AMES — It’s the final week of the 2025 regular season, and Iowa State football is gearing up for a road matchup against Oklahoma State.

The Cyclones (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) will take on the Cowboys (1-10, 0-8 Big 12), as Matt Campbell’s squad looks to finish out the regular season on a high note. Each of the last nine matchups between these two teams – dating back to 2015 – was decided by seven points or fewer, but this game might not follow that trend.

Despite some of Iowa State’s struggles this year, the Cyclones are a heavy favorite, considering that Oklahoma State sits in sole possession of last place in the Big 12.

Here are three takeaways from Campbell’s media availability ahead of the Cyclones’ matchup against Oklahoma State.

Iowa State won’t underestimate Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have yet to beat a conference opponent this season, and they’ve won just one game all year. But Campbell isn’t underestimating Oklahoma State.

He understands the Cowboys will be fighting to prove something in their last game of the year – and on senior day, no less. That’s why Campbell expects a test for his Cyclones, despite the Cowboys’ record.

“When you watch this Oklahoma State team – and all you’ve gotta do is watch the last two games – how these kids are playing, it’s a tribute to their leadership in their locker room. It’s a tribute to the attitude and effort, and we know what Oklahoma State football is all about.”

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Caleb Bacon will return next season

The Cyclones’ star linebacker may be listed as a redshirt senior on the roster, but he didn’t take part in Iowa State’s senior day ceremony – held before the game against Kansas. And there’s no question that he’ll be back in Jack Trice Stadium next year.

“That was a quick determination,” Campbell said about Bacon taking a medical redshirt last season. “(He) will be back next year. So, there’s no determination. He’s a junior ready to go play senior football next year.”

More: Iowa State football returns to form on offense, throttles Kansas

Xavier Townsend could miss the last game of the year

The Iowa State wide receiver could miss the final game of the season, with Campbell sharing that Townsend has been battling through a wrist injury.

“I don’t know what his availability will be this week,” Campbell said. “I would probably say leaning more towards doubtful than hopeful. (We’re) trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that, and is it something that can heal without surgery.

“He’s battled it here the last couple of weeks, and X has done a great job battling through it and trying to give us everything he’s got.”

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

CLEVELAND, S.C. (AP) — Dozens of rescuers scoured rugged terrain on Tuesday using drones, helicopters, offroad vehicles and dogs to search for a grandmother and three grandchildren who authorities believe got lost while hiking in a South Carolina state park.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said a boy called 911 on Monday evening saying he and three family members had been lost for about three hours in the area of Caesars Head State Park near Cleveland, South Carolina. A vehicle matching one described by the boy was found at the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The sheriff’s office identified the missing hikers as Tonda Michelin, 53; Melody Bangs, 14; Michael Lawton, 11; and Dale Moser, 9. Authorities have not said whether they live locally, or why the grandmother did not place the call.

During the 911 call, the child said his phone battery had almost run out, Lt. Ryan Flood of the sheriff’s office told WHNS-TV.

The search began Monday and at least 50 people from half a dozen agencies including the National Guard are involved in the search.

Caesars Head State Park is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Greenville, South Carolina, and is a protected environment for rare animals and plants. The Ravens Cliff Falls trail is a 4-mile (5.6-kilometer) round trip, leading to Caesars Head, a dramatic granite overlook atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment that provides views of many waterfalls.

Another popular trail — a 6.6-mile (10.6-kilometer) round trip — leads to a suspension bridge that crosses the creek above the 420-foot (130-meter) tall Raven Cliff Falls, according to the state park’s website. All the Caesars Head trails are rated as advanced and are in a wilderness setting, according to the website.

Caesars Head connects to Jones Gap State Park in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which includes 17,000 acres (7,000 hectares) of mountainous forest, the website says.