A New Era for the Cyclones
Under the guidance of first‑year head coach Jimmy Rogers, the Iowa State Cyclones are reshaping their roster for the 2026 season with a clear objective: secure a bowl invitation in their inaugural campaign under the new leadership.
The program has released a top‑25 list that spotlights several standout athletes who could define the team’s performance. Seth Johnson, a cornerback who helped Montana State capture the 2025 FCS championship, is poised to claim a starting role. Carson Willich, a linebacker who has been a consistent presence for the Cyclones, may see an expanded snap count. David Coffey, a cornerback and return specialist, brings captaincy experience and was a prominent voice at Big 12 media day. Meanwhile, transfer wide receiver Cody Jackson, who previously wore the jerseys of Oklahoma and Houston before stints at Tarleton State, is back in Ames aiming for a starting spot. Adding physicality to the receiving corps, Montreze Smith Jr. returns from a dominant FCS career at Austin Peay and hopes to translate that success to the Power Five stage.
Key Players to Watch
These athletes embody the blend of experience and fresh talent that Rogers envisions as the foundation for a competitive squad. Their individual skill sets — whether it’s Johnson’s defensive instincts, Willich’s reliability, Coffey’s knack for forcing turnovers, Jackson’s route running, or Smith Jr.’s size and physicality — are expected to shape the Cyclones’ identity on both sides of the ball.
The coaching staff has emphasized that the contributions of these five athletes will be pivotal, not only for their positional impact but also for the culture they set within the locker room as the team embraces a new direction.