The Iowa State Cyclones kicked off their 2025 campaign with a dominant 38‑10 victory over Southeast Missouri State, a performance that underscored the optimism surrounding new head coach Jimmy Rogers.
While the opening win highlighted the Cyclones’ offensive firepower, the road ahead reveals a schedule that blends teams appearing vulnerable with opponents poised to test the young coaching staff.
Early results suggest several potential weak spots: Tulsa’s loss to Oklahoma State, Bowling Green’s upset defeat at the hands of an FCS program, and West Virginia’s narrow triumph over Coastal Carolina all point to opponents that may be more beatable than projected.
Conversely, the Cyclones will also face stiffer competition, including the Iowa Hawkeyes, who opened with a 40‑0 shutout, Kansas State, which posted over 70 points against weaker foes, and Cincinnati, which secured a 34‑15 win over Boston College, indicating a landscape of fluctuating difficulty.
For Jimmy Rogers, the early schedule offers a laboratory to fine‑tune his system, as the Cyclones must navigate a mix of manageable games and formidable matchups to establish consistency and build momentum for the season.