The Iowa State Cyclones will take on their first Big 12 opponent of the season on Sunday as they welcome the University of Utah to Hilton Coliseum for their first home meet of the year.
After three consecutive weeks of road competition, the Cyclones return to Ames for a high-profile matchup that will also mark a historic moment for the program.
Sunday’s meet will be Iowa State’s first-ever live televised home meet at Hilton, airing on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. CT Sunday.
Iowa State enters the meet looking to build on positive momentum from its most recent competition at the New Hampshire Quad Meet. The Cyclones saw several gymnasts’ career-best performances, signaling steady improvement as the season progresses.
Sophomore Aubree Guinee earned a career-high 9.85 on floor exercise, while freshman Ella Roberts posted a 9.75 on vault. Sophomore Frederique Sgarbossa also impressed, totaling a 39.100 in her second all-around appearance of the season.
Currently, Iowa State holds a 2–5 overall record and is 0–0 in Big 12 competition. The Cyclones are ranked sixth in the conference and 56th nationally.
With conference action officially beginning, Sunday’s meet presents an opportunity for Iowa State to claim its first Big 12 win and first home victory of the season, while competing in front of a national audience.
Utah arrives in Ames as one of the top teams in the conference and the nation. The Red Rocks hold a 5–3 overall record and are ranked third in the Big 12 and 12th nationally according to the NCAA.
Utah brings an experienced and talented roster, returning 12 gymnasts while adding four first-year students this season.
The Utes are led by three All-Americans: senior Makenna Smith, a 10-time All-American; sophomore Avery Neff, a four-time All-American and junior Ella Zirbes, a three-time All-American.
The Red Rocks are coming off a strong performance at the Best of Utah Quad Meet, where they defeated Utah State, BYU and Southern Utah.
Utah posted a season-high team score of 197.300, demonstrating the depth and consistency that have made the program a national powerhouse.
Historically, Iowa State and Utah have faced each other sparingly, as Utah frequently competes in elite top-10 meets while Iowa State battles within the Big 12.
Utah holds a 2–0 advantage in reported modern matchups from 2010-2025 and has largely dominated the series since at least 1980. The Utes also won their most recent meeting on Jan. 17, 2025, with a score of 197.300 to 194.850.
Despite Utah’s historical edge, Iowa State’s continued improvement throughout the season adds intrigue to the matchup. Competing at home for the first time this year, the Cyclones will look to feed off the energy of the Hilton Coliseum crowd as they face one of the nation’s top programs.
The meet is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. CT at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa and will be available to stream on ESPN+.
