The stakes for the Cy-Hawk game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones are always big. This season, in 2025, they are even more massive and have even more on the line than in many years prior.
This year, bragging rights and state pride aren’t the only things in play. A chance at the College Football Playoff hangs in the balance in this game as each team needs this resume-boosting win to kickstart their chances at the 12-team postseason field.
Whoever wins this game keeps their undefeated start alive and inches closer to a large goal. Everything on the line in this game has it loaded with College Football Playoff implications, per CBS Sports.
Iowa at No. 16 Iowa State
Iowa State already has two impressive wins. The Cyclones beat a previously ranked Kansas State squad in Ireland in a marquee Week 0 game and then followed that up by stomping a very good FCS program in South Dakota. Last season, Iowa State used an early win against a ranked Iowa squad to propel itself to the most successful season in program history. This year, a ranked Iowa State squad is trying to hold serve against an underdog Iowa team while notching an impressive nonconference win before the rigors of Big 12 play begin.
Iowa would love nothing more than to spoil its in-state rivals lofty goals. A Hawkeyes victory would, obviously, open some eyes and position Kirk Ferentz’s side as a ranked team exiting September. It would also add some leeway to a conference schedule that features tough trappings like No. 2 Penn State and No. 6 Oregon — both games at home. – Will Backus, CBS Sports
If the Hawkeyes can win this game, things open up nicely for them through the rest of September. Iowa sees a home game against UMass, a road trip to Rutgers, and a Big Ten home-opener against Indiana at Kinnick Stadium, lining the rest of the month.
If Kirk Ferentz’s squad can pass this test and prove they are ready for the spotlight, the College Football Playoff picture starts to slowly fade from a blurry dream to one that begins to gain focus.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Cy-Hawk game carrying large College Football Playoff implications
