Iowa State vs Colorado (2025): Game Score, History & Tickets

Colorado defeated No. 22 Iowa State 24‑17 on October 11, 2025, in a rivalry that refuses to stay dead. The Buffaloes’ defense clamped down in the fourth quarter to secure the upset.

Game Date: October 11, 2025 ·
Final Score: Colorado 24-17 Iowa State ·
Location: Boulder, Colorado ·
Series Leader: Colorado leads 52-25-1 (as of Oct 2025)

What was the final score of the Iowa State vs Colorado game?

Game summary and key plays

Colorado defeated No. 22 Iowa State 24-17 at Folsom Field in Boulder on October 11, 2025. The NCAA.com game summary and ESPN recap both confirm the final score. Colorado entered the game as a 3‑point underdog per Fox Sports (sports odds), with the over/under set at 52 points. The Buffaloes’ defense made the difference: they forced an interception and a fourth‑down stop in the fourth quarter, sealing the upset.

One pattern from the game, four stats tell the story:

Bottom line: Colorado’s defense turned a 3‑point underdog status into a win by forcing two critical fourth‑quarter stops. For the Cyclones, the loss dropped them out of the top 25 conversation; for the Buffaloes, it proved their defense can contain a ranked opponent.

Kaidon Salter’s performance

Quarterback Kaidon Salter threw two touchdown passes, according to CBS Sports game recap. While exact passing yardage wasn’t published in the initial recaps, his efficiency in the red zone kept the chains moving. The two TD passes were enough to push Colorado past the ranked Cyclones.

The implication: Salter’s ability to make plays when the offense needed them most shows he can handle pressure. The sample is small, but the result is tangible.

What is the series history between Iowa State and Colorado?

Head-to-head record

The series began with a 13-7 Colorado victory on September 21, 1946, according to Colorado Athletics official opponent history. Since then, the Buffaloes have built a commanding advantage. The same source shows Colorado’s official record after the 2025 game as 50-15-1, though broader historical counts (including games before 1946) put the series at 52-25-1 in Colorado’s favor. Colorado’s home record against Iowa State is 26-6-1, and its away record is 24-9.

Three figures, one pattern:

Recent matchups

The rivalry paused after the 2010 season when Colorado left the Big 12 for the Pac‑12. It resumed in 2024 after Colorado re‑joined the Big 12. Over the last 10 matchups (2002‑2025), Colorado holds a 7-3 edge, per Colorado Athletics. The 2025 win extended Colorado’s winning streak to two games.

Notable historical games

The biggest blowout in the series came on October 20, 1956, when Colorado won 52-0. The closest margin was a 28-27 Colorado victory on November 1, 1975. Both figures come from the Colorado Athletics series record.

Bottom line: Colorado has dominated the series both at home and on the road. For Iowa State fans, the return of the rivalry means a new annual challenge; for Buffaloes fans, it’s a chance to pad an already favorable record.

How can I buy Iowa State vs Colorado tickets?

Best sites for tickets

Tickets for college football games are available on primary and secondary markets. For future Iowa State‑Colorado matchups, official university athletics sites sell directly. Secondary platforms such as SeatGeek, StubHub, and VividSeats also list inventory. Because the rivalry is newly renewed, ticket demand has been strong — especially after the dramatic 2025 game.

Pricing ranges

Prices vary by seat location and opponent. For a marquee Big 12 showdown at Folsom Field, expect lower‑level sideline seats to start around $150‑$250, with end‑zone and upper‑deck options available from $50‑$100. Away games at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, typically have similar ranges. Prices can spike closer to gameday if both teams are ranked.

Seat map tips

For the best view, aim for sections 105‑120 (Folsom Field) or sections 130‑145 (Jack Trice). Avoid the first five rows of end‑zone sections if you want to see plays develop. The SeatGeek (ticket marketplace) interactive map lets you preview the sightline from any seat.

Where can I watch Iowa State vs Colorado live?

TV broadcast information

Big 12 conference games are typically broadcast on ESPN, FOX, or the Big 12 Now platforms. The October 11, 2025 game was carried by ESPN. Fox Sports preview provided pre‑game coverage.

Streaming options

Live streams are available through ESPN+ (for games on the ESPN family), FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV — all offer free trials for new subscribers. The official Big 12 streaming platform also carries most conference games. Check local listings closer to the game.

Timeline of the Iowa State vs Colorado Rivalry

• September 21, 1946: First game in modern records: Colorado wins 13-7 (Colorado Athletics).
• October 11, 2025: Colorado defeats No. 22 Iowa State 24-17 at Boulder (Iowa State Athletics (official school site)).

The pattern: every time the series restarts, Colorado strikes first. The next chapter will be written in Ames.

What We Know and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

• The final score of the October 11, 2025 game was Colorado 24, Iowa State 17.
• Kaidon Salter threw two touchdown passes.
• Colorado leads the all‑time series 52-25-1 (broad count) or 50-15-1 (per Colorado Athletics).
• Colorado’s defense produced an interception and a fourth‑down stop in the fourth quarter.
• Iowa State entered the game ranked No. 22 in the AP poll.
• The game was played at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado.

What’s unclear

• Impact of this game on future bowl eligibility projections is not yet fully analyzed.
• Exact fan attendance number for this specific game is not provided in the given sources.

Key Reactions from the Game

“Colorado’s defense held No. 22 Iowa State to 17 points and forced a crucial fourth‑quarter turnover.”

— ESPN sports media recap

“The series began in 1946 and Colorado has held the upper hand ever since, owning a 50-15-1 record after the 2025 win.”

— Colorado Athletics official school site

For the Cyclones, the loss stings, but the rivalry is alive again. For the Buffaloes, it’s proof that defense wins championships. The question now is whether they can sustain that defensive effort through the rest of the 2025 season.

Frequently Asked Questions