At Iowa State University’s Media Day on Wednesday, head coach Jimmy Rogers presented a dramatically reshaped Cyclones football roster. The new coaching staff, arriving from Washington State, faces the challenge of fielding a team with virtually no returning starters on either side of the ball.
Veteran quarterback leads the offense
Rogers has placed former Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor at the helm. Raynor, who impressed the Cyclones during two previous matchups with Iowa State, boasts a dual‑threat skill set. “If you are watching from home, you will see a team that is very physical, very connected with high energy and will do anything to compete,” Raynor said.
Raynor emphasized his comfort with both the passing and rushing game, stating, “I am a winner. If we have to throw it 50 times a game, run it 50 times a game, I’m comfortable with both. It’s really all about the team, whatever it needs.”
Key offensive pieces
Returning kicker Kyle Konrardy and return specialist Aiden Flora will anchor special teams, with Flora expected to take on a larger role at running back. Transfer running back Cameron Pettaway, a former MAC Freshman of the Year who led the nation in kick‑return average, will also share carries.
New wide receivers Omari Hayes (Tulane), Cody Jackson (Tarleton State) and Evan Boyd (Michigan State) join the unit, while tight end Tyler Fortenberry (Arkansas State) has already shown promise in the passing game. Offensive line veteran Jake Taylor arrives from Oklahoma to provide leadership on the line.
Defensive outlook
The defense remains a question mark, with all starters being newcomers. Linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen, who followed Rogers from Washington State, is projected to have a breakout sophomore season.
Team confidence and outlook
Senior linebacker Carson Willich, one of the few holdovers from the Matt Campbell era, expressed strong belief in the squad’s potential: “Everybody on this team believes we are going to be successful and win a Big 12 Championship and go to the playoffs. If you don’t believe that, I don’t know why.”
Rogers echoed that sentiment, acknowledging a tough road ahead but emphasizing the opportunities ahead: “If we are all in this together, I’m not saying that it is going to be an easy road throughout the season, but we have a ton of opportunities here to make an impact.”
First game preview
The Cyclones open the season on September 5 at home against Southeast Missouri State, offering the first glimpse of how the new pieces will fit together on the field.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
