Iowa vs Iowa State Prediction: Odds, expert picks, team and player news, betting trends, and stats

The Iowa vs Iowa State rivalry game is set to take place at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday night. Iowa, led by head coach Kirk Ferentz, enters the matchup with a 1-0 record, while Iowa State, under head coach Jimmy Rogers, also boasts a 1-0 record. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

The betting odds, as of Thursday, favor Iowa as the favored team with a moneyline of -650 and a spread of -14. The total points line is set at 40.5.

Iowa State's new head coach, Jimmy Rogers, is making his first year as the Cyclones' head coach. The team has brought in over 80 newcomers and will be testing their mettle against the experienced Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa State defeated Southeast Missouri State 38-10 in their season opener, outgaining the Redhawks 303-209 and forcing three turnovers.

Iowa State quarterback Josh Raynor made his first start in the game against Southeast Missouri State, going 8-of-16 for 184 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 42 rushing yards on seven carries and two more scores. Iowa State ranks 55th in strength of schedule for the 2026 season.

Iowa's offense, led by head coach Kirk Ferentz, is the question mark for the Hawkeyes. Quarterback Josh Raynor started for Iowa, going 8-of-16 for 184 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 42 rushing yards on seven carries and two more scores. Iowa's running back Kamari Moulton was the standout player, rushing for 183 yards on 11 carries for two touchdowns.

Iowa's defense is expected to be dominant, similar to their performance in their season opener against Northern Illinois, where they held the Redhawks to seven rushing yards on 31 carries and forced a fumble.

Iowa State's defense, under head coach Jimmy Rogers, held Southeast Missouri State to seven rushing yards on 31 carries and a long of six. The Cyclones forced three turnovers and shut down the run, allowing the Redhawks just 209 total yards. Cyclones linebacker Cam Buffington led the defense with six tackles, including four solo tackles, and a tackle for loss.