In their second year under head coach Abe Stuber, the Cyclones compiled a 4–6 record (2–4 against conference opponents), tied for fifth place in the conference, and were outscored by opponents by a combined total of 197 to 116.
79 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System ratings for 1948.
[3] They played their home games at Clyde Williams Field in Ames, Iowa.
The team's statistical leaders included fullback Bill Chauncey with 428 rushing yards, quarterback Don Ferguson with 367 passing yards, left end Dean Laun with 225 receiving yards, and right halfback Bob Angle with 18 points (three touchdowns).
[5] 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 Billy Myers, right tackle George Friedl, right end Dean Norman, quarterback Don Ferguson, left halfback Webb Halbert, right halfback Bob Angle, and fullback Bill Chauncey.