A New Chapter for the Cyclones
Jimmy Rogers, the architect of South Dakota State’s 2023 FCS championship run, arrived in Ames on the same day Matt Campbell departed for Penn State. His defensive pedigree promises a stark contrast to the previous regime, and his first test comes against a Hawkeyes team that still leans on a power‑run scheme.
The Cyclones enter the contest with a near‑complete overhaul of the 2025 roster. Fifty‑five players entered the transfer portal, and fifteen more followed Rogers from Washington State, leaving only a handful of holdovers. Among the new pieces, Isaac Terrell, a Washington State transfer, headlines a defensive front that posted 7 sacks and double‑digit tackles for loss last season.
At quarterback, freshman Jaylen Raynor, the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, will take over from Rocco Becht. Raynor’s mobility and arm talent are expected to inject a new dimension into the offense, even as the team adjusts to a dramatically different playbook.
The Cy‑Hawk Test
The rivalry, historically tilted toward Iowa, has seen the Cyclones win three of the last five meetings, including back‑to‑back victories in 2024 and 2025. Iowa’s most recent home win in the series dates back to 2018, a 13‑3 defensive battle. This year’s matchup marks Iowa State’s first Big 12 game and Iowa’s second contest of the season, making it a barometer for both programs’ early‑season identities.
Rogers’ defensive scheme will be measured against Iowa’s established run game, while the Cyclones’ revamped offense looks to capitalize on Raynor’s emergence. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season, especially as the Cyclones aim to translate their newfound depth into conference credibility.