Cyclone Surge: Iowa State’s Early Path to Prove They Belong Among the Nation’s Best

One of the more overlooked college basketball programs in the country is the Iowa State Cyclones.
Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelberger
Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelberger | William Purnell-Imagn Images

The boys from Ames finished 25–10 a season ago and 13–7 in Big 12 play. They ended the season ranked 17th in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

The only teams finishing ahead of Iowa State in the Big 12 were Houston, Texas Tech, Arizona, and BYU, all inside the Top 15 nationally.

T.J. Otzelberger enters his fourth season at the helm, and his Cyclones are poised to build on last year’s success. Their non-conference schedule offers a manageable early stretch, setting the stage for a confident start before Big 12 play begins. Here’s a look at the games that will shape Iowa State’s opening months.

Monday, November 3 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson

The first of two home games to open the season at Hilton Coliseum. The Knights will come into Ames looking to test themselves against a ranked Big 12 opponent, but they will be facing one of the most energetic atmospheres in college basketball.

Thursday, November 6 vs. Grambling State

Just three days later, the Cyclones are back in action. Iowa State will welcome the Grambling State Tigers to town, another tune-up game that should allow the Cyclones to fine-tune rotations and build chemistry early.

Monday, November 10 vs. Mississippi State (Sioux Falls)

The first real test of the season comes off-campus in Sioux Falls as Iowa State faces Mississippi State out of the SEC. It is a neutral-site showdown that could serve as a valuable early-season measuring stick. The Cyclones have never beaten the Bulldogs, adding some extra motivation.

Monday, November 17 vs. Stonehill College

The Skyhawks will likely be outmatched when they arrive in Ames. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, and it should provide a confidence boost before the tougher matchups ahead.

Monday, November 24 vs. St. John’s (Las Vegas)

A marquee matchup in Las Vegas pits Iowa State against Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad. Both teams love to play with pace and defensive intensity, making this a potential statement game for the Cyclones. Iowa State won the last meeting in 2022 and will look to continue that success under the bright lights of Vegas.

Tuesday, November 25 vs. Creighton (Las Vegas)

The second game in Vegas is another Big East battle against Creighton, one of the most fundamentally sound programs in the country. These two programs are no strangers, with Iowa State leading the all-time series 17–14. Expect a physical, high-level contest between two Midwest powers hungry for national respect.

Wednesday, December 3 vs. Alcorn State

Returning home, the Cyclones will look to reset and regroup. This should serve as a chance to rest key players and prepare for their biggest challenges ahead while still fine-tuning their defensive identity.

Saturday, December 6 @ Purdue

This one is massive. Purdue, led by Matt Painter, is once again among the national favorites. The Boilermakers’ size and execution will challenge Iowa State in every way. The Cyclones will be seeking revenge for their 2017 NCAA Tournament loss, and a win here could catapult them into the national spotlight.

Thursday, December 11 vs. Iowa

The annual Cy-Hawk rivalry never disappoints. Iowa State won last season’s matchup 89–80, but the Hawkeyes will look to reclaim bragging rights. Expect an emotional, hard-fought game inside Hilton Coliseum that could define the Cyclones’ non-conference success.

Sunday, December 14 vs. Eastern Illinois

A brief breather before the holidays, this home tilt gives Iowa State a chance to refocus. Expect the Cyclones’ bench to get plenty of minutes and younger players to gain valuable experience.

Sunday, December 21 vs. Long Beach State

The final pre-holiday matchup should serve as a smooth lead-in to conference play. The Beach play an up-tempo style that will test Iowa State’s conditioning, but the Cyclones’ depth and defensive discipline should carry them through comfortably.

Monday, December 29 vs. Houston Christian

The final non-conference game of the calendar year wraps up at home. Iowa State will aim to close 2025 on a high note, sharpening their execution before diving into the grind of Big 12 competition.

Cyclone Momentum Building Before the Storm

Iowa State’s non-conference slate strikes a balance between winnable home games and challenging neutral-site and road tests. Matchups against Creighton, St. John’s, and Purdue will provide valuable experience against tournament-caliber opponents, while rivalry week with Iowa always brings a charged atmosphere.

By the time the Big 12 play begins, the Cyclones should have a strong foundation of chemistry, defense, and confidence. Every step of this early stretch is a chance to build momentum before the true storm of conference play begins.

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