When the Big 12 decided to go full "coast-to-coast," most people were worried about the travel miles and the loss of regional tradition. But if you caught the UCF vs Iowa State game in October 2024, you probably realized that geography is overrated when the product on the field is that chaotic. It was the first time these two programs ever met on a football field. Honestly? It felt like they had been hating each other for decades.
Jack Trice Stadium was rocking. It was cold. It was Ames. And for a UCF team that is used to the humidity of Orlando, it was a total culture shock that nearly resulted in one of the biggest upsets of the season.
What Really Happened in the 2024 UCF vs Iowa State Thriller
You have to look at the stats to understand how weird this game was. UCF came into that matchup as a struggling team, yet they absolutely gutted the Iowa State defense on the ground. RJ Harvey—who is basically a human highlight reel—ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run that silenced the crowd.
The Knights finished with 354 rushing yards. Let that sink in for a second. That is the most rushing yards the Cyclones have allowed in a victory since at least 1996. Usually, when you give up 350+ yards on the ground, you’re looking at a blowout loss. But Iowa State has this weird, gritty "Ames Magic" that keeps them in games they have no business winning.
Rocco Becht and the 80-Yard March
Down 35-30 with less than two minutes left, Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht decided to put the entire state on his back. He didn't just throw the ball; he used his legs, which isn't always his go-to move. Becht accounted for every single yard of that final 80-yard drive.
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- He scrambled for a first down.
- He hit Jaylin Noel for huge gains.
- He survived a massive UCF pass rush.
- He dove into the end zone with 30 seconds left.
It was heart-wrenching for UCF fans. The Knights had a 28-14 lead in the second half. They had two defensive touchdowns—including a 63-yard interception return by Brandon Adams. They did everything right, but they couldn't close the door. That 38-35 final score officially cemented UCF vs Iowa State as a matchup you cannot miss on the calendar.
The Basketball Breakdown: Ames vs Orlando
While the football side of things is still fresh, the hardwood is where the UCF vs Iowa State rivalry has actually seen more frequent action lately. If you follow Big 12 basketball, you know that Hilton Coliseum is essentially a house of horrors for visiting teams.
In January 2025, Iowa State absolutely dismantled UCF in Ames with a 108-83 win. Joshua Jefferson dropped 30 points. It wasn't even fair. The Cyclones shot the lights out, and the Knights looked like they were running in sand. But that’s the thing about this pairing—the home-court advantage is massive.
When the scene shifted to Orlando's Addition Financial Arena in February, the vibe changed. Even though Iowa State pulled out a 77-65 win, the Knights showed they could hang with the Top 10 talent of the Cyclones. UCF's Jordan Ivy-Curry has been a bright spot, often carrying the scoring load when the offense gets stagnant.
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Why This Matchup Works
It’s about the clash of styles. Iowa State is built on "Cyclone Basketball"—defense, turnovers, and grit. Tamin Lipsey is arguably one of the best floor generals in the country, and his ability to harass ball-handlers makes life miserable for UCF’s guards.
On the flip side, UCF plays with a sort of Florida speed that can catch the more methodical Big 12 teams off guard. They want to run. They want to use their athleticism. When those two philosophies collide, you get high-scoring, high-intensity basketball that usually results in a lot of "over" bets hitting.
Looking Ahead: The 2025-2026 Landscape
So, where do these teams stand now? As of late 2025, the Big 12 standings show a bit of a gap. Iowa State is firmly in the upper echelon, hovering around 8-4 or 9-3 in football and consistently ranked in the Top 15 in basketball. They are the benchmark.
UCF is in that "growing pains" phase. They finished the 2025 football season near the bottom of the conference with a 2-7 league record, despite having elite individual talent like RJ Harvey. The transition from the American Conference to the Big 12 is no joke. The depth required to play a team like Iowa State every year is something Gus Malzahn is still trying to figure out.
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Key Factors for Future UCF vs Iowa State Games
- The Weather Factor: UCF needs to figure out how to win in the cold. Playing in Ames in late October or November is a different beast than playing in 90-degree heat in Orlando.
- Quarterback Stability: Rocco Becht has given Iowa State a steady hand. UCF has cycled through several options, and until they find a "guy" who can match Becht's late-game composure, they’ll keep dropping these close ones.
- Recruiting Wars: Both teams are fighting for similar "three-star plus" athletes. Iowa State wins with development; UCF wins with speed and NIL opportunities in a major market.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
If you are looking at the next UCF vs Iowa State matchup, don't just look at the record. The 2024 game proved that UCF can be a 14-point underdog and still dominate the line of scrimmage.
First off, always look at the rushing totals. If UCF is healthy, they will run the ball. They don't care if you have a top-ranked defense; they are going to test your gap discipline.
Secondly, pay attention to the venue. "Hilton Magic" and the Jack Trice atmosphere are real things. Iowa State is a different animal at home. If the game is in Orlando, the "Bounce House" effect can rattle even a veteran quarterback like Becht.
Finally, watch the turnover margin. In their recent football meeting, Iowa State won because they didn't blink when things got messy. UCF gave up a late interception that sealed their fate. Experience in the Big 12 matters, and right now, Matt Campbell’s squad has the edge in "knowing how to win."
Keep an eye on the transfer portal this spring. Both programs are aggressive in filling holes, and a single lockdown corner or an explosive wideout could be the difference-maker in the next 3-point game between these two.
Check the official Big 12 schedule for 2026 to see if the Knights get their shot at revenge in Orlando or if they have to travel back to the wind-swept plains of Iowa. Either way, expect fireworks.