Iowa State football 2024 schedule with kickoff times, TV channels, early look at each game

Here is the 2024 Iowa State football schedule with kickoff times (all CT), TV channels and streaming options, plus game previews from Gazette correspondent Rob Gray.

Aug. 31: FCS No. 22 North Dakota

Time: 2:30 p.m.

TV: FS1 (FoxSports.com streaming)

Series: First meeting

Prognosis: ISU will roll in this one unless the offensive line struggles against the undersized and inexperienced Fighting Hawks’ defense. North Dakota’s a solid FCS program on par with Northern Iowa, but if the Cyclones are truly capable of challenging for a Big 12 title this season, they should seize control early and put this game away by halftime. — Rob Gray

Early preview: ISU kicks off the season with its first meeting against North Dakota

Sept. 7: at No. 25 Iowa

Time: 2:30 p.m.

TV: CBS (CBSsports.com streaming)

Series: Iowa leads, 47-23, including a 20-13 win last season

Prognosis: If ISU’s offense can stretch the field against the stingy Hawkeyes defense, a second win in the past three meetings is possible. If not, it could be another frustrating day for the Cyclones in Iowa City. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Is it time to change up the game plan against Iowa?

Sept. 21: Arkansas State

Time: 1 p.m.

TV: ESPN+ (streaming only)

Series: First meeting

Prognosis: Unless the Cyclones turn the ball over multiple times, this should be a reasonably comfortable win after a close first half. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Butch Jones brings an experienced Arkansas State offense to Ames

Sept. 28: at Houston

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: 15th

All-Big 12 preseason picks: none

Series: First meeting

Prognosis: Houston’s defense couldn’t stop anyone last season and though it will be improved, ISU should be able to amass 30-plus points and start conference play 1-0. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Houston is entering a new era as the Big 12 expands

Oct. 5: Baylor

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: 12th

All-Big 12 preseason picks: none

Series: Baylor leads, 12-10. Iowa State won, 30-18, last season.

Prognosis: Baylor will hang around early with some big plays in the passing game, but ISU’s offense should pile up both points and yards in a double-digit home win. — Rob Gray

Early preview: A pivotal year awaits Dave Aranda and Baylor in 2024

Oct. 12: at West Virginia

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: Seventh

All-Big 12 preseason picks: OL Wyatt Milum

Series: West Virginia leads, 6-5. Iowa State won, 31-14, last season.

Prognosis: This matchup will likely come down to a key series or two. The team that commits the fewest turnovers will win in a game that should remain close into the final minutes. — Rob Gray

Early preview: A loaded West Virginia offense will test the Cyclones

Oct. 19: Central Florida

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: Eighth

All-Big 12 preseason picks: WR Kobe Hudson, DL Lee Hunter, Newcomer of the Year QB K.J. Jefferson

Series: First meeting

Prognosis: The Knights will be able to move the ball, so ISU’s defense must be at its best in the red zone. The Cyclones were excellent in that regard last season, ranking sixth nationally in red-zone conversions allowed. If they can replicate that success against UCF, the win likelihood moves from possible to probable. — Rob Gray

Early preview: UCF has the resources to be a top-tier Big 12 program

Nov. 2: Texas Tech

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: Ninth

All-Big 12 preseason picks: RB Tahj Brooks, KR/PR Drae McCray

Series: Texas Tech leads, 13-8, including a 14-10 win in 2022.

Prognosis: Texas Tech, like Iowa State, is one of a handful of old guard Big 12 schools hoping to stake a claim as one of the league’s flagship programs. The Red Raiders will enter Ames riding high — and may be undefeated when they meet the Cyclones. Nonetheless, this will likely be a one-score game and the team that’s able to run the ball effectively will eke out a win. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Texas Tech has a chance to be undefeated going into November

Nov. 9: vs. No. 22 Kansas (at Arrowhead Stadium)

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: Fourth

All-Big 12 preseason picks: DB Cobee Bryant, DB Mello Dotson

Series: Kansas leads, 52-45-6, including a 28-21 win last season.

Prognosis: The return of quarterback Jalon Daniels should keep Kansas’ offense as explosive as ever. The Jayhawks are anything but one-dimensional on that side of the ball with top receivers such as Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner back, so ISU’s defense must remain assignment-sound for all four quarters while seeking to turn Kansas over a time or two. If Cyclones defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s group avoids allowing a spate of big plays, expect ISU to be in a position to win late in the game. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Kansas won’t play a single true home game in 2024 , but that doesn’t bother the Jayhawks

Nov. 16: Cincinnati

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: 14th

All-Big 12 preseason picks: OL Luke Kandra, DL Dontay Corleone

Series: Iowa State leads, 1-0, thanks to a 30-10 win last season.

Prognosis: Cincinnati has enough front-line talent to challenge ISU at Jack Trice Stadium, but the Cyclones’ quality depth across all units should allow them to record a convincing win. As always, avoiding turnovers and special teams snafus will be key and as long as ISU does that, it should maintain a double-digit lead throughout the second half. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Cincinnati is still rebuilding, but trending up

Nov. 23: at No. 12 Utah

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: First

All-Big 12 preseason picks: TE Brent Kuithe, DL Junior Tafuna, P Jack Bouwmeester

Series: Iowa State leads, 4-1. Utah won the last meeting, 68-27, in 2010.

Prognosis: Utah’s fully planning to be part of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff this season — and for good reason. If the Utes stay healthy, they’re a top-10 caliber team and with so much on the line for them in a Nov. 23 game at home, Matt Campbell’s Cyclones will likely be decided underdogs in their final road game of the season. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Big 12 newcomer Utah is the conference’s preseason favorite

Nov. 30: No. 18 Kansas State

Time: TBA

TV: TBA

Big 12 preseason poll: Second

All-Big 12 preseason picks: none

Series: Iowa State leads, 53-50-4, including a 42-35 win last season.

Prognosis: The Wildcats, like Utah — ISU’s week 11 foe on the road — expect to contend for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Cyclones’ ample returning production on both sides of the ball and recent success in the series will, at minimum, give them a chance to play spoiler. Expect a one-score game. — Rob Gray

Early preview: Star-powered Kansas State expects to contend for a CFP bid