If you had told a college football fan five years ago that Iowa State vs Colorado would be one of the most electric, season-defining matchups in the Big 12, they’d probably have asked if you were feeling okay. Colorado was a PAC-12 afterthought. Iowa State was the steady, "five-star culture" program that rarely made national waves outside of Ames. But things change. Fast.
Last October, Folsom Field turned into a literal madhouse. Colorado—led by a spirited Deion Sanders—pulled off a 24-17 upset over a No. 22 ranked Iowa State team that many experts thought would sleepwalk to a win. Honestly, the game was a mess for the first fifteen minutes. Zero points. Five punts. Just two teams staring each other down like a middle school dance. Then Micah Welch punched in an 8-yard touchdown for the Buffs, and the script flipped entirely.
What Went Wrong for the Cyclones?
Iowa State usually prides itself on not beating itself. That didn't happen in Boulder. Rocco Becht is a phenomenal talent, but the Colorado defense—specifically Tawfiq Byard—read him like a book in the fourth quarter. That interception Byard snagged in the end zone? That was the game. Right there. It wiped points off the board and effectively killed the Cyclones' momentum when they were down by only four.
Abu Sama III did everything he could. He was a monster on the ground, racking up 177 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Seeing him hit the hole is something else; he’s got that rare gear that makes defenders look like they're running in sand. But 177 yards from your star back usually equals a win. Why didn't it?
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The answer is simple: Kaidon Salter and Joseph Williams. Salter finished with 255 passing yards and two scores, including a 70-yard bomb to Omarion Miller that felt like a gut punch to the Iowa State secondary. The Buffs' offensive line, which has been poked fun at for years, didn't allow a single sack. Zero. Against a Matt Campbell-coached defense, that's almost unheard of.
The Rivalry That Time Forgot
Most people forget these two have been playing since 1946. Colorado leads the series 50-15-1. It’s a lopsided history, sure, but the modern context makes it feel brand new. Back in the old Big 8 days, this was a staple. Now, in the expanded Big 12, it's a clash of identities. You have Campbell’s developmental, "Iowa-tough" philosophy against the high-flash, transfer-heavy "Coach Prime" era. It’s fascinating.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The heat hasn't cooled down. If you're looking for the next chapter, it’s actually moving to the hardwood first. The Iowa State vs Colorado basketball matchup is set for January 29, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum. Hilton is notoriously loud—one of those places where the floor literally vibrates when the crowd gets going.
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The Cyclones' women's team just faced a tough loss to the Buffaloes as well, dropping a 68-62 game in mid-January. Audi Crooks is still a force of nature, dropping 10 points in the fourth quarter alone, but Colorado’s Desiree Wooten was just too much, putting up 24 points. It seems like across all sports, Colorado has found a way to become the "Cyclone Killer" lately.
Key Stats from the Recent Football Clash
- Total Yards: Colorado 395, Iowa State 441 (Yes, Iowa State outgained them and still lost).
- Rushing: Abu Sama III (ISU) with 177 yards; Micah Welch (CU) with the opening TD.
- Turnovers: One massive interception by Tawfiq Byard that changed everything.
- Atmosphere: Over 52,000 fans, leading to a field storming and an impending Big 12 fine for Colorado.
How to Handle the Next Matchup
If you're a bettor or just a hardcore fan trying to figure out how to navigate the next Iowa State vs Colorado game, keep an eye on the trenches. The last game proved that when Colorado's line holds up, they are dangerous. Iowa State’s path to victory is almost always through ball security and clock management, but they can't afford to be conservative when Salter is taking deep shots.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
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- Watch the Injury Reports: Both teams relied heavily on specific playmakers (Sama for ISU, Williams for CU). If one is out, the game plan crumbles.
- Hilton Magic is Real: For the upcoming basketball game on January 29, don't bet against the Cyclones at home. The "Hilton Magic" is a statistical anomaly that favors ISU significantly in close games.
- Check Ticket Marketplaces Early: For the 2026 schedule, tickets on platforms like Ticketmaster are already hitting the resale market for around $19-$30 for nosebleeds. They will triple in price as game day nears.
The reality is that this isn't just a regional game anymore. It's a barometer for the Big 12. Whoever wins this matchup usually finds themselves in the conversation for a bowl game or a high seed in the conference tournament. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and honestly, it’s exactly what college sports should be.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the Big 12 transfer portal entries this spring. Colorado's roster is always in flux, while Iowa State tends to build from within. That contrast will define their next meeting on the field.