In their first year under head coach Abe Stuber, the Cyclones compiled a 3–6 record (1–4 against conference opponents), finished in fifth place in the conference, and were outscored by opponents by a combined total of 141 to 111.
[1][2] They played their home games at Clyde Williams Field in Ames, Iowa.
The team's statistical leaders included Webb Halbert with 464 rushing yards, Ron Norman with 504 passing yards, Dean Laun with 246 receiving yards, and Harley Rollinger with 21 points (three field goals and 12 extra points).
[4] The team's regular starting lineup consisted of left end Dean Laun, left tackle Tom Southard, left guard Joe Brubaker, center Rod Rust, right guard Norman Anderson, right tackle Harley Rollinger, right end Bob Jensen, quarterback Don Ferguson, left halfback Webb Halbert, right halfback Vic Weber, and fullback Ray Klootwyk.
90 (out of 500 college football teams) in the final Litkenhous Ratings for 1947.