These guys aren't just "announcers." They’re like those uncles who know every stat from 1974 but still get hyped like kids when a freshman breaks a tackle.
John Walters, the "Voice of the Cyclones," has been at this for over two decades. He took over after the tragic passing of the legendary Pete Taylor in 2003, and man, those were big shoes to fill. Walters has this specific cadence—urgent but controlled. When he yells "Touchdown, Cyclones!" it feels like the whole state of Iowa just exhaled.
Then you’ve got Eric Heft. He’s the analyst, a former Cyclone basketball star himself. He brings that "player’s perspective" that most corporate broadcasts lack. He isn't afraid to say when a play call was "kinda iffy" or when a ref totally blew a spot. It’s that authenticity that keeps people tuning in. They aren't just reading a script; they’re living and dying with every snap, just like you.
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How to Find Iowa State Football Radio Right Now
Finding the game shouldn't be a chore, but sometimes the reception in rural Iowa acts up. Basically, the Cyclone Radio Network is a beast. It’s powered by Learfield—specifically their "Cyclone Sports Properties" arm—and it covers almost every corner of the state.
If you’re in the Des Moines area, you’re likely parked on 100.3 The Bus (KCYZ) or 1460 KSOO. In Ames, it’s usually KCYZ 105.1. But what if you’re out in the sticks?
The network has dozens of affiliates. We're talking stations in Albia (KIIC), Algona (KLGA), Carroll (KCIM), and even over in Cedar Falls (KCNZ). It’s one of those rare things that still unites the state across 99 counties.
Streaming and Digital Options
Look, maybe you don't even own a physical radio. That’s fair. It’s 2026.
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- The Varsity Network App: This is the big one. It’s free, and it’s where Learfield puts all the live streams.
- Cyclones.com: You can usually find a "Live Audio" link right on the schedule page.
- iHeartRadio: A lot of the local affiliates stream their feed here. If you search for "100.3 The Bus," you’ll usually find the pre-game show already rolling three hours before kickoff.
Why the "Sync" is a Local Tradition
Here is a secret that true fans know: the TV announcers on the big national networks? They're often... fine. But they don't know the roster like the local guys do. They might call a player by the wrong name or miss a nuance about a specific injury.
Because of this, a lot of fans perform the "Radio Sync." This is where you turn the TV volume all the way down and try to match the iowa state football radio audio to the picture. It’s harder than it sounds because of the digital delay. You’ll see a touchdown on the screen, but the radio is still at the 20-yard line. You have to pause the TV for exactly 4.5 seconds (or whatever the lag is that day) to get them perfectly aligned.
When you get it right, though? It’s magic. You get the high-def picture with the passion of John Walters. It’s the ultimate way to watch.
The Ritual of the Pre-game Show
The broadcast doesn't start at kickoff. If you tune in early—usually two or three hours before the ball is even teed up—you get the real deep dives.
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They talk about the "CyTown" developments, the latest NIL moves, and who looked good in warmups. It’s where you hear from Matt Campbell during the "Cyclone Coaches Corner" segments. These interviews aren't the fluff you see on ESPN. They’re gritty. They talk about "The Process." They talk about Ames.
Keeping the Signal Strong
There was some drama recently about public radio funding and how it might affect sports broadcasts, specifically with stations like KISU. It's a reminder that these local connections are fragile. We take for granted that we can just turn a dial and hear the game, but it takes a massive web of engineers, sponsors like Hy-Vee (who now sponsor the headsets on the sidelines!), and local station owners to keep it alive.
Learfield recently extended their partnership with Iowa State through 2038. That is a massive deal. It means that for the next decade-plus, the infrastructure for iowa state football radio is safe. They're investing in "Fanbase" technology to better understand who is listening, but for us, it just means the games stay on the air.
Actionable Steps for the Next Gameday
If you want to make sure you never miss a moment of the action, here is what you actually need to do before the next Saturday kickoff:
- Download The Varsity Network App now. Don't wait until 5 minutes before kickoff when the towers are slammed and your 5G is crawling.
- Check the affiliate map. If you're traveling, know which AM station covers the stretch of highway you'll be on. 1430 AM or 1650 AM are often good bets for the eastern side of the state.
- Invest in a delay-capable radio. If you’re a "Sync" person, some high-end digital radios actually let you pause the live FM/AM feed to match the TV. It saves you the headache of trying to pause your DVR perfectly.
- Follow the crew on social. John Walters is great at giving "behind the scenes" looks from the booth on gameday. It adds a whole other layer to the experience.
The roar of the crowd at Jack Trice is loud, but the sound of the radio is what carries that roar across the plains. It’s a tradition that isn't going anywhere.