If you just woke up and started frantically searching for where is Iowa State playing football today, I have some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill.
There is no game.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that the college football season usually wraps up with the National Championship in early January. Right now, the Cyclones aren't on a field; they are likely in the weight room or deep in winter conditioning. Jack Trice Stadium is probably looking pretty quiet, maybe even dusted with some of that classic Iowa January snow.
Why You’re Probably Confused
It’s easy to get turned around with schedules these days. Maybe you saw a highlight on social media or a notification about a score. It’s worth noting that the Iowa State men’s basketball team actually played today. They were out in Cincinnati taking on the Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena.
That game was a rough one. The Cyclones, ranked No. 2 in the country at the time, fell 79-70. Milan Momcilovic went absolutely nuclear with 34 points, but it wasn't enough to stop the Bearcats. If you saw "Iowa State vs. Cincinnati" on your phone and assumed it was football, that’s almost certainly where the mix-up happened.
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Where is Iowa State playing football today and when do they return?
Since there’s no game today, the real question is when Matt Campbell’s squad actually takes the field again. We’ve already got the 2026 schedule mapped out, and it’s a doozy.
The Cyclones won't suit up for a real opponent until September 5, 2026. On that day, they’ll be back home in Ames to host Southeast Missouri State.
If you are looking for the big ones, here is what the early 2026 slate looks like:
- September 5: Southeast Missouri State at Jack Trice Stadium.
- September 12: The big one. Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
- September 19: Bowling Green back in Ames.
The Big 12 schedule for 2026 is also locked in, though specific dates for the later games usually don't drop until the summer. We know for a fact that ISU will host Cincinnati, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Utah, and West Virginia. On the flip side, they’ve got road trips scheduled for Arizona, Baylor, BYU, and UCF.
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Honestly, that road schedule looks brutal. Flying to Orlando and then having to turn around and go to Provo or Tucson is a lot of miles for a college kid.
Looking Back at the 2025 Season
Part of the reason you might be searching for where is Iowa State playing football today is because the 2025 season was such a rollercoaster. People are still buzzing about it.
The Cyclones finished the 2025 regular season on a high note, beating Oklahoma State 20-13 on November 29. They had some massive wins, including a nail-biter against Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, to start the year. Who could forget that 24-21 victory overseas? It felt like the start of something special.
However, the middle of the season was kind of a grind. Losses to BYU and Arizona State at home really stung the fan base. By the time January rolled around, the Cyclones weren't in the College Football Playoff conversation, which is why their Saturdays are currently empty.
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What Fans Should Actually Be Doing Today
If you’re a die-hard ISU fan and you’re bummed out there’s no football, you’ve still got options.
- Watch the Basketball Replay: Even though they lost to Cincinnati today, Momcilovic’s performance was legendary. Watching him hit eight 3-pointers is worth the price of admission alone.
- Check the Portal: January is "Transfer Portal Season." Coach Campbell and his staff are busy scouting for the next piece of the puzzle. Keep an eye on the offensive line—that’s usually where they are looking to beef up.
- Plan Your Iowa City Trip: The Cy-Hawk game is on the road this year (Sept 12, 2026). If you haven't booked a hotel or looked at tickets for Kinnick Stadium, you’re already behind. Those prices jump the second people realize how close the season is getting.
The bottom line is that the answer to where is Iowa State playing football today is nowhere. But the off-season moves fast. Before you know it, we’ll be tailgating in the Jack Trice parking lot, smelling the charcoal, and complaining about the humidity.
To stay ahead of the game, go ahead and sync the 2026 schedule to your digital calendar now. Make sure you filter for "Football" specifically so you don't get another basketball notification that ruins your Saturday morning. You can also start checking secondary ticket markets for those home games against K-State and Utah, as those are expected to be the hottest tickets in Ames this coming fall.