Week 2 of the 2025 college football season delivers one of the sport’s hottest rivalries as Iowa travels to Ames to face No. 16 Iowa State in the annual Cy-Hawk game. The matchup is always circled on the calendar, but this year, both teams enter with intriguing storylines that could shape the tone of their respective seasons.
The Cyclones enter with momentum after a 2-0 start, including a narrow 24-21 win over Kansas State in Week 0 and a 55-7 dismantling of FCS South Dakota in Week 1. The Hawkeyes, meanwhile, come in 1-0 following their 34-7 victory over FCS Albany.
Cyclones Searching for Momentum but Facing Injury Woes
Iowa State has looked every bit like a Big 12 contender so far after a dramatic Week 0 win over Kansas State in Ireland. At 2-0, Matt Campbell’s team appears ready for a breakout year.
However, the offensive line will once again be without Trevor Buhr. As Iowa State insider Alec Busse posted on X, “Iowa State appears to be without LG Trevor Buhr (70) for the third straight game to open the season. Matt Campbell said an illness would keep him out for the opener vs K-State.”
Iowa State appears to be without LG Trevor Buhr (70) for the third straight game to open the season. Matt Campbell said an illness would keep him out for the opener vs K-State. Deylin Hasert (right) is not dressed for, at least, the second straight week. pic.twitter.com/aPxzCOecbO
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) September 6, 2025
Campbell clarified, “He’s sick and that’s it… just didn’t feel like it was the right thing to put him on a plane and fly him over.”
ISU offensive lineman Trevor Buhr is out with illness. Campbell said it isn’t a long-term thing.
“He’s sick and that’s it…just didn’t feel like it was the right thing to put him on a plane and fly him over.”https://t.co/1ToX2dXemV
— Ben Hutchens (@Ben_Hutchens_) August 21, 2025
Regardless, time will tell how Buhr’s absence will affect the Cyclones. The redshirt sophomore played 13 games last fall, didn’t allow a sack on 563 snaps.
He was also credited with allowing the least pressure per true dropback (2.5% pressure rate per dropback) of any Iowa State offensive lineman last fall and had a PFSN College Individual OLi grade of 75.8 (C) that ranked 151st among all college football guards in 2024.
Iowa State vs. Iowa Preview: Head-to-Head, Grades, and Prediction for College Football Week 2
The Cy-Hawk clash feels like more than just an early-season rivalry game; it’s indeed a tone-setter. For Iowa State, a win would solidify its status as a true Big 12 contender despite offensive line setbacks.
For Iowa, it’s a chance to prove its offense can keep pace and that the Hawkeyes’ defensive grit still travels. Either way, Saturday in Ames promises to provide clarity on which team is better built to chase its season goals.
