A new defensive era for Iowa State
Iowa State’s football program is charting a bold defensive shift as it moves from a 3‑3‑5 look to a 4‑2‑5 front under head coach Jimmy Rogers and coordinator Jesse Bobbit. The new alignment is designed to generate more pressure on the quarterback and to address a pass‑rush that produced just 13 sacks a year ago, ranking near the bottom of the Big 12.
The line will feature a wave of transfers from Washington State, a group that combined for 14 sacks last season, highlighted by Isaac Terrell’s seven. Adding to the mix is former South Dakota State standout Caden Crawford, who logged 78 tackles, 10.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2023, bringing a blend of size and experience to the interior.
At linebacker, the Cyclones will blend returning stalwarts with a quartet of transfers who have left their mark elsewhere. Freshman Sullivan Schlimgen arrives after a 49‑tackle rookie campaign at Washington State, while Tristan Exline, a two‑time Division II All‑American from UT‑Permian Basin, brings a knack for disrupting offenses. Montreze Smith Jr. of Austin Peay contributed 74 tackles, 8.5 for loss and four sacks in 2023, and former cornerback Willie Breland III is making the jump from junior college to the FBS ranks.
The safety unit faces a leadership vacuum after Braden Awls’ season‑ending ACL injury, a loss that also removed the conference’s top interceptor. Micah Harper, who has rebuilt his career after injuries at BYU and Montana, is expected to shoulder more responsibility, while the staff hopes the experience of coaches with ties to South Dakota State and Washington State will smooth the transition.
Cornerback David Coffey, who saw increased snaps due to injuries last year, is being evaluated for a full‑time CB1 role, a move that could stabilize a secondary that has been searching for consistency.
Special teams could prove decisive. Kicker Kyle Konrardy’s long‑range accuracy helped the Cyclones secure two victories over Iowa, and he will aim to improve his precision after a injury‑marred season. Return specialist Aiden Flora, whose late punt‑return touchdown at TCU swung momentum, will be paired with Bowling Green transfer Cameron Pettaway, adding depth to a unit that could influence close games.
All of these pieces will be put to the test when the Cyclones open the 2024 season against Southeast Missouri on September 5, a matchup that will serve as the first real gauge of whether the 4‑2‑5 scheme can translate practice promise into on‑field production.