The Iowa State Cyclones return home for the last time during the 2025 season to host the Kansas Jayhawks. The Cyclones are coming off a hard fought 20-17 road win at TCU and are looking to finish their home slate with a win on Senior Day. See what our staff thinks of Iowa State’s game against Kansas.
Chris Williams (5-5)
Kansas is currently giving up 5.0 yards per carry on the ground, which is the 105th worst mark in all of college football. Fresh off of a bye with a little momentum, I like Iowa State’s chances here. I’m guessing the Cyclones give Kansas a heavy dose of both running backs and perhaps mix in running packages for backup quarterbacks Connor Moberly and Alex Manske. Iowa State 27, Kansas 20.
Rob Gray (6-4)
Fun Fact: The first time the Cyclones faced Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels, Brock Purdy was a junior leading his team to its first ever New Year’s Six bowl win over Oregon in the COVID-framed 2020 season. Daniels wasn’t good that day, but he’s been a thorn in ISU’s side (when healthy) ever since and presides over an offense that’s scored 31 or more points six times this season—but just once since Sept. 27.
The Cyclones could and should ensure that they forge a winning season for the eighth time since 2017, but the passing game must get on track to help score the requisite points. It does—and Rocco Becht shines. Iowa State 35, Kansas 27.
Jake Brend (4-6)
“Just seeing one go in” can do a lot for a team. Whether it’s a slumping three-point shooter, a golfer or a football team that can’t get over the hump. Iowa State pulling out that win in Fort Worth didn’t fix everything offensively, but I bet that it really helps the swagger of the offense. Combine that with a big day on the ground, the Cyclones make everyone happy on senior day. Iowa State 31, Kansas 23.
Jackson Pence (5-5)
I don’t think my picks could get any worse this season. Picking Iowa State Football games this year has been very difficult if you can’t tell by all of our records. So, I am going to put the past 10 games behind me and focus on going 3-0 the rest of the way.
It is Senior Day at Jack Trice Stadium and for guys like Dom Orange, Tyler Miller, Tyler Moore, and so many others, it is their last game at home. The Cyclones are hopefully a little healthier after the BYE week and ready to go against a pretty good Jayhawk offense. Rocco Becht showed signs of his old self in the last couple minutes in the win over TCU and the Iowa State defense showed why you should never count them out.
I think the Cyclones get out to an early lead and rely on their run game which has been really good in the latter half of the season. The Jayhawks tie it late in the third quarter and Rocco puts together one last drive to cap off the 2025 home slate with a win. Iowa State 24, Kansas 17.
Jacqueline Cordova (5-5)
We get the 11:00 a.m. kickoff, which feels like a blessing and a curse. Sure, we get to handle business early and spend the rest of Saturday watching football on the couch… but early morning games aren’t really my favorite? I was spoiled by so many night games last season.
I’m just hoping the Cyclones have a little fun, give me a few wild action moments to capture, and let all of us walk out of Ames feeling good about the final home game of the season. I’m blocking out the injuries on the defense. Fill up Jack Trice, make it loud, and enjoy one more Saturday together. Iowa State 27, Kansas 24.
Jeff Woody (6-4)
Coming off a bye has actually been really good for this team—Arizona and before the wheels fell off against BYU. The BYU game got away from them because the Cougars never let the momentum stop with a mistake or lackadaisical play, you have to *beat* them.
Kansas is more like Arizona in the regard that they will make those mistakes. I expect a hot start from Iowa State—just like coming off of the other two byes—and Kansas to make plays to close the gap, but ISU is able to turn the tide back and get a senior night win. Iowa State 26, Kansas 21.
Derek Duke (5-5)
Thank goodness the Cyclones were on a bye week last weekend because my picks certainly needed a break because they are on life support this season. As of now, Kansas has the longest winning streak against Iowa State in the Big 12 but there is some good news and it’s that Kansas struggles against the run.
The Jayhawks have the third worst rush defense in the conference, and I expect the Cyclones to fully take advantage of that. But the real battle will be defensively. Jalon Daniels has taken care of the football this season but their lack of weapons outside of Emmanuel Henderson Jr. should help Iowa State keep them at bay. Matt Campbell will send these seniors off the right way with a win and get one step closer to winning out. Iowa State 31, Kansas 24.
