Cincinnati Bearcats at Iowa State Cyclones 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Big 12 football returns Saturday afternoon when the Cincinnati Bearcats travel to Ames to face the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium.

Cincinnati enters 5-4 following a 31-24 loss to Houston, while Iowa State stands at 4-5 after falling 42-31 against Baylor.

The Cyclones enter as 2.5-point favorites in a matchup featuring quarterbacks JC French IV and Jaylen Raynor, along with explosive running backs Cole Tabb and Aiden Flora.

Both teams desperately need a victory to strengthen their bowl eligibility prospects.

Game Information

• Matchup: Cincinnati Bearcats at Iowa State Cyclones
• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: TNT / truTV / HBO Max
• Venue: Jack Trice Stadium — Ames, Iowa
• Tickets: As low as $20
• Records: Cincinnati 5-4 (2-4 Big 12) | Iowa State 4-5 (2-4 Big 12)
• Point Spread: Iowa State -2.5
• Over/Under: 61.5

The Iowa State -2.5 spread means the Cyclones must win by at least three points to cover. Cincinnati +2.5 covers with an outright victory or a loss by one or two points.

The 61.5 total requires at least 62 combined points for an over wager to win.

Cincinnati: Bearcats Looking to Regain Momentum

Cincinnati enters Saturday having lost four of its last five games despite possessing one of the Big 12’s most productive offenses.

Quarterback JC French IV completed 19 of 30 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns against Houston. He also scored a rushing touchdown.

Running back Gi’Bran Payne contributed 71 rushing yards, while Cole Tabb added 60 yards.

Receiver Malachi Henry caught six passes for 65 yards, while tight end Gavin Grover scored on a 34-yard reception.

Cincinnati averages 33 points and nearly 447 total yards per game, including an impressive 222 rushing yards.

Tabb leads the ground attack with 812 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

However, Cincinnati’s defense remains concerning, allowing 29.4 points and 445 yards per game.

The Bearcats must improve defensively while maintaining their offensive balance.

Iowa State: Cyclones Seeking Bowl Eligibility

Iowa State enters Saturday looking to rebound from its disappointing defeat against Baylor.

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 22 of 37 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score.

Running back Aiden Flora delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for 182 yards and a touchdown.

Flora has accumulated 1,119 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season, making him Iowa State’s most productive offensive weapon.

Cameron Pettaway contributed a 50-yard touchdown reception against Baylor.

The Cyclones average 29.2 points and 381 yards per game, including 181 rushing yards.

Defensively, Iowa State allows 28.9 points per contest.

The Cyclones must improve their tackling and prevent Cincinnati from generating explosive rushing plays.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

These are suggested betting targets, not verified sportsbook player-prop lines. College player props vary by sportsbook and jurisdiction. Confirm availability, injuries and odds before wagering.

Prop Bet #1: JC French IV Over 214.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: French Over 214.5 Passing Yards

• 217 Yards vs Houston
• 15 Season Passing TDs
• Iowa State Allows 231 Passing Yards Per Game

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French has thrown for 1,990 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Iowa State’s secondary allows approximately 231 passing yards per game, creating opportunities for Cincinnati’s receiving corps.

Prediction: JC French IV — 247 passing yards

Prop Bet #2: Aiden Flora Over 99.5 Rushing Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Flora Over 99.5 Rushing Yards

• 182 Yards vs Baylor
• 1,119 Season Rushing Yards
• Cincinnati Allows 169 Rushing Yards Per Game

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Flora enters following an outstanding performance against Baylor.

Cincinnati’s struggling rushing defense presents opportunities for Iowa State to establish its ground attack.

Prediction: Aiden Flora — 128 rushing yards

Prop Bet #3: Cole Tabb Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Tabb Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

• 812 Season Rushing Yards
• 10 Touchdowns
• Cincinnati’s Explosive Ground Attack

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Tabb remains Cincinnati’s most explosive running back.

Iowa State allows approximately 163 rushing yards per game, creating favorable opportunities for the Bearcats.

Prediction: Cole Tabb — 94 rushing yards

Prop Bet #4: Jaylen Raynor Over 199.5 Passing Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Raynor Over 199.5 Passing Yards

• 256 Yards vs Baylor
• 12 Season Passing TDs
• Cincinnati Allows 276 Passing Yards Per Game

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Raynor faces a Cincinnati secondary that has struggled throughout the season.

With the Bearcats allowing 276 passing yards per game, Iowa State should generate opportunities through the air.

Prediction: Jaylen Raynor — 239 passing yards

Players to Watch

JC French IV — Cincinnati: His passing accuracy and mobility will determine Cincinnati’s offensive efficiency.

Cole Tabb — Cincinnati: Tabb’s explosive rushing ability could create significant problems for Iowa State.

Jaylen Raynor — Iowa State: His decision-making and ability to generate explosive passes will be critical.

Aiden Flora — Iowa State: Flora provides the Cyclones with a dependable rushing attack capable of controlling possession.

Keys to the Game

Cincinnati must establish its rushing attack, protect French and avoid turnovers.

Defensively, the Bearcats must contain Flora and pressure Raynor into difficult passing situations.

Iowa State must control possession, improve defensive tackling and capitalize on Cincinnati’s vulnerable secondary.

Third-down conversions and red-zone execution could determine this matchup.

Betting Prediction

Iowa State -2.5 presents an interesting opportunity considering the Cyclones’ strong home-field performance.

However, Cincinnati possesses the more productive offense and significant advantages in rushing explosiveness.

The 61.5 total also deserves consideration.

Both defenses allow approximately 29 points per game, while Cincinnati averages 33 points offensively.

Best Bet: Cincinnati +2.5

The Verdict

Iowa State’s best opportunity comes through Flora controlling possession and Raynor exploiting Cincinnati’s secondary.

However, Cincinnati possesses greater offensive versatility and the ability to generate explosive rushing plays.

Expect French and Tabb to challenge Iowa State’s defense throughout the contest.

Flora keeps the Cyclones competitive, but Cincinnati makes the decisive plays late.

The Bearcats secure an important road victory and become bowl eligible.

Final Score Prediction

Cincinnati Bearcats 34, Iowa State Cyclones 31

Picks Summary

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Cincinnati +2.5 Against the Spread Cincinnati +2.5 Moneyline Cincinnati Over/Under Over 61.5 Top Prop Aiden Flora Over 99.5 Rushing Yards

Final Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Iowa State 31

Cincinnati wins by three points, covering as a 2.5-point underdog. The projected 65 combined points finish over the 61.5 total.

The Bearcats improve to 6-4 and become bowl eligible, while Iowa State falls to 4-6. Cincinnati strengthens its postseason position with an important Big 12 road victory.