A New Era for the Cyclones
Jimmy Rogers stepped onto the Iowa State campus this offseason with a clear mandate: to steady a program that has seen its share of upheaval.
The departure of longtime coach Matt Campbell left a void, and the Cyclones are navigating a roster in flux as they attempt to replace key contributors.
Early projections place modest ambitions on the horizon, with bowl eligibility and a six‑win season viewed as realistic milestones for Rogers’ inaugural year.
The schedule, however, does not offer many easy victories; the team is slated to meet three Top 25 opponents, making wins against those squads unlikely but not impossible.
Rogers hopes to lean on his experience at Washington State, where a bowl appearance last season proved that steady progress is achievable even in a competitive landscape.
Recruiting will be the linchpin of the rebuild, as the staff works to replenish talent lost during Campbell’s tenure and to attract players who can thrive in the Big 12’s mid‑tier competition.
While the Big 12 may not be the strongest of the Power Four conferences, its depth still demands a disciplined approach and strategic growth.