Friday Night Showdown in Provo
The Iowa State football team travels to Provo, Utah, for a Friday night showdown against No. 8 BYU on Oct. 9, 2026, marking the Cyclones' first game outside the state of Iowa this season. The matchup, scheduled for 9:15 p.m. CT at LaVell Edwards Stadium, features a 3-2 Iowa State squad facing a 4-0 Cougars team ranked in the nation's top 10.
Cyclones Season Performance
Iowa State enters the matchup with a 3-2 overall record and a 1-1 record in Big 12 Conference play. The Cyclones' recent performance includes a 38-10 victory over Southeast Missouri on Sept. 5, a 13-16 loss to No. 21 Iowa on Sept. 12, a 55-7 win over Bowling Green on Sept. 19, a 17-31 loss to No. 15 Utah on Sept. 26, and a 45-42 win over West Virginia on Oct. 3.
Scouting the No. 8 Cougars
The Cougars enter the game with a 4-0 record and a 2-0 record in the Big 12. According to Iowa State Athletics, the BYU offense has been highly efficient, converting 57.4 percent of its third downs, a mark that ranks fourth best nationally. Defensively, the Cougars rank No. 17 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 14.3 points per game, and No. 21 nationally in total defense, allowing 268.0 yards per game.
Key Player Matchups
The matchup features several key individual storylines. BYU's offense is expected to rely on sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who has completed 64 percent of his passes for 704 yards and six touchdowns against one interception. Bachmeier is expected to lead the offense in the absence of star running back LJ Martin, who is sidelined due to injury. Offensive targets for Bachmeier include freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker, who has 14 receptions for 279 yards and two touchdowns, and Kyler Kasper, who has 11 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive and Special Teams Outlook
Defensively, the Cougars are expected to play without linebacker Isaiah Glasker. However, defensive end Tausili Akana remains a significant threat, averaging 1.5 tackles for loss per game and leading the team with six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks this season. Additionally, BYU ranks third nationally in kick return defense, averaging 42 yards per return, a factor that Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy will need to manage by utilizing his 28 career touchbacks on 32 kickoffs.
Historical Series Context
The historical series between the two programs favors the Cyclones. Iowa State holds a 5-1 all-time advantage over BYU, with a 2-1 record in home games and a 3-0 record in road games. However, BYU won the most recent meeting on Oct. 25, 2025, with a 41-27 victory in Ames. This contest marks the third meeting between the two teams as Big 12 Conference opponents and the fourth all-time matchup held in Provo.
Upcoming Schedule and Local Ties
The Iowa State roster includes Utah connections, such as defensive end Isaac Terrell from Lehi, Utah. Following the BYU game, Iowa State is scheduled to face Arizona in Tucson on Oct. 24, followed by a game against Oklahoma State on Oct. 31. The team will have a bye week on Oct. 17.
Broadcast Information
The Friday night game in Provo will be broadcast on ESPN. The broadcast team for the game includes Anish Shroff as the play-by-play announcer, Andre Ware as the analyst, and Morgan Uber as the reporter. The Cyclone Radio Network will provide coverage via the Varsity App, TuneIn Radio, or local affiliates, featuring John Walters on play-by-play, Eric Heft as the analyst, and Ryan Harklau on the sidelines.
