At the recent Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers took the podium to outline his vision for the upcoming season, emphasizing that the Cyclones will field 84 new players but will not use that as an excuse.
Toughness as a Program Pillar
Rogers defined the program’s identity around a single word: toughness. He insisted that success will be measured by how hard the team plays, not by the composition of the roster.
A Culture of Accountability
Central to that philosophy is an egoless culture built on trust, purpose and accountability. Rogers said every player must embrace this standard, creating an environment where personal glory takes a back seat to collective goals.
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor emerged as a focal point of the discussion. Rogers described him as an "unbelievable leader" who has already learned every teammate’s name and coined nicknames that have sparked camaraderie across the locker room.
Rogers also highlighted Kyle Konrardy, a Dubuque native, calling him "arguably the most talented player on the team" and noting his ability to launch 60‑plus yard field goals that could alter game strategy.
Defensively, the coach announced a shift to a 4‑2‑5 scheme aimed at shoring up run support, with defensive lineman Isaac Terrell slated to anchor the new front.
Beyond scheme, Rogers expressed a strong desire to preserve the annual rivalry game against Iowa, calling such matchups the "pageantry of college football" and a must‑have on the schedule.
He closed with a challenge to the roster: talent alone will not suffice; the team must translate preparation into performance on the field.