There's no professional sports team in the state of Iowa. Because of that, the rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State goes deeper than other collegiate rivalries.
The games are always heated, no matter the sport. The two schools and fan bases don't like each other, and it's palpable every time they face off. That's especially true for the annual Cy-Hawk football game. For a long time, the Hawkeyes dominated the rivalry. Recently, the Cyclones have taken control, winning the last two games.
While the game on the field at Kinnick Stadium next month will officially answer the question, it's fun to think about which program is in the best position entering the 2026 season. The Hawkeyes are always consistent under Kirk Ferentz, and the Cyclones are hoping to exceed expectations under new head coach Jimmy Rogers. Which team will be better in 2026?
CBS Sports took a stab at answering that question in a recent story. Writer Austin Nivison went through and picked the best college football team in every U.S. state this season. For the state of Iowa, he went with Ferentz's Hawkeyes. Here was his explanation:
"Few programs have been as steady as Iowa under Kirk Ferentz. You can bank eight or nine wins per season with spike years hitting double digits. It should be more of the same in 2026, and it certainly helps that Iowa State just had its roster torn down to the studs in the wake of Matt Campbell's departure."
Iowa will look to back up Nivison's prediction next month by winning the Cy-Hawk game. This year's edition of the rivalry will take place on Sept. 12 in Iowa City. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CBS Sports names best football program in the state of Iowa
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