Cincinnati Bearcats beat #14 Iowa State 38-30, stay unbeaten
- Kieran Winchester
- 5 October 2025
- 0 Comments
When Major Cantrell, quarterback of the Cincinnati Bearcats threw a two‑point conversion to Ben Bramer in the final minutes, the stadium erupted and the Bearcats secured a 38‑30 upset over #14 Iowa State Cyclones at Nippert Stadium on October 4, 2025.
The clash was part of Big 12 Week 6 matchupNippert Stadium, a pivotal contest that kept Cincinnati unbeaten in conference play while handing Iowa State, then 5‑1, its first loss of the season.
Why the game mattered
Both programs entered the Saturday showdown with something to prove. Cincinnati, in its second year back in the Big 12 Conference, was 4‑1 overall and 2‑0 in league play. Iowa State, ranked 14th nationally, arrived at 5‑1 and rode a wave of confidence after steamrolling several opponents early in the season.
For the Bearcats, beating a top‑25 foe meant more than a line on the scoreboard; it signaled that the program could compete with the conference’s elite and cemented its spot in the national conversation. For the Cyclones, a loss threatened to derail a potential College Football Playoff push.
Key moments that swung the tide
The first half was a seesaw battle. Iowa State struck first when Rocco Beck connected with Chase Soel on a whip route that curled inside before exploding back out, resulting in a 12‑yard touchdown.
Cincinnati answered with a balanced attack. Cantrell’s precision passing set up a spectacular 82‑yard strike to Caleb Goody, who sprinted to the end zone, giving the Bearcats a 21‑14 lead at halftime.
Two late‑fourth‑quarter touchdowns by Iowa State – a red‑zone grab by Brett Eslson near the front pylon and a clutch reception by Xavier Townsen that moved the ball to the 25‑yard line – hinted at a possible comeback.
But Cantrell kept his cool. After a short drive stalled, he engineered a two‑point conversion, slipping the ball to Bramer in the back corner. The successful attempt stretched Cincinnati’s lead to eight points, a gap the Cyclones could never close.
Coaches and players react
After the final whistle, Cincinnati head coach Mike Derstine praised his squad’s resilience: “We knew we were in a battle of wills. Our kids stuck to the plan, executed in the trenches, and earned this win.”
Iowa State’s coach Chris Babcock was visibly disappointed but optimistic: “We’ll learn from this. The guys fought hard, and we’ll get back on track next week.”
Fans flooded the field in a sea of orange and black, chanting for hours. The post‑game atmosphere felt more like a celebration than a typical college football victory – the Bearcats had just toppled a ranked opponent in front of a home crowd.
Impact on the Big 12 standings
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 5‑1 overall and 3‑0 in the Big 12, climbing to second place behind Kansas State, who sits at 5‑0. Iowa State fell to 5‑2 overall and 2‑1 in league play, dropping from the top three to a fourth‑place tie.
The victory also nudged Cincinnati into the AP Top 25, debuting at #22 for the first time since joining the conference. Analysts project that a continued unbeaten run could see the Bearcats break into the top 15 by season’s end.
Looking ahead
Next week the Bearcats travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a matchup that will test whether Cincinnati can sustain its momentum on the road.
Iowa State, meanwhile, hosts the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 12. The Cyclones will need to rebound quickly if they hope to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Historical context
This win marks Cincinnati’s first victory over a top‑25 Big 12 opponent since joining the conference in 2023. Previously, the Bearcats’ best performance against a ranked foe was a narrow loss to #17 Oklahoma State in 2024.
For Iowa State, the defeat ends a 12‑game unbeaten streak that began in late August, the longest streak for the program in the past decade.
Key facts
- Final score: Cincinnati 38, Iowa State 30
- Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Top performers: Caleb Goody (82‑yard TD), Major Cantrell (285 passing yards, 2 TDs)
- Attendance: 42,317 fans
- Big 12 impact: Cincinnati moves to 3‑0 conference, Iowa State drops to 2‑1
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Cincinnati's chances for a conference title?
The victory pushes Cincinnati to a 3‑0 record in Big 12 play, putting them within a game of the current leader, Kansas State. If they keep winning, especially against remaining top‑tier opponents, they could finish atop the conference and earn a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game.
What does the loss mean for Iowa State's national ranking?
Dropping from #14 to around #22 in the AP poll, Iowa State fell out of the College Football Playoff top 10. The loss adds pressure on Coach Babcock to win out of the remaining conference games to stay in contention.
Who were the standout players for each team?
Cincinnati’s star was Caleb Goody, whose 82‑yard TD was the highlight reel. Quarterback Major Cantrell also shone with 285 yards and two touchdowns. Iowa State’s brightest was Rocco Beck, who threw for 260 yards and found Chase Soel for a crucial score.
What defensive strategies defined the game?
Both sides employed six‑man box formations to limit the run, but Cincinnati mixed in occasional blitzes that forced Iowa State into hurried throws. The Cyclones countered with option plays that briefly opened lanes, yet missed key tackles on Goody’s long reception.
When is Cincinnati’s next game and what’s at stake?
Cincinnati heads to Lincoln Financial Field on October 11 to face Nebraska. A win would keep them unbeaten in conference play and help solidify a top‑15 national ranking, while a loss could reopen the race for the Big 12 title.
