Iowa State Football Faces Major Rebuild Under New Coach Jimmy Rogers
Iowa State enters the 2026 season with a completely new look after head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State, taking star quarterback Rocco Becht and several other top players with him. The Cyclones now turn to Jimmy Rogers, who previously led Washington State to a 6-6 record and won an FCS national championship at South Dakota State in 2023.
The transfer portal has reshaped college football, and few teams feel that more acutely than Iowa State this year. The Cyclones return only 21 scholarship players from last season, making this one of the most inexperienced rosters in the Big 12. The annual rivalry game against Kansas State on November 28 at Jack Trice Stadium will cap the regular season for both teams.
What Happened to the Cyclones This Offseason?
Matt Campbell's departure created a massive void. He not only left for Penn State but also took quarterback Rocco Becht and several key contributors. This exodus forced Iowa State to rebuild almost from scratch through the transfer portal.
New head coach Jimmy Rogers brings a winning pedigree. He led South Dakota State to an FCS national championship in 2023 and took Washington State to a bowl game last season. But rebuilding a Big 12 program in one offseason is a tall order.
Who Will Lead the Offense?
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor arrives from Arkansas State with impressive credentials. Over three seasons, he threw for 8,694 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. He nearly led an upset against Iowa State last season, posting 305 total yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver Dominic Overby and right tackle Garrett Rutledge are the only projected offensive starters who were on the team last season. Overby had seven catches for 87 yards, while Rutledge played mostly on special teams. Transfer wide receiver Evan Boyd from Michigan State could be a key contributor after a promising freshman year at Central Michigan where he had 21 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns before a collarbone injury.
With so many new faces, the offense may struggle early in the season as players develop chemistry.
How Will the Defense Look?
Rogers hired Jesse Bobbit as defensive coordinator, and the scheme is changing from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5 alignment. Despite heavy losses to the transfer portal, the defense has some promising talent.
Defensive end Isaac Terrell followed Rogers from Washington State and had 28 tackles and seven sacks last season. He leads a defensive line that includes Caden Crawford, Zaimir Hawk, and Bryson Lamb. The linebacker corps could be a strength, with Austin Peay transfer Montreze Smith Jr. posting 73 tackles and four sacks in 2025. Sullivan Schlimgen, also from Washington State, had 49 tackles as a freshman and knows Bobbit's system well.
What Does the Schedule Look Like?
The Cyclones face a tough early test with a Week 2 road game against in-state rival Iowa. That game is always competitive and low-scoring, but this year's inexperienced team faces a major challenge.
The Big 12 schedule offers some relief, as Iowa State avoids Texas Tech and Houston. However, road games at BYU and Arizona in October could determine the direction of the season.
Can Iowa State Make a Bowl Game?
Rogers has a track record of building contenders. He did it at South Dakota State and was making progress at Washington State. But asking the Cyclones to compete for a Big 12 title in 2026 is a major ask.
For Iowa State fans, a realistic goal is playing meaningful games in November with a chance to earn a bowl berth. That would be a strong start to the Rogers era in Ames.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: TBD
TV: TBD
Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa
Series history: Iowa State leads 55-50-4. The Cyclones have won the last three games, all by eight points or less. Last season, Iowa State won a thrilling 24-21 matchup in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Matt Campbell leave Iowa State?
Matt Campbell accepted the head coaching position at Penn State, taking several key players including quarterback Rocco Becht with him through the transfer portal.
Who is Jimmy Rogers?
Jimmy Rogers is the new head coach at Iowa State. He previously led Washington State to a 6-6 record and won an FCS national championship at South Dakota State in 2023.
How many returning scholarship players does Iowa State have?
The Cyclones return only 21 scholarship players from last season, making them one of the most inexperienced teams in the Big 12.
When is the Iowa State vs. Kansas State game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 28 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Time and TV details have not been announced yet.
This article was adapted from original reporting by Yahoo Sports.