Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State enters 2026 with one of the most overhauled rosters in the country. Over 50 players entered the transfer portal, including 16 starters and 24 who followed former coach Matt Campbell to Penn State. New head coach Jimmy Rogers responded by bringing in more than 45 transfers, headlined by Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor, Bowling Green running back Cameron Pettaway, and a completely rebuilt offensive line featuring Oklahoma transfer Jake Taylor, Montana's Colin Amick, and FCS All-American Braden Smith. The result is a team that is talented but still learning to play together.

Offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, returning from the Detroit Lions, is installing a scheme built on downhill rushing and play-action passing. Running backs Aiden Flora and Cameron Pettaway (the 2025 MAC Freshman of the Year) give the Cyclones a potent one-two punch. Pettaway also led the nation with a 33.0-yard kickoff return average. At receiver, Dominic Overby returns, while Tulane transfer Omari Hayes and Tarleton State's Cody Jackson add deep speed. The offensive line, almost entirely new, must gel quickly for the offense to reach its potential.

Despite heavy turnover, Iowa State kept key defensive pieces: linemen Zaimir Hawk and Jace J. Gilbert, linebacker Carson Willich, and defensive backs David Coffey and Drew Surges. The spring loss of Toledo transfer safety Braden Awls to a torn ACL is a significant blow, but the staff has had time to develop replacements. New defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit brings familiarity from Washington State, and transfers like linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen and defensive linemen Isaac Terrell (7.0 sacks in 2025) and Malaki Ta'ase should contribute immediately.

Junior kicker Kyle Konrardy is one of the nation's best, giving Iowa State a reliable scoring option in close games. Cameron Pettaway's 33.0-yard kickoff return average and Aiden Flora's 26.1-yard punt return average (with a touchdown) add explosive potential in the return game. If the offense struggles early, special teams could provide crucial field position and points.

With so many new faces, Iowa State's season will be defined by how quickly the roster can develop cohesion. The Cyclones have enough talent to compete in the Big 12, but the loss of Matt Campbell's system and the late arrival of Jimmy Rogers means this is a true rebuild. An opposing Big 12 assistant noted that replacing so many players and recruits is extremely difficult. The early non-conference schedule will be critical for building trust and timing before conference play begins.