Preseason Honors Skip Cyclones
The Big 12 Conference unveiled its 2026 preseason All‑Conference team and individual awards on July 6, spotlighting standout players from across the league while leaving the Iowa State Cyclones absent from the first‑team selections.
Iowa State entered the offseason after a solid 8‑4 campaign in 2025, a year marked by a dramatic roster turnover and the departure of longtime head coach Matt Campbell. Former defensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers was promoted to head coach, inheriting a squad that welcomed more than 60 new faces.
The overhaul reflects an aggressive rebuild strategy, with Rogers emphasizing speed and versatility. While the Cyclones will field a largely inexperienced lineup, the coaching staff believes the new talent can compete with the conference’s traditional powerhouses.
Key Awardees
Among the honorees, BYU’s L.J. Martin earned the preseason Offensive Player of the Year award, Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes was selected Defensive Player of the Year, and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker received the Newcomer of the Year accolade.
The conference also announced that preseason rankings and predicted order of finish will not be released, underscoring a focus on on‑field performance rather than preseason speculation.
Looking Ahead
For Iowa State, the upcoming season represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With a new coaching philosophy and a deep pool of transfers, the Cyclones aim to prove that their offseason moves can translate into tangible success on the field.