Iowa vs Iowa State Recap: No. 21 Iowa found a way to survive Iowa State in another nail-biting Cy-Hawk battle, winning 16-13 on Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium.
The Hawkeyes trailed for most of the game and did not take their first lead until Caden Buhr drilled a 42-yard field goal with only 15 seconds remaining. The kick capped a tense final drive and gave Iowa its second win of the season.
Iowa State Takes Control Early
Iowa State looked like the more comfortable team for much of the first half. The Cyclones built a 10-0 advantage in the second quarter and kept Iowa’s offense from finding much rhythm.
Iowa eventually responded with a 1-yard touchdown run from quarterback Hank Brown. Buhr then added a 45-yard field goal, allowing the Hawkeyes to enter halftime tied at 10-10.
The comeback was important because Iowa had struggled to move the ball consistently against an Iowa State defense that repeatedly forced difficult situations. The Cyclones entered the game with a new head coach and plenty of roster changes, but they looked composed in the rivalry atmosphere.
Caden Buhr Delivers When Iowa Needs Him Most
Buhr became the difference-maker.
The second-year kicker, playing his first season as Iowa’s starting kicker, connected on three field goals during the game. His most important kick came with the clock almost gone.
With the score tied 13-13 late in the fourth quarter, Iowa began its final possession at its own 45-yard line. The Hawkeyes moved 31 yards on nine plays and slowly worked their way into scoring range.
Iowa faced a crucial third-and-1 at the Iowa State 24-yard line. Xavier Williams was stopped for no gain, leaving Buhr with a 42-yard attempt.
Even with a high snap, Buhr kept his composure and sent the ball through the uprights with 15 seconds remaining.
Hawkeyes Win Despite an Offensive Struggle
The final score might suggest an evenly matched offensive battle, but Iowa had plenty of problems moving the football.
The Hawkeyes finished with 284 total yards, only slightly ahead of Iowa State’s 255. Iowa State’s defense consistently disrupted Iowa’s rhythm and made every important possession feel difficult.
That made the victory even more valuable for Iowa. The Hawkeyes did not dominate their in-state rival, but they stayed close enough to give themselves a chance in the final minutes.
For Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, the game also offered an early lesson about the type of physical competition his team will face later in the season.
Iowa will have Big Ten play ahead soon, and Ferentz said there will be more games like this one where every possession matters.
Iowa State Nearly Gets One Last Chance
The ending became even more dramatic after Iowa took the lead.
Iowa State received the kickoff with 15 seconds left and appeared to have almost no chance to do anything meaningful. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor quickly threw an incomplete pass before connecting with Carter Pabst for 24 yards.
Pabst’s catch moved the Cyclones to their own 49-yard line with one second showing on the clock after a replay review.
For a moment, it appeared Iowa State might have one final play.
But the Cyclones had no timeouts remaining. Under the rules, there was not enough time to get another snap off once the ball was set, ending Iowa State’s comeback attempt.
Another Classic Cy-Hawk Rivalry Finish
The result continues one of the most competitive stretches in the history of the rivalry.
The last nine Iowa-Iowa State games have now been decided by 10 points or fewer, while four of the last five have been decided by a field goal or less.
That pattern showed up again at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa State had the better start, Iowa fought back, and neither team could create separation in the second half.
For Iowa, the victory also ended the night with the Cy-Hawk Trophy back in Iowa City.
Iowa improved to 2-0, while Iowa State dropped to 1-1. The Hawkeyes will now turn their attention toward Northern Iowa, while the Cyclones will prepare to host Bowling Green next Saturday.
FAQ
Who won the Iowa vs Iowa State game?
No. 21 Iowa defeated Iowa State 16-13 at Kinnick Stadium on September 12, 2026.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal for Iowa?
Caden Buhr kicked the winning 42-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. It was his third field goal of the game.
What are Iowa and Iowa State’s records after the game?
Iowa improved to 2-0, while Iowa State fell to 1-1. Iowa will host Northern Iowa next, and Iowa State will host Bowling Green.