Iowa State welcomed 152 alumni back to campus to enjoy a reception, scrimmage and a “pep meeting” before the big game on November 16, 1912, the Cyclones took on in-state rivals, the Hawkeyes. Played on State Field, located where Parks Library resides today, the Cyclones took home a loss (21-7), but that didn’t bring down the high spirits for celebration.
Homecoming is not only a celebration for those on campus, but also an opportunity to welcome back alumni and connect with the surrounding communities.
Yell Like Hell
Dating back to 1963, Yell Like Hell began with students residing in resident halls creating and submitting an “original yell” to a panel of judges. The top five chants would go on to perform at the homecoming pep rally. Today, sororities and fraternities are paired together to compete for the homecoming trophy, with Yell Like Hell as the main component.
Pep rallies
Since the beginning, pep rallies have played a large role in celebrating homecoming, held the Friday before the big game as a way to get students excited and boost school spirit. Some of the first pep rallies included the original 1892 football team, as well as alumni from the first graduating classes. 1916 was the first “Beat Iowa” pep rally with 4,000 Cyclone supporters.
As time went on, “Beat Iowa” pep rallies faded out as Iowa State took on other opponents during homecoming, but the tradition carried on. The first “pep barbecue” was introduced in 1930, serving hamburgers to 3,000 people in attendance. These cookouts would be known as “hamburgers for homecoming” throughout the years. While the name hasn’t stuck around, the tradition of food at pep rallies has, as a way to excite the crowd for the Saturday football game.
Cy the Cardinal
This year, Cy, Iowa State’s loyal and lovable mascot, will be celebrating his 71st birthday after being introduced during the 1954 Homecoming game. Named by Wilma Beckman Ohlson through a contest sponsored by Iowa State Pep Council, the group thought having a mascot would inspire school spirit.
Food on campus
Each year, students can find food offered week-long on campus, a tradition highly favored by the student body. Put on by the Iowa State Alumni Association, students are eligible to receive free food all week by purchasing a $5 homecoming button found at the University Bookstore or the food tents. This year’s menu features Clayton Farms Salads, ISU Meats Lab, Noodles & Company, Chick-fil-A and Papa John’s.
ExCYtment
Taking place on Ash Avenue and Sunset Drive, ExCYtment in the Streets is a new homecoming tradition aimed at bringing the community and student body together in celebration. Attendees can view the yard displays and skits put together by participating Greek houses while enjoying food and other entertainment put on by other groups on campus. This year’s event will take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.
Cardinal Court and Cyclone Sweethearts
The Cardinal Court is a long-standing tradition to recognize ten senior students who have had high academic achievement, leadership on campus, service to the community, great character and an appreciation and commitment to Iowa State University. The top two recipients receive a scholarship funded by the annual Homecoming CYlent Auction.
Similar to the Cardinal Court, Cyclone Sweethearts also honors those at the pep rally. Started in 2017, the program collects Cyclone love stories and recognizes a special couple who were brought together at Iowa State. The winning couple receives game tickets, gift certificates and other prizes. Both the Cardinal Court winners and Cyclone Sweetheart are announced at the Friday pep rally.
Homecoming Football Game
After a week of traditions and celebration, Homecoming 2025 will come to a close as the Cyclones take on the 15th-ranked Brigham Young University Cougars. The game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.
