Iowa State vs UCF head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 12, Friday, November 20, 2026.
The Breakdown
UCF 61, Iowa State 60 — dead even. Cyclones veteran-built, zero blue chips, 82% portal starters.
When Iowa State has the ball: Three transfer receivers, 3.0★ and 2.7 years, face UCF's 3.3★, 3.8-year secondary — slight home edge.
When UCF has the ball: The 2.6★ O-line, 3.6 years, meets Iowa State's 3.0★ D-line — the Cyclones' clearest edge.
Swing factor: Alonza Barnett III, 3★ with four years, holds a season on Jaylen Raynor's 3★, three.
X-factor: Friday road date in Orlando, Week 12 — Iowa State travels late-season into a hostile home crowd.