The Iowa State Cyclones have a proud tradition in NCAA sports, highlighted by the success of Iowa State Cyclones football and Iowa State Cyclones basketball. Known for passionate fans and fierce competition, the Cyclones have achieved numerous conference titles, bowl victories, and tournament runs, making them one of college athletics’ most respected programs.
College Sports Established
1908
Location
Ames, Iowa
College Name
Iowa State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1908 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1996 – Present / Big 12 Conference
1957 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1928 – 1956 / Big Six Conference
1908 – 1927 / Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Cyclones - The Iowa State Cyclones are among the nation's most storied college sports teams. They have been around since 1895 and have a long history of success on the football field and basketball court. But many don’t know that their “Cyclones” nickname has an interesting origin story.
Iowa State Cyclones Origin
In 1895, when Iowa State first began competing in athletics at a varsity level, they were known as The Cardinals due to their red uniforms—the same color as cardinal birds! However, two years later, this was changed to The Cyclones after fierce storms swept through Ames during an October 1897 game against Northwestern University, causing fans to comment about how quickly things had gone from calmness before kick-off to chaos afterward! This inspired athletic director Louis Menze, who decided it would fit his team's name from now on.
Since then, "Cyclones" has become synonymous with Iowa State Athletics, representing their origins and strength, courage, and resilience - qualities that all great athletes strive for every time they step onto the field or court! As part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), these qualities show why ISU continues its legacy today as one of America's premier collegiate sports programs year after year.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1892
- 1908
- 1940
- 1986
- 2022
-
Iowa state First football team
In 1892: The first football team is formed, coached by G.W. Woodruff. The team plays its first game against Cornell College and loses 24–01. -
Cyclones football team wins its first conference championship
In 1908: The football team wins its first conference championship as a member of the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association (later known as the Big Eight Conference). -
Bob Feller named the National Player of the Year
1940: The basketball team wins its fourth conference championship and makes its fourth appearance in the Helms Athletic Foundation national championship tournament, losing to Indiana in the finals1. Bob Feller is named the National Player of the Year. -
Cyclones Jeff Hornacek
Hornacek redshirted at Iowa State University (ISU) in 1981; he was a team walk-on who played from 1982 to 1986. The son of a high school basketball coach, he became an all-conference player in the Big Eight Conference, playing for coach Johnny Orr. As a point guard, he guided the Cyclones to the Sweet Sixteen of the 1986 NCAA tournament. ... -
Iowa state cyclones football wins Cy-Hawk football trophy
Iowa State linebacker Carson Willich and offensive lineman Trevor Downing hoists the Cy-Hawk Trophy after a football game between Iowa and Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. The Cyclones ended a six-game Cy-Hawk series losing streak defeating Iowa, 10-7.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Iowa State Cyclones History
The Iowa State Cyclones are one of the most historic and successful NCAA programs, often competing against long-time rivals like the Colorado Buffaloes. Established in 1892, the Iowa State Cyclones have built a proud tradition across multiple sports. From their first Big 12 championship in 2004 to numerous postseason appearances, the Cyclones have consistently proven themselves as a competitive program every year.
The Iowa State Cyclones football program stands out for its resilience and growth over time. Although early decades were challenging, the team has steadily built momentum, earning multiple conference titles and bowl invitations. Since 2000, the Iowa State Cyclones football program has made 17 bowl appearances, including historic wins in the Liberty Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Camping World Bowl. Under head coach Matt Campbell, the Cyclones have seen some of their best modern-era seasons, highlighted by a 9–3 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2021.
On the hardwood, Iowa State Cyclones basketball has become one of the Big 12’s marquee programs. The team boasts six Big 12 Tournament championships and four regular season titles since joining the conference in 1996. Iowa State Cyclones basketball has also made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Elite Eight runs, producing NBA talent like Fred Hoiberg, Royce White, and Georges Niang. Hilton Coliseum remains one of the toughest venues for visiting teams, earning the nickname “Hilton Magic” for its electric atmosphere.
Cyclones Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, the Iowa State Cyclones excel in wrestling, track and field, and cross country. The wrestling program has claimed eight national championships, while the track and field and cross-country teams have produced multiple Olympians and national champions. These successes reinforce the university’s reputation as a well-rounded athletic powerhouse.
The Iowa State Cyclones have also made their mark in the professional ranks. Former players such as Seneca Wallace in the NFL, Royce White and Tyrese Haliburton in the NBA, and numerous others have gone on to have successful professional careers. With a passionate fan base and student-athletes driven to excel, the Iowa State Cyclones football and Iowa State Cyclones basketball programs will continue to build on this rich legacy for years to come.
