The 2026 college football season marks a decisive turning point for the Iowa State Cyclones, a program that will field a completely new lineup after a wave of departures. Head coach Matt Campbell has left for Penn State, taking the bulk of the coaching staff and many key players with him, leaving the Cyclones with zero returning starters.
A New Coaching Chapter
Jimmy Rogers, the newly appointed head coach, arrives with a proven track record of revitalizing programs in flux. At Washington State he steered a team composed largely of newcomers to a bowl‑game victory in 2025, showcasing his ability to blend fresh talent into a competitive unit.
Preseason assessments place the Cyclones at No. 100 in Phil Steele’s rankings, the lowest mark among Power 4 conferences. Washington State sits at No. 95, while Boston College is the nearest Power 4 counterpart at No. 91, and Cincinnati, a fellow Big 12 peer, is ranked No. 77. Even North Texas, which also lost its head coach and several starters, is positioned ahead of Iowa State in the listings.
The low ranking reflects both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. With veteran defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit now on staff, the team hopes to translate experience into on‑field cohesion despite the lack of established starters.