A New Era for the Cyclones
The Iowa State Cyclones are set to undergo a radical transformation as they head into the 2026 football season, with a completely new roster and coaching staff.
The departure of longtime head coach Matt Campbell to the Penn State Nittany Lions has left a void, as he took a wave of assistants and players with him, reshaping the program's foundation.
Taking over, Jimmy Rogers arrives with a championship pedigree from South Dakota State, bringing a fresh philosophy and a staff that includes defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbitt and offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, both praised for their ability to maximize talent.
Bobbitt’s defensive schemes have shown they can adapt and pressure opponents, while Roehl, drawing on NFL experience, aims to craft a hard‑nosed running attack that can control the line of scrimmage.
Among the newcomers, quarterback Jaylen Raynor is expected to lead the offense, supported by a group of wide receivers that includes Cameron Pettaway, Aiden Flora, Arnold Barnes III, Cody Jackson, Omari Hayes, Evan Boyd, Carter Pabst, Dominic Overby and Jordyn Bailey, each looking to prove themselves at the next level.
While the schedule will be tough and the learning curve steep, Rogers’s history of turning under‑the‑radar programs into contenders offers a glimmer of optimism that the Cyclones can rise to the challenge.