BYU Cougars vs Iowa State Cyclones Prediction and Picks - October 25, 2025
Use Code SSWC Big 12 Saturday afternoon College Football action, and we have a BYU vs Iowa State Prediction, Ready to Rock and roll. BYU is off a hard-fought 24-21 home win over Utah to move to 7-0 on the year. Iowa State comes in off a 24-17 road loss to Colorado to fall to 5-2 on the year. Continue reading to see our BYU vs Iowa State prediction.
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Cougars Remain Underfeated
BYU enters this game undefeated at 7–0 and ranked just outside the Top 10, riding momentum after a hard-fought 24–21 win over Utah. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been steady, throwing for 1,386 yards with nine touchdowns while also adding eight rushing scores, making him a true dual-threat presence. Running back LJ Martin has been the engine of the offense, averaging over 110 yards per game on the ground with an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. That combination has powered a rushing attack ranked inside the nation’s Top 10, giving BYU the ability to control tempo and wear down defenses.
The Cougars’ passing game has been efficient, if not explosive, with Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston providing reliable targets. Roberts has been the go-to option, averaging over 66 yards per game and showing the ability to stretch defenses vertically. Kingston has complemented him with consistent production underneath, keeping defenses honest. While BYU’s identity is built on the run, their passing game has been opportunistic, capitalizing on play-action and favorable matchups to keep drives alive.
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Defensively, BYU has been one of the most disciplined units in the Big 12, allowing just 15.6 points per game and ranking inside the Top 20 nationally in both passing and rushing defense. Their front seven has been particularly effective at limiting explosive plays, while the secondary has forced timely turnovers. With a +6 turnover margin and one of the best third-down defenses in the country, the Cougars have consistently put opponents in difficult situations. Against an Iowa State offense that has been efficient but not overly dynamic, BYU’s defense could be the difference in a tight road matchup.
Cyclones Have Lost Two In A Row
Iowa State comes in at 5–2, looking to bounce back after a 24–17 loss to Colorado that exposed some offensive inconsistency. Quarterback Rocco Becht has been steady, throwing for 1,622 yards with nine touchdowns and just three interceptions, while also adding seven rushing scores. Running back Abu Sama III has been the workhorse, averaging nearly 70 yards per game and showing the ability to break off big runs, as evidenced by his 177-yard performance against Colorado. The Cyclones’ offense has leaned on balance, averaging just over 400 yards per game, but has struggled at times to finish drives.
The receiving corps has been led by Brett Eskildsen, who has emerged as Becht’s most reliable target with 334 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer has also been a steady contributor, giving the Cyclones a dependable option in the short-to-intermediate passing game. While Iowa State has moved the ball effectively between the 20s, red-zone efficiency has been an issue, ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in conversion rate. Against a BYU defense that excels at tightening up inside the 20, capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical.
Defensively, the Cyclones have been solid, allowing just 19 points per game and ranking inside the Top 30 nationally in scoring defense. Their secondary has been disciplined, holding opponents under 205 passing yards per contest, while the front seven has been serviceable against the run. However, Iowa State has struggled against more physical rushing attacks, and that weakness could be tested against BYU’s ground-heavy approach. For the Cyclones to hold serve at home, they’ll need to find ways to slow down LJ Martin and force Bachmeier into obvious passing downs. If they can do that, their defense has the potential to keep this game within reach.
BYU vs Iowa State Pick
BYU vs Iowa State Spread Pick
- Iowa State -2.5 (5 Units)
Iowa State -2.5 looks like a sharp side here because the Cyclones’ defense matches up well against BYU’s run-heavy approach. The Cougars have leaned on LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat ability to control tempo, but Iowa State’s front seven has been disciplined against the run and has consistently forced opponents into long-yardage situations. With BYU’s passing game more opportunistic than explosive, the Cyclones’ secondary should be able to keep receivers in front of them and limit big plays. That defensive stability at home gives Iowa State the edge in dictating pace and keeping BYU from grinding out long, clock-chewing drives.
On the offensive side, Rocco Becht has been efficient and careful with the football, and his chemistry with Brett Eskildsen and Benjamin Brahmer provides balance to complement Abu Sama III’s rushing ability. BYU’s defense has been strong, but Iowa State has shown the ability to sustain drives and capitalize on favorable field position, especially at home. If the Cyclones can avoid turnovers and finish red-zone trips with touchdowns rather than field goals, their balanced attack should be enough to cover the short number. With a disciplined defense and an offense capable of controlling possession, Iowa State -2.5 looks like the right play in this Big 12 matchup.
BYU vs Iowa State Over/Under Pick
- Under 49 (5 Units)
The Under 49 looks appealing here because both BYU and Iowa State lean on disciplined defenses and methodical offensive styles that limit explosive scoring. BYU has been one of the stingiest units in the Big 12, holding opponents under 16 points per game, while Iowa State has allowed fewer than 20 per contest and thrives at forcing long, grinding possessions. Offensively, both teams prefer balance through the run game, which chews clock and reduces overall possessions. With two defenses built to tighten in the red zone and neither offense built for quick strikes, this matchup projects as a lower-scoring battle that stays beneath 49.
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