Iowa State to play Mississippi State in men’s basketball at Sanford Pentagon next season
Posted: May 14, 2025
The Iowa State Cyclones will return to the Sanford Pentagon in the 2025-26 season when they play the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a nonconference matchup on Nov. 10. This marks the second trip to the Pentagon for Iowa State and the debut appearance for Mississippi State. The on-sale date for tickets will be announced later.
“Iowa State vs. Mississippi State is exactly the high-profile matchup we’re aiming to bring to the Sanford Pentagon – two NCAA Tournament teams with prolific resumes and passionate fan bases,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of operations for Sanford Sports. “We’re excited to welcome Coach Otzelberger and the Cyclones back to Sioux Falls and looking forward to introducing Coach Jans and the Bulldogs to the unique experience and distinctive atmosphere of Heritage Court.”
The Cyclones, who were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country last season, advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and finished with a 25-10 record. T.J. Otzelberger returns to the Sanford Pentagon where he coached four times during his tenure as head coach at South Dakota State. Iowa State is 1-0 all-time at the Sanford Pentagon, defeating Colorado 68-62 on Nov. 13, 2015.
“We’re excited to head to Sioux Falls next season,” said Otzelberger. “Everyone associated with the Sanford Pentagon is first class and we’re looking forward to a great game with a top-tier opponent in Mississippi State.”
Mississippi State, ranked as high as No. 14 last season, was selected as a No. 8 seed for the NCAA Men’s Tournament. The Bulldogs fell in the Round of 64 to Baylor and finished with a 21-13 record. Coach Chris Jans is ranked eighth among active coaches in winning percentage with at least five seasons of experience as a NCAA Division I head coach. He is one of four coaches in SEC history to amass at least 21 wins and secure a NCAA Tournament berth during each of his first three seasons at his school.
“It’s a great opportunity to face a quality program at a first-class venue,” said Jans. “We’ve got great respect for Coach Otzelberger and their terrific staff for how accomplished and well run of a program Iowa State has become. This early season matchup will help prepare us for other early challenges and the SEC schedule.”
Mississippi State leads the all-time series 3-0. The last meeting was a 95-56 victory by the Bulldogs on Jan. 30, 2021.
This is the fourth NCAA Division I event at the Sanford Pentagon announced for the 2025-26 season. Nebraska will face Oklahoma in men’s basketball on Nov. 15. The Nebraska women’s basketball team will take on North Dakota State on Nov. 16, and South Dakota State will match up against Wyoming in men’s basketball on Dec. 15.
