Iowa State Game Today Time: No. 2 Cyclones Face Ultimate Test at Phog Allen

If you’re looking for the iowa state game today time, you better clear your schedule for 8 p.m. CT tonight.

It’s Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This isn't just another January conference game; it’s a heavyweight fight in Lawrence. The No. 2 Iowa State Cyclones (16-0) are putting their perfect season on the line against the Kansas Jayhawks inside the deafening walls of Allen Fieldhouse.

Honestly, the stakes couldn't be much higher for T.J. Otzelberger’s squad. They’ve looked practically invincible so far, but everyone knows the Phog is where undefeated dreams go to die.

Iowa State Game Today Time and Broadcast Details

You've got a few ways to catch this one, but ESPN is the primary home for the broadcast. Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas are on the call, so it’s getting the full "Big Game" treatment.

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• Game Time: 8:00 p.m. CT (9:00 p.m. ET)
• Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Streaming: Fubo (regional restrictions apply) or the ESPN app
• Radio: Cyclone Radio Network (John Walters and Eric Heft)

Basically, if you aren't in front of a TV by 7:55 p.m., you’re going to miss the tip-off of the biggest Big 12 matchup of the young year.

Why This One Feels Different

Iowa State is sitting at 16-0 and 3-0 in the Big 12. They just climbed to No. 2 in the AP Poll yesterday. That’s tied for the highest ranking in the history of the program.

They are coming off a solid 83-71 win over Oklahoma State, but Kansas is a different beast entirely. The Jayhawks are 11-5 and a bit wounded after an 86-75 loss at West Virginia. Bill Self rarely loses two in a row, and he almost never loses at home following a defeat.

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The Cyclones are led by Tamin Lipsey, who’s playing like an All-American. He’s the engine. Alongside him, Milan Momcilovic has developed into a lethal threat from deep, and Joshua Jefferson is providing that veteran grit every team needs to survive a road trip to Lawrence.

Surviving Allen Fieldhouse

Kansas leads the all-time series 191-69. That sounds lopsided, right? It is. Iowa State has only won 16 times ever in Lawrence.

But here’s the kicker: Iowa State has actually taken three of the last five meetings against the Jayhawks. Otzelberger has figured out a way to make this a rivalry again. The Cyclones play a brand of "suffocating" defense that tends to travel well. They force turnovers at a rate that makes even experienced guards like Dajuan Harris Jr. look human.

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If you're wondering about the iowa state game today time because you're planning a watch party, keep in mind that Allen Fieldhouse games often run a little long due to the intensity and the inevitable foul trouble that comes with aggressive Big 12 play. Expect a late night.

What to Watch For Tonight

1. The Turnover Battle: Iowa State thrives on chaos. If they can force 15+ turnovers, they win.
2. The Glass: Blake Buchanan has been a beast lately, coming off back-to-back double-doubles. He needs to negate KU's interior size.
3. The Atmosphere: Can the young Cyclone rotation players handle the 16,000+ screaming fans without getting rattled early?

Looking Ahead

Once tonight is over, the grind doesn't stop. The Cyclones head to Cincinnati on Saturday, January 17, for a 1:00 p.m. tip. That one is on Peacock/NBCSN.

Then they finally return to the friendly confines of Hilton Coliseum on Tuesday, Jan 20, to face UCF. But all of that feels miles away right now. Tonight is the litmus test for whether this 16-0 start is a fluke or a sign of a Final Four run.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Check your ESPN login: Make sure your cable or streaming credentials are active before the 8 p.m. tip.
• Sync the radio: If you prefer the local call, John Walters and Eric Heft usually provide better insight into the Cyclone-specific sets.
• Monitor the NET rankings: Win or lose, this game will have massive implications for Iowa State's seeding come March.