A New Look on Offense
Iowa State’s preseason camp, set to open on August 5, will be dominated by a single question: how will the new-look offense perform? After three years as the starter, Jaylen Raynor now takes the field as the team’s power‑conference quarterback, but his track record against top defenses remains a point of scrutiny.
Raynor’s career numbers — 62.9% completion, 8,694 yards, 52 touchdowns and 28 interceptions — include a school‑record 333 pass attempts in 2023. His ascent from true freshman to three‑year starter illustrates both promise and the pressure to translate those stats into wins against stronger competition.
Coordinator plans call for a run‑heavy scheme, leveraging a rotating backfield that includes transfers Arnold Barnes III, Cameron Pettaway and Aiden Flora. The backfield depth was shaken by the departures of Salahdin Allah and Jayden Jackson, leaving the staff to rely on newcomers to fill the void.
At the receiving corps, the Cyclones have added Evan Boyd, Cody Jackson and Carter Pabst, with Jackson showing flashes at Tarleton State. Wideouts Omari Hayes and Jordyn Bailey bring FBS experience, while tight ends Tyler Fortenberry, Christian Greenlaw and Keaton Roskop vie for prominent roles in the new system.
The offensive line also sees a infusion of talent. Transfers Jake Taylor from Oklahoma and Caden Maas from Sioux Falls join returning guard Garret Rutledge, who is coming back from injury. This mix aims to provide the durability needed for a ground‑centric attack.
The season will open on September 5 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, where the Cyclones will host Southeast Missouri. The game marks the first test of a unit that must blend fresh arms, legs and hands into a cohesive threat.