For the State of Iowa, the Farmageddon is the grandest of the events, bringing about its set of pride, losses, and bragging rights. But the latest $12.5 million splash by the Hawkeyes might end the century-old rivalry between the two in-state foes. The 131-year-old battle for the coveted Cy-Hawk trophy remains cherished.

On Thursday, Kirk Ferentz’s Iowa added new future schedules for its future non-conference matchups. For the 2027 season’s home series, the Hawkeyes have added North Dakota to their schedule, slated to play on September 18. Two years later, they will host Northern Iowa for the 2029 season-opener.

But Matt Campbell’s last scheduled matchup is against Iowa on September 11, 2027. Aside from that, no future matchups against their traditional rival appear on the calendar. “Iowa has a contract with Iowa State through 2027. There are no guarantees for either program,” The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman shared on X.

As Dochterman reported, Iowa’s payment to its six mid-major programs from 2025 to 2030 amounts to $10.2 million. The Hawkeyes have scheduled against UMass, Ball State, Western Michigan, Florida Atlantic, and Northern Illinois (twice), averaging $1.7 million for each game. That’s quite a lot of money.

On the other hand, for its FCS foes, Iowa will pay an average of $575,000 to Albany, North Dakota, and Northern Iowa (twice), resulting in another $2.3 million. Thus, Ferentz’s program could pay a whopping $12.5 million for future matchups. In addition, “FAU was slated to play Iowa this year but switched to 2030. Albany was a late replacement,” Dochterman added.

With the latest schedule development, which has been updated through 2030, the Cyclones do not find a mention after the 2027 season game. “Outside of the CyHawk game, Iowa does not have a P4 non-conference matchup schedule through 2030 and hasn’t had one since 2015,” Hastings Tribune reporter Justin Frommer shared on X.

The rivalry remains woven into the fabric of Iowa’s crazy football culture. However, after 1934, the matchup was put on hold for 43 years, owing to the claim that the then-Iowa Athletic Director Ossie Solem would not return calls to keep the game going. Even after Solem had left, that feud stayed buried.

It was then, in 1977, that the drought came to an end, with Greater Moines Athletic Club creating the beloved Cy-Hawk trophy, depicting two running backs with outstretched hands towards each other, won by Iowa, 12-10. Iowa dominates the winning streak with a record of 47-24. Not to forget, the 15-year back-to-back winning streak from 1983 to 1997. The Cyclones also boasted a five-season winning streak from 1998 to 2002.

For the 2024 season, it was Matt Campbell’s Cyclones who took away the Cy-Hawk Cup.

Iowa Cyclones edge out In-state rival

At the Jack Trice Stadium, the Cyclones emerged victorious against the Hawkeyes, beating their in-state rival, 16-13: a back-to-back win and the third victory for Matt Campbell’s program over the last four years. With 18-of-27 attempts, Rocco Becht registered 134 passing yards for a touchdown and another 47 yards on 12 carries.

Kyle Konrady’s 54-yarder lick capped the climax in the last fleeting seconds. “There’s no instant gratification,” Campbell said post-game. “The reality is having the consistency and having a plan to build and give your kids the best chance to be successful.”

Meanwhile, Kirk Ferentz’s roster couldn’t cash in on several opportunities. “We didn’t do enough today to beat a good football team,” Ferentz said. “I don’t think it had anything to do with our preparation or our effort. The series has been decided at the end of the game the last couple years, and there were several opportunities that we didn’t cash in.”

One thing is clear: the rivalry is like a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, complete with bragging rights.