This upcoming weekend, college football isn’t the only competition in the spotlight as the Iowa Hawkeyes face off against the Iowa State Cyclones. The annual Cy-Hawk rivalry game has always been a big draw, but this year, it’s adding a political layer to the intrigue. Here’s what to know:

>   Republican Roster: The stands won’t just be filled with football fans. Several GOP Presidential candidates will be in attendance, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

>   Interactions on the Sidelines? Though all four heavyweights will be present, direct interaction between them seems unlikely. Still, their simultaneous presence will surely add to the day’s electricity. DeSantis told reporters, “I’m planning on linking up with (Reynolds), who’s … an Iowa State grad. So you’re not going to find me saying anything negative about Iowa State. Let’s just put it that way.”

>   Past Plays: Trump isn’t a newcomer to the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Back in 2015, during his previous presidential run, he attended the game. Notably, that was the year he finished second to Ted Cruz, marking the beginning of his ascent to the Presidency.

>   Coach’s Commentary: For Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, the political attendee list is just an exciting addition. He quipped about the gathering, pointing out the political ambiance of election year in Iowa, and reminded everyone, “There will be about 60,000 other people, too.”

With football and politics intermingling, the weekend promises a unique blend of sport and spectacle, highlighting the significance of Iowa in both arenas.

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