Cincinnati vs Iowa State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 11, Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Breakdown
Iowa State 60, Cincinnati 59 — coin flip. The veteran-built Cyclones lean on 3.0★ blockers against Cincinnati's 2.3★ D-line.
When Cincinnati has the ball: Zion Johnson, 4★ with one season, runs at 3.0★ Iowa State linebackers averaging 2.3 years.
When Iowa State has the ball: 3.0★ O-line, four first-year transfers, blocks Cincinnati's 2.3★ D-line — the game's clearest offensive edge.
Swing factor: Iowa State starts 82% portal additions, Cincinnati 32%; both 3★ quarterbacks are newcomers, French four years, Raynor three.
X-factor: Mid-November Saturday in Ames, Week 11 — the Cyclone crowd matters in a one-point composite game.