Iowa State vs Iowa head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 2, Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The Breakdown
Iowa State's 60 composite edges #22 Iowa's 56: veteran-built, zero blue chips, 82% portal starters.
When Iowa State has the ball: The 3.0★ O-line meets Iowa's 3.3★ D-line and 5★ Iose Epenesa — slight Hawkeye edge.
When Iowa has the ball: Receivers averaging 1.7 years face Iowa State's 3.5-year secondary — both 3.0★, but experience tilts Cyclone.
Swing factor: Jaylen Raynor, a 3★ transfer with three years, versus Iowa's 3★ Jeremy Hecklinski, two. Slim edge.
X-factor: Cy-Hawk rivalry in Kinnick, Week 2 Saturday — Iowa favored by 12.5 despite trailing on paper.