The Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up for the 2026 college football season after a tumultuous offseason that saw longtime head coach Matt Campbell depart and several star players move on. The program has turned to veteran assistant Jimmy Rogers, who was promoted to head coach, to lead a rebuilding effort that leans heavily on a wave of transfers from the Football Championship Subdivision.
A New Head Coach Takes the Helm
Rogers, who spent years climbing the coaching ladder, brings a reputation for spotting undervalued talent. His philosophy centers on giving players who excelled at smaller programs a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage, a strategy that defines the Cyclones’ roster construction for the upcoming campaign.
Rebuilding with FCS Talent
Iowa State’s roster will feature six of its projected 22 starters who originally came from FCS programs, a notable shift for a Power Four school. These newcomers include wide receiver Cody Jackson and quarterback Braden Smith, both former Tarleton State Texans standouts, as well as defensive backs Colin Amick, Caden Crawford, Montreze Smith, and Seth Johnson, who previously played at Montana, South Dakota, Austin Peay, and Montana State respectively.
Coaches project Jackson to serve as the team’s second‑string wide receiver, while Crawford and Smith are expected to anchor the secondary, bringing experience and leadership to a defensive unit that needs depth. Their performances will be closely watched as the Cyclones attempt to translate lower‑division success to the Big 12 stage.
Expectations and Challenges
The success of the 2026 season hinges on whether these transfers can quickly adapt to higher competition and whether Rogers’ player‑development model can produce immediate impact. With a blend of fresh legs and seasoned veterans, Iowa State hopes to turn a period of transition into a competitive campaign, but the road ahead remains uncertain.