Arizona is lurking.
BYU got the giant win over Notre Dame, and Texas Tech and Utah are both unbeaten, but Arizona is right there at 5-1 with good wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia in the last two games to put itself deep in the Big 12 title hunt.
And with the Red Raiders and Utes on the slate, the Wildcats don’t totally control their own destiny, but if they win out, they’re a mortal lock to be in the College Football Playoff.
Arizona lost to BYU, and so did Iowa State, dropping the date to the Cougars 24-10 a few weeks ago. The program is in reload mode under head coach Jimmy Rogers, but it’s been dangerous.
Arizona vs Iowa State: Quick Hits
- Arizona goes to Texas Tech next, and then closes with three of the last four games at home.
- Iowa State gets two of the next three games at home, with Oklahoma State next.
- Iowa State won 39-14 last year, but Arizona is 4-2-1 all-time.
How To Watch Arizona vs Iowa State
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Casino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ
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Why Iowa State Will Win
The Cyclones don’t beat themselves. They keep turnovers and penalties to a minimum, and they have a way to overcome a slew of issues by keeping games alive. Against Arizona, they have to be nearly perfect. And the ground game has to work.
The Cyclones have to control the tempo, and that comes with a running game that averages five yards per carry. Arizona has yet to allow five yards per carry in any game, but the one loss came after allowing BYU to run for 4.9 per pop.
Why Arizona Will Win
What’s Arizona doing so right? It found what works, and it’s sticking with it.
The running game is fine. It was great in the wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia, and it’s helping to set up Noah Fifita – and vice versa. He’s good for an interception a game, but manages to keep things moving with his accuracy.
The Wildcats control the offensive side by converting third down plays as well as anyone in the country, and on the other side, the pass rush takes over when needed.
Arizona vs Iowa State Prediction, Betting Lines
Just don’t get blasted in the turnover margin, Arizona, and everything should be okay.
Iowa State is sound, and it won’t get down big early, but the Wildcat offense will be relentlessly solid. Arizona might not be explosive, but look up midway through the third quarter, and the scoreboard will say it’s in total control.
Arizona 34, Iowa State 17
Latest Consensus Line: Arizona -10.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.