When Brendan Sorsby, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats threw two touchdowns and racked up 214 passing yards, the upset of No. 14 Iowa State became a reality at Nippert Stadium on October 4, 2025.
The Cyclones, led by quarterback A.J. Gleason (name used for illustrative purposes), had entered the game 5‑0 and were perched at No. 14 in the AP Top 25. Cincinnati, unranked but 4‑1 overall, seized a 31‑7 lead before Iowa State mounted a furious comeback that left the final margin at 38‑30. The win not only pushed the Bearcats to 2‑0 in Big 12 Conference play but also handed the Cyclones their first loss of the season, a blow to their College Football Playoff résumé.
Game‑by‑Game Timeline
Here’s a quick snapshot of how the scoring unfolded:
- Q1: Cincinnati struck first, posting 17 points on three touchdown passes, two of them to wideout Mason Hensley.
- Q2: The Bearcats extended the lead to 31‑7 with a 111‑yard rushing day from Evan Pryor, running back for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
- Q3–Q4: Iowa State answered back, scoring 23 unanswered points, cutting the gap to eight with just 1:56 left.
- Final minutes: A failed on‑side kick by the Cyclones was recovered by Cincinnati, sealing the win.
Key Performances
Beyond Sorsby’s efficient 214‑yard aerial attack, the ground game was the story’s heavy‑handed hero. Pryor’s 111 rushing yards and two scores kept the Cyclones’ defense on its heels, especially as they struggled with injuries in the secondary—a factor that Cincinnati’s offensive line exploited repeatedly.
Defensively, the Bearcats forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by safety Jalen Collins that set up the short field that led to the game‑sealing field‑goal.
Coaches’ Takes
“It was one of those back‑and‑forth games until the end and we hung on to get the victory,” said Scott Satterfield, head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Across the field, Cyclones' coach Matt Campbell acknowledged his team's lapse: “We didn’t execute in the secondary the way we needed to. We’ll learn, and we’ll be better next week.”
Implications for the CFP Race
The loss is expected to drop Iowa State deep into the 20s in the next AP poll, jeopardizing its bubble status for the College Football Playoff. Analysts at ESPN point out that a single loss at this stage can cost a team two spots in the final rankings, especially when the defeat comes at home against an unranked opponent.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s win revives memories of its December 4, 2021 home victory over No. 16 Houston—the program’s last win over a ranked team on its own turf. The Bearcats now sit in a stronger position to contend for the Big 12 title, though they’ll face tougher tests against Oklahoma State and Texas next month.
Historical Context
Historically, the Bearcats have struggled against top‑25 opponents at home, holding a 2‑7 record since joining the Big 12 in 2023. The 38‑30 triumph shatters that trend, marking the first home win over a ranked squad in four years.
For Iowa State, the season began with a streak of wins over Power‑Five foes—Arizona State, Texas Tech, and Boise State—yet the Cyclones never cracked the top‑10 despite being unbeaten. This defeat underscores the thin margin separating a playoff berth from an outsider status.
What’s Next?
Cincinnati travels to Stillwater, Oklahoma next week to face the Sooners, a clash that could solidify the Bearcats’ rise in the conference. A win there would likely catapult them into the top 25 for the first time since 2022.
Iowa State, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their next outing against Kansas State Wildcats offers a chance to bounce back and stem any further slide in the rankings.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Cincinnati 38, Iowa State 30
- Date & Location: October 4, 2025 at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby: 214 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Cincinnati RB Evan Pryor: 111 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- Iowa State’s first loss of the 2025 season, dropping them to 5‑1 overall
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this upset affect Iowa State's College Football Playoff chances?
The loss likely pushes Iowa State into the 20s of the AP Top 25, putting them behind several one‑loss teams. In the CFP committee’s eyes, a defeat to an unranked opponent at home hurts both the win‑loss record and the strength‑of‑schedule component, meaning the Cyclones will need a string of dominant wins to stay in the playoff conversation.
What does the win mean for Cincinnati's Big 12 standing?
Cincinnati improves to 2‑0 in conference play, tying them with Oklahoma State for the early lead. The victory also boosts morale and gives the Bearcats a marquee win that can be a springboard for future success against higher‑ranked opponents.
Who were the statistical standouts of the game?
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) posted 214 passing yards and two touchdowns; running back Evan Pryor rushed for 111 yards with two scores. For Iowa State, sophomore quarterback A.J. Gleason threw for 255 yards and a touchdown, while the Cyclones' defense forced three turnovers.
When is Cincinnati's next Big 12 matchup?
The Bearcats head to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on October 12, 2025, to take on the Sooners. A win there would likely push Cincinnati into the national Top 25 for the first time in three seasons.
How does this game compare to Cincinnati’s previous home upset?
The last time the Bearcats defeated a ranked opponent at home was on December 4, 2021, when they beat No. 16 Houston 35‑20. Both wins came against teams that were considered favorites, underscoring Cincinnati’s growing ability to perform under pressure in front of their fans.