Rogers Era Begins: Iowa State Football Builds Culture, Depth for 2026 Season
AMES, Iowa — The Jimmy Rogers era of Iowa State football is officially underway. The new head coach, hired on Dec. 5, 2025, addressed the media for the first time on Aug. 19, ahead of the Cyclones' season opener against Southeast Missouri on Sep. 5, 2026.
Rogers takes over a program that posted winning records in each of the final three seasons under Matt Campbell. The question now is whether his newly assembled roster can maintain that momentum or if a transition period lies ahead.
“It's been an eventful eight months,” Rogers said in his opening statement. “The team's come together really well. This fall camp has been extremely productive for us, (and) the competition throughout camp has been fun to watch. ... I'm excited for this season.”
Cyclones stay in-state for first five weeks
Iowa State will play just one away game in the first five weeks of the season, and that trip is a short one. The Cyclones open at home against Southeast Missouri, travel to Iowa City in week two, then host Bowling Green, Utah, and West Virginia at Jack Trice Stadium.
For a roster full of newcomers, staying close to home could be a significant advantage.
“We spend the first five games in-state, (and that's) huge for us,” Rogers said. “It will allow us to continue to build depth, and guys will blossom throughout the season in different point and times to see who the best players are.”
Culture is the key carryover from Washington State
Iowa State and Washington State are vastly different programs, but Rogers believes the culture he built with the Cougars can translate to Ames.
“I think culture, when it comes down to people,” Rogers said when asked what he wants to bring from his previous post. “Being on one wavelength and being about the team and being committed to one another was always extremely important to the last staff. Yeah, there's similarities, but the voice, the messaging, how it's said might be slightly different.”
Rogers is no stranger to rebuilding rosters
In his only season at Washington State, Rogers integrated 75 newcomers and led the Cougars to a 7-6 record. He faces a similar challenge this year with 82 newcomers on the Iowa State roster. Only placekicker Kyle Konrardy returns as a starter from Campbell's tenure.
“The experience of going through that with so many new players was unique for me and at times I take things for granted until they show up,” Rogers said. “I can promise you this year I didn't take anything for granted.”
What does this mean for Iowa State fans?
The early schedule offers a chance for the Cyclones to build confidence before conference play heats up. With a home-heavy start and a roster eager to prove itself, Rogers has a real opportunity to keep Iowa State competitive in the Big 12.
Iowa State opens the 2026 season on Sep. 5 at Jack Trice Stadium against Southeast Missouri.