Iowa State has finally done it. The Cyclones conquered the Hawkeyes in Ames—for the first time since 2011—claiming not just a win, but a landmark victory that ends a thirteen‑year home drought in the Cy‑Hawk series The air at Jack Trice Stadium crackled with electricity as Cyclone Nation watched their team rewrite history.
From the opening snap, Iowa State unleashed their will. Kicker Kyle Konrardy was unstoppable—he struck two early field goals, from 44 and 27 yards, giving the Cyclones a 6‑0 first‑quarter lead. Momentum was theirs, and the crowd roared its approval, brimming with hope that this could be the night Ames finally saw its team triumph over their fiercest rival.
Iowa didn’t panic. They responded with a field goal of their own—Drew Stevens connected from 36 yards out—narrowing the gap to 6‑3 But the Cyclones answered again, striking fast when Jeremiah Cooper intercepted a Hawkeye pass deep in Iowa territory. That turnover set up a short touchdown pass from Rocco Becht to Benjamin Brahmer, extending the lead to 13‑3 and sending Cyclone fans into frenzied celebration
Iowa, however, refused to wilt. Mark Gronowski led a methodical, gutsy 16‑play, 85‑yard drive, pounding the defense with his legs before crashing into the end zone from two yards out. That drive, extending well into halftime, cut the deficit to 13‑10—keeping the Hawkeyes within striking distance
The third quarter saw another Iowa field goal—this time tying the game at 13‑all. It was a test of composure, of character, and neither side flinched. The tension ratcheted tighter, the stakes growing higher with every plunging dusk‑light minute
Then came the final act. Iowa State mounted a clock‑chewing, nerve‑shredding 55‑yard drive in the waning minutes. A masterclass in offense and discipline, it dwindled the clock to just under two minutes. And with 1:52 left on the clock, Konrardy prepared for his moment of destiny—a 54‑yard field goal attempt that would define the entire game
Snap… hold… the kick soared true. It split the uprights. A stadium erupted. The Cyclones led 16‑13 Lite). But the contest was not yet over. Iowa had one last chance. Yet Cyclone defense, behind Tamatoa McDonough sacking Gronowski twice, broke Iowa’s final drive—denying a comeback, sealing the win, and cementing the historic moment
When the clock hit zero, Iowa State fans exhaled collectively. The drought was over. Elyse of joy filled the stadium, tears of relief and pride pooling in Cyclone hearts. Players embraced, coaches pumped fists, and the Cyclone faithful cheered with unrestrained passion.
This win meant more than a single point on the scoreboard. It was a crushing of a psychological weight that had lingered for fourteen years. A home victory over Iowa — something that had eluded them since 2011, when a triple‑overtime classic ended in a 44‑41 Cyclones win All those home games since—loss after loss, hope dashed again—were washed away in one unforgettable moment on September 6, 2025.
Look at the narrative arc. In 2011, the Cyclones pulled off an instant classic—a triple‑OT thrill that lit up the rivalry. The years that followed were tough for Iowa State fans in Ames: from minimizing the scope of “home‑field advantage” to enduring repeated Hawkeye triumphs, many scripted against their team. The weight of history felt heavy. But 2025 delivered catharsis.
This wasn’t just a fluke or an off night for Iowa. This was polished execution when it mattered. It was early scoring, clutch defense, seizing turnovers, grinding third‑down conversions, and a kicker who showed ice in his veins. A performance forged under fierce rivalry flames, with championship-style composure.
Kyle Konrardy deserves every accolade. Two first-quarter field goals, the set-up kick, and the final 54-yard dagger—a walk-off hero’s script. He already etched his place in Cyclone legend with last year’s 54-yarder at Iowa City to win 20‑19; now he doubles down with home heroics
The offense showcased resilience and initiative. Becht managed time, pace, and execution beautifully. Cooper’s interception was a spark. Brahmer’s touchdown catch was decisive. And the game-winning drive was a masterpiece of clock control and physicality.
The defense did its part, especially in the final stand. Without McDonough’s two sacks, maybe Iowa would have found the end zone. But Ames kept Iowa out. They protected We, and history. They protected their fans’ belief.
Beyond the stats and accolades, this win means everything to the Cyclone community. It restores pride. It renews belief in home-based glory. It electrifies the Big 12 perception and quiets the doubters. It recharges the rivalry narrative—this time with Cyclone momentum flowing strong.
The Hawkeyes are a proud program. They’ll bounce back. But this moment belongs to Iowa State. They ended their home curse. They made history. They showed heart, discipline, poise.
If Cyclone Nation needed a reminder of what this team can do under pressure, they’d just found it. They’ll remember this game. They’ll replay Konrardy’s kick. They’ll tell the story to generations. “The day Iowa State beat Iowa at home—for the first time since 2011.”
What comes next? The Cyclones are 3‑0 now, riding national rankings and team confidence. Becht’s form, the defense’s resilience, and that clutch kicking—it all points to a promising season. Rivalry mojo can carry you far, and now it’s pouring in Ames.
In the big picture, this is more than a milestone. It’s a turning point. The tropes shift: home? now a fortress. Hawks? now beatable. Belief? back, alive, massive.
One more stat to savor: this marks consecutive wins in the series—the third in four years, including last year’s win in Iowa City—and now a crack in the home hex that had stood unbroken for 14 years. That’s tangible progress, symbolic resonance.
Iowa State walks away with more than a trophy. They leave with vindication and momentum. For Cyclone fans, this is a dream fulfilled. A chapter closed. A new one begins.
