Class 5A · 1-4 · Updated Sep 26, 2026
Ames (1-4) is projected to finish 1-8 and makes the Class 5A playoffs in 0% of 20,000 simulated seasons, currently outside the playoff field. Chance to reach the UNI-Dome semifinals: 0%; to win the Class 5A state title: 0%.
Open the interactive Class 5A playoff machine for Ames →| Week | Opponent | Our pick | Chance | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wk 6 | at Council Bluffs Lincoln | Council Bluffs Lincoln | 81% | Strong |
| Wk 7 | at Ankeny | Ankeny | >99% | Lock |
| Wk 8 | vs Dallas Center-Grimes | Dallas Center-Grimes | 98% | Lock |
| Wk 9 | at Sioux City East | Sioux City East | >99% | Lock |
Lock picks (90%+) were right 97% of the time on Iowa games from 2021 to 2025.
| # | Team | Record | RPI now | Projected RPI | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Dubuque Senior | 2-3 | 0.4550 | 0.4422 | <1% |
| 28 | Ottumwa | 2-3 | 0.4440 | 0.4128 | <1% |
| 29 | Des Moines Lincoln | 3-2 | 0.4700 | 0.4124 | <1% |
| 30 | Ames | 1-4 | 0.3880 | 0.4001 | 0% |
| 31 | Cedar Rapids Jefferson | 1-4 | 0.3580 | 0.3859 | <1% |
| 32 | Dubuque Hempstead | 0-5 | 0.3140 | 0.3463 | 0% |
| 33 | Des Moines East | 1-4 | 0.3260 | 0.3425 | 0% |
The top 16 in final RPI make the Class 5A playoffs.