The Iowa Hawkeyes will host the Iowa State Cyclones for the 2026 Cy‑Hawk football game on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. The rivalry, now in its 72nd meeting, takes place at Kinnack Stadium in Iowa City and will be televised nationally on NBC with a live stream available on Peacock.
How to watch
Viewers in Iowa and across the nation can tune in to NBC for the live broadcast. Those who prefer streaming can access the game through Peacock, NBC’s online platform, which offers a free trial for new users. Local cable subscribers should check their listings for the NBC affiliate in their market.
Ticket information
All tickets for the Cy‑Hawk game sold out quickly after the teams announced the matchup. A limited number of seats remain on the secondary market; fans can locate them via SeatGeek or other reputable resale sites.
Tribute to Derek Phillips
The Hawkeye Marching Band will honor Derek Phillips, a beloved band member who tragically passed away after collapsing during the Hawkeyes’ recent game against Northern Illinois. The university will observe a moment of silence before kickoff, and the band’s halftime show—”50 Years of The Muppet Show”—has been adjusted to spell out Derek’s name on the field during the closing “Rainbow Connection” drill. Band members will also wear black ribbons on their jackets and shirts as a sign of respect.
Series history and recent results
Iowa currently leads the all‑time series 46‑25, though recent contests have been tightly contested. The Cyclones have claimed three of the last four meetings, including victories in Iowa City in 2024 and 2025. Since Coach Kirk Ferentz took the helm in 1999, the series stands at 14‑12 in Iowa’s favor.
Recent scores illustrate the rivalry’s competitiveness:
- 2025: Iowa State 16, Iowa 13
- 2024: Iowa State 20, Iowa 19
- 2023: Iowa 20, Iowa State 13
- 2022: Iowa State 10, Iowa 7
- 2021: Iowa 27, Iowa State 17
Both programs entered the 2026 season with momentum. Iowa posted a shutout win over Northern Illinois, improving its national ranking, while Iowa State opened the Jimmy Rogers era with a decisive victory over Southeast Missouri State.
Key players to watch
For the Cyclones, kicker Kyle Konrardy remains a clutch performer, having delivered back‑to‑back 54‑yard field goals in the 2024 and 2025 games. Iowa’s offense will look to build on its recent defensive strength, while the Hawkeyes’ marching band will showcase the tribute performance that honors Phillips’s legacy.
Additional local coverage
KCCI’s “Big College Kickoff” will air live on Very Local at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, offering pre‑game analysis and interviews with coaches and players. The Very Local app is free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and smartphones.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for parking and to respect the moment of silence honoring Derek Phillips. The game promises another thrilling chapter in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
