School officials from both Iowa State and Iowa announced today that a contract extension has been signed to continue the football series through 2021. The joint announcement of what is called the “Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series”  was made today in statements released by U-I Athletic Director Gary Barta, and ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard.

“We are pleased to have the contract extended through the 2021 season,” said Barta. “In-state rivalries are an exciting part of college athletics, and you can feel a different energy across the state during the week of the Hawkeye-Cyclone matchup.”

“We are excited to extend our contract with the University of Iowa in football through the 2021 season,” Pollard said in his statement. “This game is very important to the residents of this state and I am pleased both institutions are committed to continuing the rivalry. Rivalry games are great for college football.”

Iowa and Iowa State have played annually since resuming the series in 1977 in Iowa City. The teams first met in 1894, with Iowa holding a 40-21 advantage in the series. The Hawkeyes claimed a 27-21 win earlier this season in Ames.

The latest extension calls for the teams to meet in Iowa City on Sept. 8, 2018 and Sept. 12, 2020. Iowa will travel to Ames for games on Sept. 14, 2019 and Sept. 11, 2021. The previous contract included annual meetings through the 2017 season. The teams are scheduled to meet in Iowa City on Sept. 13, 2014.

Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz and Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads also were quoted in the statements:

“The annual contest with Iowa State is anticipated each year by fans of both programs,” said  Ferentz. “With the changing of the conference schedules, we are happy this series will be continued without interruption.”

“The Iowa State-Iowa rivalry is ingrained in this state,” Rhoads said. “It’s healthy for the state of Iowa, it’s healthy for both universities and we look forward to playing it every year.”