The Iowa State Cyclones have shifted their 2027 home matchup against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits to the season-opener, the school officially announced Wednesday.
Iowa State had originally been slated to host the Jackrabbits on September 4, 2027. The game will now be played one week earlier, on August 28, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.
The adjustment aligns with the NCAA’s June decision to implement a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs will start most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1.
Iowa State and South Dakota State first met in 1952 and last played in 2008, a 44–17 Cyclones victory. Iowa State leads the all‑time series 3–0.
The Cyclones’ remaining non‑conference slate in 2027 features home dates against Iowa on September 11 and Bowling Green on September 18.
For South Dakota State, the shift creates additional movement in its early schedule. Following the opener at Iowa State, the Jackrabbits are scheduled to visit Southeastern Louisiana on September 18 and will host St. Thomas on a new date to be determined (previously September 4). SDSU has one non‑conference opening to fill.
Iowa State opened the 2026 season on September 5 with a 38–10 win over Southeast Missouri. The Cyclones next visit No. 22 Iowa on Saturday; NBC and Peacock will carry the game at 7:30pm ET / 6:30pm CT.
South Dakota State is 1–1 this season, following a 70–7 win over Stetson and a 34–18 loss at Northwestern. The Jackrabbits host New Haven on Saturday, with kickoff set for 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT on Midco Sports, KELO, and ESPN+.
