Iowa State Football’s Rebuild: From Doubt to Determination
Iowa State football’s massive roster overhaul and new coaching staff turn criticism into fuel as they eye a turnaround in the 2026 season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jimmy Rogers across Football, Basketball.
Iowa State football’s massive roster overhaul and new coaching staff turn criticism into fuel as they eye a turnaround in the 2026 season.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the Big 12 finds itself at a crossroads. Programs are led by a mix of proven winners, rising innovators and coaches under intense scrutiny, setting the stage for a dramatic year of competition.

The conference sees its most extensive turnover of head coaches in seven years, featuring returning alumni, defensive masterminds and national champions.

The conference sees its most extensive coaching reshuffle in seven years, featuring first‑time head coaches at their alma maters and a national championship pedigree.
Aiden Flora, David Coffey and Kyle Konrardy represented Iowa State at Big 12 Football Media Days, signaling a pivotal season for the Cyclones under new leadership.

At the Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers outlined his vision for a team built on toughness, an egoless culture and a commitment to the annual rivalry with Iowa.

The network’s unofficial rankings reveal a stark contrast between conference expectations and the Cyclones’ recent changes, highlighting key players and the upcoming opener against the Redhawks.
The network’s early rankings place Iowa State at the bottom of the Big 12, while Texas Tech is projected to repeat as champions, and three Iowa State players receive honorable‑mention recognition.
The Big 12 announced its 2026 preseason awards, omitting Iowa State despite an 8‑4 record, while highlighting new head coach Jimmy Rogers, a massive roster overhaul, and award winners L.J. Martin, A.J. Holmes and Drew Mestemaker.

A look at the projected 2026 Big 12 standings, key players, and the storylines shaping the upcoming season.

The 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days will take place in Frisco, Texas, featuring live broadcasts, major controversies, and the first public appearances of several new coaches.
The 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days will take place July 7‑8 in Frisco, Texas, with live broadcasts on ESPNU and Big 12 Studios, featuring discussions on Texas Tech’s off‑field issues, Deion Sanders’ Colorado rebuild, Arizona State’s quarterback questions and more.

After the departure of longtime coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State is reshaping its football program. New head coach Jimmy Rogers is placing a premium on recruiting, securing a class that already sits at No. 49 nationally, with a trio of offensive prospects poised to accelerate the team's offensive revival.

Jimmy Rogers is rebuilding the Iowa State Cyclones' offense, flipping top recruit Chuck Alexander from Louisville while navigating the departure of Matt Campbell and the challenges of the transfer portal.

The Cyclones will confront twelve different head coaches next year, each bringing a distinct background and recent track record that could influence Iowa State’s performance on the field.
Early power rankings reveal Texas Tech at the summit, with BYU and Houston close behind, while quarterback play, coaching changes and depth will shape the conference race.
As media days approach, analysts have released early power rankings for the Big 12, highlighting returning starters, coaching shifts and quarterback battles that could reshape the conference picture.

After a turbulent offseason that saw the departure of head coach Matt Campbell and a wave of player exits, Iowa State is being written off by many. Yet data and recent performance suggest the Cyclones should be ranked considerably higher than the 16th position they currently hold.

The Cyclones enter 2026 with a completely overhauled staff, a handful of highly rated players and a steep climb to regain competitiveness in the conference.

The Cyclones are navigating a turbulent offseason after losing head coach Matt Campbell and most of their roster, while new head coach Jimmy Rogers seeks to build chemistry among a transfer‑laden squad.
The Cyclones will be represented by five standout athletes at the Big 12 media day in Texas, where their recent performances and future prospects will be showcased.
EA Sports’ upcoming College Football 27 game, slated for a July 9, 2026 launch, reveals updated team and player ratings. Iowa State’s overall score falls to 77, slipping from a top‑30 spot, while conference rivals like Texas Tech and BYU lead the Big 12 rankings. Individual Cyclone players also receive updated scores.

Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.

The NCAA has approved a five-year eligibility model tied to age or enrollment, potentially granting Jaylen Raynor an extra season in 2027 and offering Iowa State strategic advantages.