Checking the schedule only to realize you have no idea where to find the Cyclones on your TV dial is a ritual as old as tailgating in the Ames parking lots. Honestly, it's frustrating. One week you’re on FOX, the next you’re digging through the depths of a streaming app you barely remember the password for. If you are asking what channel is iowa state football game on, the answer is rarely a single number.
The Big 12’s media rights are a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. Between the massive deal with ESPN and FOX, and the newer inclusions of TNT Sports, the "channel" is a moving target. In 2026, the landscape is even more fractured than it was a few years ago. You’ve got traditional over-the-air networks, cable giants, and the "Big 12 Now" digital-only tier.
Basically, you have to be a bit of a detective every Saturday morning.
The Big 12 TV Shuffle: Where the Cyclones Land
Most Iowa State games land on the big names. We're talking ABC, FOX, ESPN, or FS1. These are the marquee slots. If the Cyclones are playing a high-stakes conference game against Utah or Kansas State, chances are you’ll find them on one of these.
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FOX has been a huge partner for the Big 12 recently. They love those 11:00 AM Central kicks for their "Big Noon Kickoff" window. If you see the Cyclones playing early, start your search there.
The Rise of Streaming and ESPN+
Then there’s the ESPN+ factor. Many fans still get confused by this. It isn't a traditional channel. It's an app. Under the "Big 12 Now" banner, at least one or two Iowa State games per season—usually against non-conference opponents or lower-tier conference matchups—are exclusively on ESPN+. You won't find these on your cable box unless you have the app integrated.
- Check the 12-day window: Most game times and channels are announced 12 days before kickoff.
- The 6-day exception: Sometimes networks "hold" a game and won't announce the channel until the Sunday prior.
- TNT Sports: Don't forget that TNT and Max (formerly HBO Max) now have a slice of the Big 12 pie, occasionally snatching up games for weeknight or late-Saturday slots.
Finding the 2026 Schedule and Broadcasts
For the 2026 season, the non-conference slate is already set, but the TV networks are still finalizing their picks. On September 5, 2026, Iowa State opens against Southeast Missouri State. Since this is an FCS opponent, it’s a prime candidate for an ESPN+ exclusive stream.
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The big one, the Cy-Hawk Series against Iowa, is scheduled for September 12, 2026, in Iowa City. Because this is an away game at a Big Ten school, the TV rights actually follow the Big Ten’s contracts. That means you’ll likely find it on NBC, CBS, or FOX. It’s almost never on an ESPN property when it's played at Kinnick Stadium.
Why the Channel Matters for Your Setup
If you've cut the cord, you need to be strategic. A basic antenna will get you the games on ABC, FOX, and NBC. But you’ll miss the FS1 and ESPN games.
Services like YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV are the safest bets because they carry the "linear" cable channels. However, even with those, you still need a separate ESPN+ subscription for those "Big 12 Now" games. There is no single subscription that covers 100% of the season without some juggling.
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Local Radio: The Reliable Backup
If you’re stuck in the car or the TV coverage is blacked out for some weird reason, the Iowa State Cyclones Radio Network is the gold standard. John Walters and Eric Heft have been the voices of the Cyclones for years. You can find them on 1460 KASI in Ames or 100.3 Bus FM in Des Moines.
The Varsity Network app also streams the radio broadcast for free. It’s a great way to sync up the audio if you can't stand the national TV announcers who inevitably spend half the game talking about the College Football Playoff instead of the actual game on the field.
Actionable Steps for Cyclone Fans
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, do these three things right now:
- Download the "Iowa State Cyclones" Official App: They push notifications about game times and TV assignments the second they are finalized.
- Check the Big 12 Official Website: Don't rely on third-party "schedule" sites that might be outdated; the conference site is the source of truth for TV windows.
- Bookmark the 12-Day Schedule: Get in the habit of checking every Monday morning two weeks before a game. That is when the networks usually lock in their choices.
Knowing what channel is iowa state football game on requires a bit of prep work, but it beats scrolling through 500 channels while the opening kickoff is sailing through the air. Set your streaming apps up on Friday night, check your local listings, and keep the radio app as a backup. Go Cyclones.