2026 Game V: Iowa State versus West Virginia preview

The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face off against the West Virginia Mountaineers in an upcoming game, with the homecoming weekend at Jack Trice Stadium providing added significance. West Virginia is bringing their explosive offense, led by quarterback Jimmy Rogers and wide receiver Noah Bennee, who have been performing exceptionally well this season.

Meanwhile, Iowa State's defense, bolstered by senior linebacker Isaac Terrell, will need to step up their game to contain the Mountaineers' dynamic duo of Hawkins and Cam Cook.

The Cyclones will rely heavily on the support of their 61,500 home fans, who Rogers has encouraged to be even louder during the game. With an uptempo offense that poses a challenge to any defense, Iowa State must focus on its assignment discipline and gap integrity to prevent West Virginia from finding daylight on the perimeter.

For Iowa State, this game represents an opportunity to overcome their recent setbacks, including a narrow loss to Iowa and a close defeat to Utah. The team's two losses, while not ideal, are not as dire as their record suggests. Head coach Jaylen Raynor is expected to build upon his promising start to the season, adding another dimension to the offense with the addition of running back Cam Cook.

Ultimately, the Cyclones and their fans will be hoping for a signature win against a formidable opponent, with the homecoming atmosphere potentially disrupting West Virginia's rhythm. The turnover margin will be crucial, as Hawkins' speed and accuracy could prove to be a nightmare scenario for any defense. Iowa State needs to remind the Big 12 why they should have been paying closer attention, with the crowd's support being a key factor in the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.