Iowa State University’s football program is starting the 2026 season with a dramatically reshaped roster. After longtime head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State, the Cyclones hired former Washington State coach Jimmy Rogers to take the helm. Rogers arrived with a clear mission: replace the departing talent with a flood of transfers and give the team a fresh identity.
Massive transfer influx
Rogers’ first major move was to bring in 47 players from other schools, a number that dwarfs most single‑season recruiting classes. The former Washington State coach, who posted a 6‑6 record in his lone season there, is no stranger to rebuilding with newcomers—he oversaw 75 transfers at WSU in 2025. In a recent On3.com Big 12 coaches’ survey, Rogers predicted the Cyclones could reach the conference championship game, a bold statement given the program’s near‑reset.
Key offensive pieces
The Cyclones will rely on veteran quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who transferred from Arkansas State after starting 36 games, throwing for 3,361 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Raynor’s experience should help stabilize an offense that lost most of its seasoned linemen. He will have familiar targets, including former Arkansas State teammate tight end Tyler Fortenberry.
Kicker Kyle Konrardy is one of the few holdovers. He finished his career 14‑of‑18 on field goals and 19‑of‑21 on extra points, ranking 10th in program history with 170 points, though injuries sidelined him for three games.
Offensive line challenges
Raynor was among the most sacked quarterbacks nationally last season, taking 31 hits according to Pro Football Focus. With the loss of experienced offensive linemen, he will likely spend more time on the move. Veteran tackle Jake Taylor, a transfer from Oklahoma who saw limited action in 2024, is expected to provide leadership on the line.
Defensive outlook
Defensively, the Cyclones have a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Defensive end Isaac Terrell followed Rogers from Washington State after a season with 12 tackles for loss and is expected to anchor the line. Linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen, also a former WSU player, started the final five games as a freshman and recorded 49 tackles.
Other notable transfers include running back Cameron Pettaway from Bowling Green, the MAC freshman of the year who led the nation in kick‑return average, and defensive back Jontez Williams from USC, who saw limited action due to injury but contributed 15 tackles and two pass breakups.
Schedule preview
Iowa State’s 2026 schedule begins with an away game at Iowa on September 12, followed by a home matchup against Utah on September 26 and another road test at BYU on October 9. The early slate will test the new roster’s cohesion and Rogers’ ability to integrate the massive influx of talent.
Coach Rogers’ outlook
Rogers acknowledges the difficulty ahead. “I’ve said it before, they are going to have to suffer through hard times to become the team that they want to be,” he told reporters. His confidence in the squad’s potential reflects a long‑term vision rather than immediate results.
With depth concerns across the board, the Cyclones will need every player to step up quickly. The season promises to be a true trial by fire for both the coaching staff and the newly assembled roster.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
