The Iowa State Cyclones face yet another big test early in the season, traveling to a hostile environment to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats.
This Week 6 matchup will be Iowa State’s third conference game and Cincinnati’s second; both are undefeated so far in Big 12 play.
Despite being ranked No. 14 in the country currently, the Cyclones are slight underdogs to the Bearcats.
In Rocco Becht and Brendan Sorsby, both teams have experienced, trustworthy QB play, meaning this should be a tightly contested matchup and will come down to whose role players step up to the moment.
Iowa State Cyclones Are Deep On Both Sides of the Ball
Entering Week 6, QB Rocco Becht is looking to revamp his performance. After throwing for five touchdowns in the first two weeks of his 2025 campaign, his production has slightly slowed down. In 2025, he’s thrown for 1,103 yards and seven touchdowns, along with two interceptions. Becht is no stranger to big games, though, and will look to improve his team to 3-0 in Big 12 play.
Surrounding Becht are a plethora of weapons. In the backfield, running backs Carson Hansen and Abu Sama provide the Cyclones with a complementary run game. Of the team’s 755 rushing yards, the dynamic duo has rushed for 523 of them.
In the passing game, Becht has spread the ball around to a variety of receivers, including the trio of Brett Eskildsen, Chase Sowell, and Xavier Townsend. Not only are the receivers spreading the field, but tight ends Gabe Burkle and Benjamin Brahmer are the perfect security blankets for Becht. For the Bearcats to be successful, they must find ways to contain the Cyclones’ dynamic offense.
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On defense, the Cyclones have some playmakers to disrupt the game. Unfortunately for them, longtime starting corners Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper have been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee injuries, meaning DBs Marcus Neal Jr. became and Jamison Patton just became a whole lot more important to the team’s success. Caleb Bacon and Domonique Orange anchor a stellar front seven and will pose a challenge to Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats’ offense.
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Cincinnati Bearcats Should Not Be Taken Lightly
On the other side, Sorsby looks to defend home turf and has the talent to do just that. His dual-threat ability challenges defenses to stay disciplined while guarding a talented offense. In his 2025 campaign, he’s thrown for 1,043 yards, 10 touchdowns, and an interception. On top of that, he’s rushed for 227 yards for four scores.
The Bearcats’ offense has a duo of its own in running backs Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor. Between the legs of Sorsby and the duo of Walker and Pryor, the Bearcats’ run game is a challenge Iowa State must be ready for.
Walker had quite the journey before finding a home in Cincinnati. In his first two seasons, he spent time with the Oklahoma Sooners before deciding to transfer to Wisconsin in 2024. Last season, he rushed for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns, an improvement from his sophomore season. At the beginning of his now senior season, he’s rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Walker is a guy worth watching and someone who could help the Bearcats beat the Cyclones on Saturday.
In the passing game, Cyrus Allen, Caleb Goodie and Jeff Caldwell have been big-play receivers who can stretch the field and challenge defensive backs. Allen is the team’s leading receiver with 23 receptions for 273 yards and five touchdowns. Another weapon worth mentioning is the Bearcats’ tight end Joe Royer. Royer has 10 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Bearcats Defense
Defending the Cyclones will be no easy task, but linebackers Jack Golday and Brian Simms should bring pressure to slow down Sorsby and the rushing attack that complements him. On the season, Golday and Simms have combined for four sacks.
Corner Antwan Peek is a player to watch in the Bearcats’ secondary. This season, he has forced two forced fumbles and recovered one fumble. It’s only a matter of time before an interception comes his way.
Game Information
No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Time: 12 P.M. EST
Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Network: ESPN 2
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