A schedule that tests the Cyclones' rebuilding efforts
Iowa State enters the 2026 season with a slate that oscillates between manageable early contests and a punishing Big 12 gauntlet, a reality that new head coach Jimmy Rogers inherits as he attempts to reshape the program's identity.
The non‑conference opener against Southeast Missouri State offers the Cyclones a clear chance to establish rhythm before the conference grind, while a Week 0 showdown in Dublin against Kansas State adds an international flavor to the early schedule.
Navigating a rugged conference landscape
Big 12 opponents range from the defensive prowess of UCF, who finished 22nd nationally in passing yards allowed, to the explosive veteran attack of Arizona under Brent Brennan, and the heavyweight presence of BYU guided by Coach of the Year Kalani Sitake.
Mid‑tier matchups such as West Virginia, a program in full rebuild after a 4‑8 season, and Bowling Green provide opportunities for wins, whereas contests against Cincinnati, who secured bowl eligibility with a 7‑6 record, and Baylor, led by Dave Aranda, present formidable challenges.
The Cyclones will also travel to face UCF and Iowa, while home games against Utah and West Virginia promise heightened atmosphere, especially in the Cy‑Hawk rivalry where emotional intensity can turn the improbable into the possible.
Coaching changes add another layer of intrigue: Oklahoma State’s hiring of Eric Morris brings a wave of talent from North Texas, and Utah’s first‑year head coach Morgan Scalley begins a new era, while Arizona’s Brent Brennan looks to sustain an explosive identity.
With projections placing Iowa State at the bottom of the conference and +7000 odds to win the Big 12, the schedule serves as both a test of resilience and a canvas on which Jimmy Rogers hopes to paint a turnaround.