Iowa State vs Utah Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 4 on 9/26/2026

In Week 4 of the 2026 college football season, the Utah Utes take on the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on FOX. Utah, currently ranked #15 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, looks to maintain their undefeated record.

The Utah Utes have started their season strong with a 3-0 record, all of which were home games. They dominated their last outing, defeating Utah State 33-0. This will be their first road game of the season, bringing an offense that has been explosive in their three wins.

Iowa State enters this game with a 2-1 record, having won both of their home games this season. The Cyclones are coming off a commanding 55-7 victory over Bowling Green. They will look to leverage their home-field advantage at Jack Trice Stadium to secure another win.

Iowa State vs Utah At a Glance

• Game Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 3:30 PM
• Location: Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, IA
• TV Channel: FOX
• Utah Utes Record: 3-0 for the season
• Iowa State Cyclones Record: 2-1 for the season
• Betting Odds: Utah Moneyline -353, Iowa State Moneyline +277

Iowa State Cyclones Gear Up for Home Game Against Utah Utes

Offensive Overview

The Iowa State Cyclones have managed a total of 106 points in the 2026 regular season, placing them 35th in the nation. Their passing game has been less effective, with only 454 yards, ranking 109th. However, the rushing attack has proven more successful, with 611 yards, achieving a respectable 38th position.

First downs have been a consistent aspect of their game, tallying 49, which ranks them 39th. This demonstrates a balanced approach in both the air and ground games, though the passing game could use improvement.

Defensive Strengths

The Cyclones' defense has been impressive, allowing only 33 points against, which places them 15th in the nation. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks is reflected in their 6 sacks, ranking them 9th. Additionally, their defensive backs have been active, with 2 interceptions, securing the 3rd position in this category.

Fumbles recovered have also been a strong point for the Cyclones, with 3 recoveries placing them 4th nationally. These defensive stats indicate a robust and opportunistic unit that can influence the game's outcome.

Key Players

Starting quarterback Jaylen Raynor has participated in all three games, completing 52 passing attempts for 434 yards and 4 touchdowns. Aiden Flora leads the rushing attack with 328 yards and 3 touchdowns over the same span. On the receiving end, Omari Hayes has collected 101 receiving yards from 6 receptions.

On special teams, Kyle Konrardy has been reliable, with 5 field goals made and 13 extra points. These key players will be instrumental as Iowa State seeks to maintain momentum in the upcoming games.

Recent Performance

The Cyclones have a 2-1 record in the current season, securing significant victories against Bowling Green and Southeast Missouri State at home. Their only loss came in a close contest against the Iowa Hawkeyes, 16-13, on the road. This performance highlights the team's strength at home, which they hope to continue.

Injury Concerns

Iowa State faces some injury challenges, with players like Beni Ngoyi and Drew Surges listed as questionable. Braden Awls and Evan Boyd are out for the season, which could impact depth, particularly in the defensive backfield and wide receiver positions.

Iowa State Top Betting Trends

• SU - After Win: 16-4 (80.0%)
• SU - Home Games: 13-3 (81.2%)
• SU - As Favorite: 4-0 (100.0%)
• SU - All Games: 21-8 (72.4%)
• SU - Totals ≥ 50: 3-0 (100.0%)
• SU - Totals ≤ 42: 3-0 (100.0%)
• ATS - Totals ≤ 42: 3-0 (100.0%)
• O/U - Totals ≤ 42: 3-0 (100.0%)
• ATS - As Underdog: 5-1 (83.3%)
• SU - Away Games: 11-5 (68.8%)

Utah Utes: A Comprehensive Look at Their Upcoming Game

Offensive Overview

The Utah Utes have been exceptional on the offensive side this season, ranking 9th in points with 142. Their passing game has been solid, accumulating 856 yards and securing the 33rd spot in national rankings.

In addition to their air attack, the Utes' ground game has proven effective, amassing 707 rushing yards, placing them 22nd. This balanced approach has resulted in 80 first downs, ranking 8th nationwide.

Defensive Prowess

Defensively, the Utes have limited opponents to just 24 points, ranking 8th overall. Their aggressive pass rush has resulted in 9 sacks, which ranks them 6th in the nation.

Turnover creation has been another strength, with Utah intercepting the ball 3 times and recovering 2 fumbles, placing them 4th and 5th, respectively, in those categories.

Recent Performances

In their most recent outing, the Utes shut out the Utah State Aggies 33-0, showcasing a dominant defensive performance. The previous week, they convincingly defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 43-10, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.

The Utes opened the season with a commanding 66-14 victory over the Idaho Vandals, setting the tone for a strong season start. These performances underscore their capacity to dominate both sides of the ball.

Key Players

Devon Dampier has been a standout at quarterback, leading the team with 690 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. On the ground, Wayshawn Parker has made significant contributions, rushing for 154 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Braden Pegan has been the top target in the receiving corps, accumulating 235 yards and 3 touchdowns. On special teams, kicker Dillon Curtis has been reliable, making all 3 of his field goal attempts and converting 15 extra points.

Betting Trends

• SU - Totals ≥ 50: 25-5 (83.3%) over the last 30 games.
• SU - All Games: Undefeated 8-0 in the last 8 games.
• SU - As Favorite: 8-0 as favorites in the last 8 games.
• SU - Home Games: 7-0 in the last 7 home games.
• ATS - As Favorite: 3-0 against the spread in the last 3 games as favorites.
• ATS - Away Games: 5-2 against the spread in the last 7 away games.

Iowa State vs Utah Prediction: Utah -7.5

Utah enters this game with an undefeated record of 3-0, showing dominance both offensively and defensively. Ranked 15th in both the AP and Coaches Poll, the Utes have scored 142 points this season, placing them 9th nationally. Their defense has also been stout, allowing only 24 points so far, which ranks them 8th in the nation.

On the other hand, Iowa State boasts a solid home record, but their offensive stats pale in comparison to Utah's. The Cyclones have managed to score 106 points this season, ranking 35th, while their passing game lags at 109th nationally. Despite their strong record at home, Utah's overall strength and momentum appear to give them the edge.

Looking at the trends, Utah has excelled against the spread as favorites, going 3-0 in such situations this season. Additionally, their consistent ability to cover after a win makes them a reliable pick in this matchup. Iowa State has shown resilience as underdogs, but against a top-15 team like Utah, their chances of covering seem slim.

Considering both teams' current form and the spread, Utah -7.5 seems to be the better option. The Utes' balanced offensive and defensive prowess should allow them to cover the spread comfortably against Iowa State.

• Iowa State vs Utah Prediction: Utah -7.5
• Iowa State vs Utah Score: Utah 34 - Iowa State 17

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.