Iowa State Cyclones are entering a pivotal season after the departure of head coach Matt Campbell and a wave of player exits that left the program in flux.
A New Defensive Identity
The university responded by appointing Jimmy Rogers, the former Washington State Cougars coach, who brings a blend of FCS and FBS experience and a history of developing defensive talent.
Rogers arrived with a core group of four defensive linemen — Issaac Terrell, Caden Crawford, Malakai Ta’ase and Bryson Lamb — three of whom arrived from Washington State, where they thrived under his guidance.
Terrell is being touted as the Cyclones’ most promising player, while Crawford, a transfer from the South Dakota Coyotes, dominated at the FCS level and is viewed as the team’s top defensive lineman after Terrell. Ta’ase, who posted a strong 2025 campaign, is projected to rank among the top ten players in the conference, and Lamb, though sack‑less last year, offers depth as the fourth option.
Opinions on the Cyclones’ prospects diverge; some analysts predict a challenging year in the Big 12, while others see the reinforced defensive line as a catalyst for competitiveness. The performance of these linemen will ultimately decide whether Iowa State can translate its offseason upgrades into on‑field success.