Arizona vs. #14 Iowa State: Week 5 brings a compelling Big 12 showdown as Arizona heads to Ames to take on No. 14 Iowa State. The Wildcats enter with momentum after knocking off Kansas State, showcasing an explosive offense and a defense that controlled the game from start to finish. The Cyclones, meanwhile, have survived several close calls, raising questions about whether their ranking matches their play on the field. This matchup feels like a turning point: can Arizona announce itself as a legitimate Big 12 contender, or will Iowa State defend its ground and keep pace in the conference race?
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, it’s not too late to add more futures to your portfolio so take some time to check out our Power Four Conference Previews below.
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Week 4 Results: 4-2 (+1.8u)
2025 Season Record: 15-11 (+3.81u)
Arizona vs. #14 Iowa State Betting Odds
Can the Arizona Wildcats upset the Cyclones on the road?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 26, 2025 a 10:00 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Arizona: +6 (+100)
- Iowa State: -6 (-120)
Moneyline
- Arizona: +203
- Iowa State: -245
Total
- Over 48.5 (-110)
- Under 48.5 (-110)
Arizona vs. #14 Iowa State – September 27
A matchup I have had circled since the start of Week 4 is Arizona at No. 14 Iowa State. Arizona is fresh off a 23-17 win over Kansas State two weeks ago, a game that felt far more dominant than the score suggests. From kickoff to the final whistle, the Wildcats controlled every aspect.
I was stunned looking back at the numbers, because it felt like Arizona won by 20. They were faster, more explosive, and simply the better team. Yes, Kansas State has been a major disappointment this season, but Arizona opened as short home underdogs and still piled up over 400 yards of offense while holding the Wildcats to under 200.
On the other side, Iowa State just scraped past Arkansas State 24-16. This feels like another spot where the Cyclones could get caught. Matt Campbell is known for being the hunter, not the hunted. His teams rise for big games, but they struggle when expected to handle business. Arizona is going to roll into Ames with something to prove.
Show Me Something, Cyclones
I remain unconvinced by Iowa State. Outside of their 48-point drubbing of South Dakota, every game has been a one-score finish. They have managed wins over Kansas State, Iowa, and Arkansas State by an average of just four points. That is hardly the résumé of a top-15 team. That is why I grabbed Arizona at +7.5 last Saturday and sprinkled on the Wildcats outright last night.
Arizona is my upset play of the week. The ground game will be the key, opening up the pass and keeping the Wildcats within striking distance. Neither team has been pushed to its limits yet, but this stage offers Arizona the chance to prove it belongs. In a matchup where Iowa State has everything to lose, I will gladly take the dog with everything to gain.
At the end of the day, this matchup feels like a true proving ground for Arizona. The Wildcats have the momentum, the explosiveness, and the underdog edge that makes them dangerous in a spot like this. Iowa State may be the ranked team, but their résumé is far from convincing, and this line feels inflated. Arizona has the tools to keep this close and potentially steal it outright. I am backing the Wildcats as my upset play of the week, with the belief their run game sets the tone and their hunger shines through under the lights in Ames.
Best Bet: Arizona +6 (+100) odds via BetOnline
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