The Iowa State Cyclones are preparing for the 2026 football season with a brand‑new coaching staff and a roster that looks markedly different from a year ago. The team’s identity is shifting as it adapts to fresh schemes and a depleted talent pool.
Quarterback Battle
At the center of the discussion is the quarterback position, where starter Jaylen Raynor will be backed up by a competition between Zane Flores and Connor Moberly. Both players are navigating a new system under the latest coaching regime, and neither has a clear advantage, leaving the job open for whoever can seize the moment.
Flores comes to Ames after a stint at Oklahoma State where he saw limited action, while Moberly is the only returning player from the previous season, giving him a unique perspective on the program’s culture and expectations.
The coaching staff has emphasized that the backup role remains fluid, with opportunities likely to arise for either candidate depending on performance and game situations. The competition is expected to intensify during preseason drills as the staff evaluates who can provide the most reliable depth.
Season Outlook
Even in the most optimistic projections, the Cyclones anticipate a six‑ or seven‑win campaign, a realistic target given the talent lost and the challenges of rebuilding. The team’s best‑case scenario hinges on solidifying the quarterback position and maintaining consistency on both sides of the ball.
The backup quarterback spot is more than a ceremonial position; it provides depth that could prove decisive in blowouts or if Raynor encounters injury. As the Cyclones move through preseason practices, the staff will be watching closely to see which of the two emerges as the most dependable option behind the starter.
Looking ahead, the program aims to build on the progress made during the offseason, leveraging new leadership and player development to turn the modest win target into a foundation for future success.