AMES – The Big 12 Conference announced kickoff times for three non-conference games of the 2025-26 season. 

The Cyclones return 11 starters from last season’s Pop Tarts Bowl victory against the Miami Hurricanes, including quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Abu Samma III, linebacker Kooper Ebel and defensive lineman Charlie Woleben.

Following the matchup between Iowa State and the Kansas State Wildcats in Dublin, Ireland, the Cyclones return home to face the 2024 FCS Semifinalist South Dakota Coyotes on Aug. 30 at 2:30 p.m.. The game serves as the home-opener for the 2025-26 season.

Iowa State will then prepare for the annual Iowa Corn CyHawk Series at 11 a.m. on Sep. 6, highlighted by the first-ever appearance in Ames from Big Noon Kickoff on FOX. Iowa State won the rivalry matchup last season in a 20-19 come-from-behind victory. 

Arkansas State awaits the Cyclones on Sep. 13 at 3 p.m. after falling 52-7 in Week 3 of the 2024-25 season. The meeting is the second all-time between the two programs. 

Kickoff times for the conference schedule will be announced at a later date. 

2025 Iowa State Football Schedule

Aug. 23             vs. Kansas State (ESPN) – 11 a.m.

Aug. 30             vs. South Dakota (FOX) – 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 6              vs. Iowa (FOX) – 11 a.m.

Sept. 13            at Arkansas State (ESPN2) – 3 p.m.

Sept. 27            vs. Arizona                                          

Oct. 4                at Cincinnati                                     

Oct. 11              at Colorado                                     

Oct. 25              vs. BYU (Homecoming)                    

Nov. 1               vs. Arizona State                            

Nov. 8               at TCU                                                

Nov. 22             vs. Kansas                                             

Nov. 29             at Oklahoma State                        

Dec. 6                Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game