si
The Iowa State football program is set to enter a transformative era in 2026, as former head coach Matt Campbell has moved on to lead Penn State. His exit triggered a significant exodus of talent, with quarterback Rocco Becht among those following him to Happy Valley, leaving the Cyclones to regroup under new leadership.
Stepping into the head coaching role is Jimmy Rogers, who previously guided Washington State to a 6-6 record last season after securing an FCS national championship with South Dakota State in 2023. In today's college football landscape, roster turnover is inevitable due to the transfer portal, but Iowa State's situation is particularly pronounced, with only 21 returning scholarship players from the prior campaign.
This matchup has evolved into one of the Big 12's most entertaining rivalries, and both squads aim to conclude their regular seasons on a high note. The Cyclones' offense will feature a new signal-caller in Jaylen Raynor, a transfer from Arkansas State who brings three seasons of starting experience. During his tenure with the Red Wolves, Raynor amassed 8,694 passing yards, 52 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Notably, he faced Iowa State last season and nearly engineered an upset, racking up 305 total yards and a touchdown.
Among the projected starters, only two return from last year's roster: wide receiver Dominic Overby and right tackle Garrett Rutledge. Overby recorded seven catches for 87 yards, while Rutledge saw action in 12 games, primarily on special teams. Another transfer expected to make an impact is wide receiver Evan Boyd, who arrives from Michigan State. As a freshman at Central Michigan in 2024, Boyd hauled in 21 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns before a collarbone injury cut his season short. Although he managed just three catches with the Spartans last year, his talent suggests he could regain his previous form.
Key Analysis
With numerous new pieces, the offense may encounter early-season struggles as chemistry develops. However, the defense appears poised for success under new coordinator Jesse Bobbit, who is shifting the scheme from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5 alignment. Defensive end Isaac Terrell, who followed Rogers from Washington State, is coming off a standout season with 28 tackles and seven sacks, and he'll anchor a defensive line featuring Caden Crawford, Zaimir Hawk, and Bryson Lamb. The linebacker corps could be a strength, with Austin Peay transfer Montreze Smith Jr. posting 73 tackles and four sacks in 2025, and Sullivan Schlimgen, another Washington State import, bringing familiarity with Bobbit's system after recording 49 tackles as a freshman.
The schedule presents immediate challenges, including a Week 2 road trip to face in-state rival Iowa, a game known for its defensive battles. While the Big 12 slate offers some relief by avoiding Texas Tech and Houston, tough road contests at BYU and Arizona in October could define the season's trajectory. Rogers has a track record of building competitive programs, but expecting immediate contention in the Big 12 may be ambitious. For Iowa State supporters, a November push toward bowl eligibility would signal a promising start to the Rogers era.
Game details: The Cyclones will host Kansas State on Saturday, November 28, at Jack Trice Stadium, with kickoff time and TV broadcast to be announced. Iowa State leads the all-time series 55-50-4, and the teams have split recent meetings, with the Cyclones winning the last three by eight points or fewer, including a 24-21 thriller in Ireland last season.