The Iowa State football program opened the 2025 season with a statement win, knocking off No. 17 Kansas State 24–21 in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin. It was a gritty rivalry victory that put the country on notice and delivered an early dose of Big 12 drama. Now, ISU returns to Ames looking to start 2-0 with a Week 1 matchup against South Dakota on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Head coach Matt Campbell and company will take on South Dakota Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on FOX. The Cyclones are projected as 14.5-point favorites, with the over-under set at 47.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Rocco Becht (QB, Iowa State)
Rocco Becht enters Week 1 as one of the nation’s most intriguing quarterbacks after delivering a composed, clutch performance in the win over KSU. He accounted for three total touchdowns and sealed the victory with a risky fourth-down conversion to Carson Hansen in the final minutes. Despite completing just 50% of his passes, Becht flashed the playmaking ability and confidence that made him a breakout name in 2024. With a strong supporting cast, including wide receiver Brett Eskildsen, Becht has plenty of weapons to lean on. He will also benefit from a full game in rhythm, as Week 0’s weather and travel conditions could have played a factor. Expect a sharper and more efficient version of Becht back home in Ames.
Charles Pierre Jr. (RB, South Dakota)
Charles Pierre Jr. was one of the top running backs in the Missouri Valley Conference last season, finishing with 1,245 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns. He made it difficult for opposing defenses to tackle him, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. With Iowa State’s defense likely keyed in on quarterback Aidan Bouman, Pierre could be the X-factor in establishing early balance for the Coyotes’ offense. If South Dakota wants to control tempo and keep Becht off the field, feeding Pierre will be a big part of the formula.
Two Key Storylines
Former Cyclone Aidan Bouman Returns to Ames Looking to Upset His Old Team
Aidan Bouman, South Dakota’s starting quarterback, previously served as a backup at Iowa State before transferring to the Coyotes in 2022. Since joining the university, he has become one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history, ranking in the top five all-time in passing touchdowns, yards, and completions. Bouman led South Dakota to an impressive 11-3 record in 2024, guiding the Coyotes to the FCS semifinals before falling to Montana State. Now, the 6-foot-5 signal-caller returns to familiar territory with a chance to shock the college football world in his former home stadium.
Iowa State’s Defensive Depth on Display
Despite a slow start and inconsistent offensive rhythm, Iowa State’s defense played a pivotal role in the Week 0 win, forcing two fumbles and delivering key second-half stops. Defensive back Marcus Neal Jr. was everywhere, finishing with eight tackles, while cornerback Jamison Patton chipped in seven of his own. That unit will need another strong showing in Week 1 against a South Dakota offense that scored 40 or more points in eight games last season. Limiting explosive plays and controlling the line of scrimmage will be critical if the Cyclones want to avoid an upset.
Prediction: Iowa State 38, South Dakota 21
In a matchup featuring two explosive offenses, this won’t be an easy game for the Cyclones. South Dakota is being slept on despite returning a veteran quarterback in Bouman and coming off an FCS semifinal run. His return to Ames adds extra fuel to a Coyotes team looking to bounce back following the semifinal loss. However, Iowa State has shown it can win ugly, and Becht delivered when it mattered most. South Dakota has enough veteran experience and offensive firepower to hang around early, especially with Aidan Bouman’s familiarity with ISU’s personnel and scheme. This one could stay close through the first three quarters, but expect the Cyclones to pull away late at home.
