A Fresh Start for the Cyclones
Iowa State’s football program is entering a pivotal phase as head coach Jimmy Rogers looks ahead to the upcoming season. With the departure of every offensive and defensive starter from last year, the roster is essentially reset, and Rogers says there is no longer a dedicated scout team.
Instead, every position is open, and each player will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the field. The offseason window is tight, spanning less than two months before the first game, forcing the staff and athletes to focus on relentless work ethic.
Rogers has emphasized a blue‑collar mentality, urging the squad to grind, compete and aim for unexpected victories despite the loss of experience. The message is clear: hard work will be the foundation of the team's identity.
Among those fighting for playing time are returning players such as Jaylen Raynor, Issac Terrell, Kyle Konrady, Aiden Flora and David Coffey, each hoping to translate preseason effort into on‑field impact. The competition is expected to be fierce, but the coaching staff believes the open environment will bring out the best in everyone.
The Cyclones will open the season against a challenging slate of opponents, but the coaching staff remains confident that the new blue‑collar approach can produce surprising results. As the team prepares to take the field, the focus is on unity, discipline and the belief that any player can become a game‑changer.