You’d think two of the most storied, Midwest-adjacent programs in college sports would have a beef that goes back decades. Honestly, that's what most people assume when they hear Notre Dame vs Iowa State. They picture snowy November afternoons in the 70s or legendary coaches trading barbs in some grainy black-and-white newsreel.
But here’s the reality: these two teams are basically strangers.
Before 2019, the football programs had never even shared a field. Not once. In over a century of history, they managed to miss each other entirely until a sunny afternoon in Orlando changed everything. It wasn't some ancient rivalry being renewed; it was a total culture clash between a blue-blood independent and a Big 12 program that’s spent the last decade trying to prove it belongs at the big kids' table.
That Orlando Blowout and the Purdy Factor
If you were watching the Camping World Bowl on December 28, 2019, you saw what happens when Notre Dame decides to stop playing with its food. The Irish entered that game as 3.5-point favorites, which, looking back, was kinda hilarious. They didn’t just win; they dismantled the Cyclones 33-9.
Most people remember that game as the "Chase Claypool Show." He was a human highlight reel, hauling in seven catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. But for Iowa State fans, it was a frustrating glimpse at what could have been. Brock Purdy—yeah, the same Brock Purdy who now leads the 49ers—was the quarterback for ISU that day. He struggled. Hard.
The Irish defense, led by a relentless Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, basically lived in the ISU backfield. Owusu-Koramoah finished with three sacks and a forced fumble that set the tone early. Poor Purdy was under fire from the jump, and the Cyclones never found the end zone, relying entirely on Connor Assalley’s leg for their nine points.
The Tony Jones Jr. Sprint
There was this one play that basically broke the spirit of the Cyclone faithful. Early in the third quarter, Tony Jones Jr. took a handoff and didn't stop until he’d gone 84 yards.
It was the longest run in Notre Dame bowl history.
One play. Eighty-four yards. It took exactly 15 seconds off the clock. That single moment turned a competitive-ish game into a "start the bus" situation. It's rare to see an Iowa State defense, usually so disciplined under Matt Campbell, get gashed like that. But that’s the gap we’re talking about when Notre Dame is firing on all cylinders.
The Hardwood Flip: Where Iowa State Wins
If football is a lopsided affair, the basketball court is where things get interesting. Historically, Iowa State has a way of making Notre Dame look human when there's a hoop involved instead of a goalpost.
The most significant meeting happened in March 2013 during the NCAA Tournament. Most pundits had the Irish pegged to make a deep run, but the Cyclones had other plans. Led by Georges Niang—who was basically a magician in the paint—Iowa State rolled to a 76-58 victory.
It’s a weird dynamic. In football, Notre Dame has the physical edge and the depth. In basketball, the "Ames Magic" seems to travel. The Cyclones’ ability to recruit versatile, gritty playmakers has often given the more traditional Irish lineups fits. Even in the women's game, while the Irish have often been a powerhouse, the head-to-head matchups have been competitive grinds rather than blowouts.
Why They Don't Play More Often
You've probably wondered why these two don't just schedule a home-and-home. It makes sense, right? Both have massive, passionate fanbases. Both are in the same general part of the country.
The answer is basically "math and scheduling."
- Notre Dame's ACC Deal: Since the Irish have that scheduling agreement with the ACC (five games a year), their "open" slots are precious. They usually save those for USC, Navy, and Big Ten rivals like Michigan or Purdue.
- The Big 12 Grind: Iowa State plays a nine-game conference schedule. Throw in the Cy-Hawk game against Iowa every year, and they only have two slots left to play with.
- The "Losing" Proposition: For Notre Dame, a win over Iowa State is "expected." A loss is catastrophic for their playoff hopes. For Iowa State, scheduling the Irish is a massive risk to their bowl eligibility if they aren't having a peak season.
What to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond
As we move through 2026, the landscape of college sports is shifting. With the expanded 12-team playoff, the "fear" of scheduling tough non-conference games is starting to fade. You might actually see more of Notre Dame vs Iowa State in the future because a loss doesn't automatically end your season anymore.
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Actually, the rumor mill in Ames and South Bend is constantly buzzing about potential "Shamrock Series" games or neutral-site kickoffs in Chicago or Kansas City. Fans want it. The TV networks definitely want it.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re tracking this matchup or planning to bet on future meetings, keep these specifics in mind:
- Check the Trenches: In their limited history, the game is won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Notre Dame’s recruiting at O-line and D-line is usually a tier above, which showed in the 2019 blowout.
- The "Home" Factor: If they ever play in Ames, throw the stats out the window. Jack Trice Stadium is a house of horrors for ranked teams.
- Basketball Betting: Look for the "pace" mismatch. Iowa State loves to run and create chaos; Notre Dame often prefers a more structured, half-court set.
There isn't a deep-seated hatred here yet. It’s more of a mutual respect—or maybe just a mutual curiosity. But if they keep meeting in December bowls or March tournaments, that’s going to change quickly. For now, it remains one of those "what if" matchups that keeps college sports fans arguing in bars from Des Moines to South Bend.
To stay ahead of the next scheduled meeting, keep an eye on the official athletic schedules for both schools. Notre Dame's independent status means they can announce "surprise" matchups much later than conference-locked teams like the Cyclones. Keep a close watch on the 2027-2028 non-conference slots for any potential home-and-home announcements.