CINNCINNATI, OHIO – #14 Iowa State, missing a slew of key players out with injury, battled Cinncinnati Saturday at Nippert Stadium in front of 38,000 fans, and limped away with a 38-30 loss to the Bearcats.
Cincinnati jumped out to an early 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Iowa State attempted a comeback, narrowing the deficit in the second and third quarters, but ultimately fell short. This loss was Iowa State’s first of the 2025 season, bringing their record to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play.
Cincinnati improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big 12 with the win. This was the first time Cincinnati beat a ranked opponent at home since 2021.
Cincinnati and Iowa State began their football series history when Cincinnati joined the Big 12 in 2023. Before this game, Iowa State held a 2-0 record against Cincinnati, winning 30-10 on the road in 2023 and 34-17 at home in 2024.
Rocco Becht passed for 314 yards and two touchdowns and ran another two in for the Cyclones. Brett Eskildsen posted his first 100-yard receiving effort of the season with 105 yards on eight catches. Abu Sama III led the ISU rushing attack with a season high 96 yards on 18 carries.
Iowa State is back on the road at Colorado. Kickoff is set for 2:30 (CT) on ESPN.
