## Overview and Mission The Iowa State Cyclones represent the athletic department of Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, Iowa, fielding 16 NCAA Division I programs that compete in the Big 12 Conference[6]. The organization’s mission is to enable student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically, fostering a culture of achievement and community pride[1]. Unlike many collegiate athletic programs, Iowa State Athletics operates as a financially self-sufficient entity, receiving no state funding and relying instead on donor contributions, ticket sales, and conference distributions[3]. ## History The Cyclones’ nickname originated in 1895 after a football victory over Northwestern, when a Chicago sportswriter described the team as “struck by a Cyclone”[2]. The football program, a cornerstone of Cyclone athletics, has a storied history that includes early leadership by Pop Warner, one of football’s pioneering coaches[2]. The Cyclones have played their home football games at Jack Trice Stadium, a 61,500-seat venue named in honor of the university’s first African American athlete[2]. ## Key Achievements Iowa State athletics has seen significant milestones across multiple sports. The football team enjoyed its most successful season ever in 2024, highlighted by a dramatic 42-41 victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl[3]. Both men’s and women’s basketball programs have been nationally ranked, wrestling has returned to national prominence, and the men’s cross country team finished as national runner-up twice in three years[3]. Individual athletes have also claimed national championships, underscoring the depth of talent within the department[3]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Iowa State is navigating a period of transformation in college athletics, marked by conference realignment, changes to the College Football Playoff, and the advent of revenue sharing with student-athletes[3]. The athletic department’s annual budget is set to increase by over 20%