Cy-Hawk 2026: Five Iowa State players who could spoil Iowa's upset hopes
The annual Cy-Hawk showdown returns this Saturday, and for the first time in years, the Iowa Hawkeyes face a truly unfamiliar Iowa State squad. After a massive offseason overhaul in Ames, the Cyclones look nothing like the team Iowa has battled in recent seasons. For Hawkeye fans hoping to snap a two-game losing streak in this rivalry, these are the five Iowa State players to watch.
Why Iowa State's roster looks so different this year
Longtime head coach Matt Campbell departed for Penn State during the offseason, taking quarterback Rocco Becht and several other elite players with him. In response, new head coach Jimmy Rogers, hired from Washington State, attacked the transfer portal with intensity. The result is a Cyclones roster full of new faces, many of whom Hawkeye fans have never seen on the field.
While this unfamiliarity could work in Iowa State's favor, it also means the Hawkeyes have less film to study. Iowa will need to adapt quickly if they want to avoid a third straight Cy-Hawk defeat.
QB Jaylen Raynor: A dual-threat with big-play ability
2026 stats: 8-16 passing, 184 yards, 4 total touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing)
Jaylen Raynor made an immediate impact in his Iowa State debut. The former Arkansas State signal-caller accounted for four touchdowns in a 38-10 season-opening win over Southeast Missouri State. He connected on several big throws but showed inconsistency that Iowa's defense could exploit.
The 6-foot-1, 208-pound quarterback is most dangerous when scrambling. However, his 28 career interceptions suggest he is prone to mistakes under pressure. The Hawkeyes' defensive line must keep Raynor contained in the pocket to limit his effectiveness.
RB Aiden Flora: The veteran presence in the backfield
2026 stats: 7 carries, 45 yards, 1 touchdown
Aiden Flora is one of the few holdovers from last year's Cyclone roster. He started at running back in Week 1 and led the team in rushing. Iowa State will rotate Flora, Raynor, and Cameron Pettaway in the run game, giving the Hawkeyes multiple threats to account for.
Flora also handles punt return duties, adding another dimension to his game. He averaged 11 yards per return last weekend. This matchup will be a strong test for Iowa's unproven defensive line, which must step up against a balanced Cyclone attack.
DL Isaac Terrell: A disruptive force off the edge
2026 stats: 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Isaac Terrell dominated Iowa State's season opener. The Washington State transfer recorded three sacks and forced a fumble, living in the backfield all afternoon. He posted seven sacks with the Cougars last season and has picked up right where he left off.
Iowa's offensive line is considered stout, but Terrell will challenge them all game. Protecting the quarterback and establishing running lanes will be critical for the Hawkeyes to neutralize this pass-rushing threat.
LB Sullivan Schlimgen: The tackling machine at the second level
2026 stats: 9 total tackles, 1 sack
Sullivan Schlimgen followed coach Jimmy Rogers from Washington State to Ames. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker led the Cyclones in tackles during Week 1 and also recorded a sack. He totaled 49 tackles with the Cougars in 2025 and looks poised to exceed that mark this season.
Iowa will likely try to establish the ground game early. Schlimgen's ability to read plays and stop runners at the second level will be a key factor in whether the Hawkeyes can find offensive rhythm.
K Kyle Konrardy: The kicker who haunts Iowa's nightmares
2026 stats: 1-for-1 field goals (33 yards), 5-for-5 extra points
Iowa fans know Kyle Konrardy all too well. The 6-foot-1 kicker has booted the game-winning field goal in each of the past two Cy-Hawk matchups. In 2024, he nailed a 54-yarder with six seconds left in Iowa City. Last season, he repeated the feat with another 54-yard make in Ames.
The simplest way for Iowa to avoid another Konrardy heartbreak is to ensure the game doesn't come down to his leg. A comfortable lead late in the fourth quarter would be the ideal scenario for Hawkeye fans.
What Iowa must do to win Saturday
The Hawkeyes have the talent to win this game, but they must execute on both sides of the ball. Containing Raynor, stopping the run game, and protecting the quarterback are all essential. Most importantly, Iowa cannot let the game come down to a last-second field goal against a kicker who has already proven he can deliver in the clutch.
Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon. Hawkeye fans will be watching closely to see if Iowa can finally reclaim the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
Follow along for continued coverage of Iowa football and the Cy-Hawk rivalry.