Iowa State is gearing up for the 2026 college football season under first‑year head coach Jimmy Rogers, who took over after longtime leader Matt Campbell stepped down. The Cyclones have endured a whirlwind offseason, with a wave of transfers reshaping the squad and a brand‑new offensive scheme taking shape.
A New Era of Possibility
The most notable departure is starting quarterback Rocco Becht, who followed Campbell to Penn State, leaving a void at the helm of the offense. In response, the program turned to Jaylen Raynor, a three‑year starter at Arkansas State, to bring experience and a dual‑threat skill set to the position. Raynor’s ability to extend plays with his arm and legs has already generated buzz among analysts.
Complementing Raynor, the receiving corps boasts a mix of proven transfers — Omari Haynes, Carter Pabst, Evan Boyd and Cody Jackson — as well as returning standout Dominic Overby. The depth at wide receiver could provide the Cyclones with a versatile and dynamic passing attack.
Coach Rogers believes the combination of Raynor’s mobility and the talent at receiver positions the team to compete strongly in the Big 12 next season. While the defense will need to rebuild, the offensive unit’s potential to click early makes Iowa State a dark‑horse contender.