The Daily Herald is providing weekly facts regarding the latest football opponent for BYU. In a report published October 7, 2026, the publication highlighted several historical details and traditions regarding Iowa State University football.
A long-standing tradition for Cyclone football involves ringing the Victory Bell following triumphs in Ames. The bell, which was cast in 1890 by the Clinton H. Meneely Bell Co. of Troy, N.Y., was originally used to signal student curfews and changes in class periods. It was moved to Clyde Williams Field in the early 20th century and eventually relocated to Jack Trice Stadium.
The nickname of the Cyclones stems from an 1895 game where Iowa State defeated Northwestern 36-0. Following the victory, a Chicago Tribune headline stated the team was struck by a cyclone. Additionally, the school mascot, a cardinal named Cy, was selected in 1954 by the student pep council because it was considered difficult to stuff a cyclone.
The program's history includes an offer made to college football pioneer Pop Warner in 1895. While coaching at Georgia at the time, Warner was offered $25 a week to join Iowa State. The university also boasts several notable alumni, including former Utah Jazz guard Jeff Hornacek and former President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Ezra Taft Benson.
Other prominent alumni of Iowa State include former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Knudson, and four-time undefeated NCAA champion wrestler and coach Cael Sanderson.
