Arizona vs Iowa State Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 27, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 09/27/2025, 01:35 AM ET

The Arizona Wildcats head to Jack Trice Stadium to face the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Arizona is 3–0 after a 23–17 win over Kansas State. Iowa State is 4–0 with a 24–16 road win at Arkansas State and a 16–13 victory over Iowa already on the board. From underdogs to point spreads, we’ve got your back with free college football picks.

Arizona Preview

Quarterback Noah Fifita has performed well to start the season with 712 yards passing, six touchdowns, and no interceptions, with an 85-yard long strike. Arizona stretches the field with Javin Whatley (13 catches, 237 yards, 2 TDs) and gets plenty of yards from Luke Wysong and Brandon Phelps. On the ground, Ismail Mahdi (263 yards at 7.1 per carry) and Quincy Craig (165 at 9.2 yards per carry) have had big runs, while Fifita has three short rushing scores. Protection must improve as Fifita has been sacked seven times.

Defensively, Arizona has produced real pressure (8.0 sacks), led by Chase Kennedy’s 2.0. The Wildcats have five interceptions, including returns of 28 and 27 yards, and a pick-six. Genesis Smith leads with 19 tackles, while Taye Brown has 16. If Arizona wins early downs, the offense can keep pace in a tough road matchup.

Iowa State Preview

Rocco Becht leads a steady attack: 860 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception. The Cyclones spread it around as TE Benjamin Brahmer has 14 receptions and three touchdowns, while Brett Eskildsen (162 yards) and Xavier Townsend (132 yards) give them speed outside. The backfield has also produced for the Cyclones as Carson Hansen (252 yards), Abu Sama III (182, 2 TDs), and Dylan Lee (81, 1 TD) lead a talented group.

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The defense is fast and physical. Iowa State has 7.0 sacks and four interceptions, with Jeremiah Cooper and Jamison Patton each intercepting a pass. Marcus Neal Jr. leads with 29 tackles, and the front seven have multiple tackles for loss of yards. Tamatoa McDonough (2.0 sacks) has been tough to stop.

Arizona vs Iowa State Prediction

Both teams can strike deep, but Iowa State has the stronger defense and has performed better in the red zone. Arizona’s speed will help the Wildcats keep the score close through three quarters, but the Cyclones will take the lead late and hold on at home. Final Score Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones win and cover ATS 31-21.