If you’d told an Iowa State fan a year ago that Matt Campbell would be wearing Penn State blue and the Cyclones would be starting over with more than 50 new faces, they’d have probably asked what you were drinking. But here we are. It’s mid-January 2026, and the iowa state university football news cycle is moving faster than a jet sweep in a Taylor Mouser offense.
Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. After Campbell packed his bags for Happy Valley in December 2025, taking a massive chunk of the roster and staff with him, the program didn't just hit a speed bump—it hit a brick wall. But the dust is finally starting to settle. New head coach Jimmy Rogers, who hopped over from Washington State (and has a national title ring from his South Dakota State days), is basically playing a real-life game of College Football 25 to rebuild this thing from scratch.
The Massive Roster Reset (and a Five-Star Surprise)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The exodus was brutal. We’re talking about 55 players hitting the transfer portal. Losing stars like Abu Sama III to Wisconsin and seeing a pipeline of talent like Benjamin Brahmer, Caleb Bacon, and Kooper Ebel follow Campbell to Penn State felt like a gut punch to the Ames community.
But then, Rogers started cooking.
Just this week—literally January 15, 2026—the Cyclones landed a massive commitment from former five-star cornerback Jaheim Singletary. He’s a guy who was a blue-chip recruit for Georgia before heading to Arkansas, and now he’s bringing that SEC length and speed to Jack Trice Stadium. It’s the kind of "statement" get that tells the Big 12 that Iowa State isn't just going to roll over and die.
Who’s Actually Coming to Ames?
The portal hasn't just been a one-way street. Jimmy Rogers has used his connections to bring a "Pullman-to-Ames" pipeline to life. We’re seeing a ton of former Washington State guys like cornerback Tyrone Cotton III, edge rusher Isaac Terrell, and safety Damarius Russell making the jump.
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It’s a gamble, sure. But these are guys who already know Rogers’ defensive system.
Here is a quick look at the impact players joining the fold:
- Jaylen Raynor (QB): The former Arkansas State starter is arguably the most important get. He follows his old OC, Keith Heckendorf, who is now the QB coach in Ames. Raynor has three years of starting experience under his belt. That’s huge when your previous starter, Rocco Becht, is gone.
- Cameron Pettaway (RB): Coming over from Bowling Green after being named MAC Freshman of the Year. He’s got that shiftiness that could make him a nightmare on third downs.
- Montreze Smith Jr. (LB): An FCS Freshman All-American at Austin Peay. He’s a tackling machine who chose the Cyclones over several other Power 4 offers.
Why the Coaching Change Matters So Much
Look, Matt Campbell did incredible things for Iowa State. He turned a "doormat" program into a consistent winner. But the way things ended—with so many players following him to Penn State—left a sour taste for some.
Jimmy Rogers is a different breed. He’s young, he’s aggressive, and he’s leaning heavily into the "new" era of college football. While Campbell often talked about "the process" and long-term culture building, Rogers is currently in "emergency response mode." He had to. You can't lose 50+ players and try to build slowly.
He’s filled out his staff with guys like Tyler Roehl at Offensive Coordinator and Jesse Bobbit leading the defense. It’s a group that understands the Midwest footprint but isn't afraid to shop nationally in the portal.
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The Recruiting Class of 2026
Despite the chaos, the high school recruiting hasn't totally collapsed. The 2026 class is hovering around the Top 50 nationally. One name to keep an eye on is Jeffrey Roberts, a wide receiver out of Dowling Catholic. Keeping local talent like that home during a coaching transition is a major win for Rogers.
Then you’ve got guys like Mason Bandhauer, an offensive lineman whose dad, Todd, was a legendary QB for the Cyclones back in the 90s. That kind of legacy connection is what keeps the fan base engaged when everything else feels like it’s changing.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rebuild
A lot of national pundits are writing Iowa State off for the 2026 season. They see "50 transfers out" and assume a 0-12 season is coming. But they’re missing a few things.
First, the Big 12 is wide open. There’s no Texas or Oklahoma to bully the block anymore. Second, Jimmy Rogers brought in 43 transfers. That’s an entire starting lineup and two-deep of guys who have played college football elsewhere. This isn't a team of 18-year-olds; it’s a team of veterans from the MAC, the Mountain West, and the Pac-12 (or what's left of it).
The chemistry will be the big question. Can you take 40 guys who didn't know each other in December and make them a team by September?
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The Challenges Ahead
It’s not all sunshine and five-star transfers. The Cyclones are still fighting to keep guys like four-star wideout Landon Blum from flipping to—you guessed it—Penn State. The "Campbell Factor" is going to haunt Iowa State on the recruiting trail for at least a couple of cycles.
Also, the offensive line is basically a construction site. Rogers brought in guys like DeAndre Carter (Auburn) and Cade Myer (Colorado School of Mines), but the Big 12 is a league where you win or lose in the trenches. If those portal additions don't mesh quickly, Jaylen Raynor is going to be running for his life.
Navigating the New Big 12 Landscape
The schedule for 2026 hasn't been fully finalized with times and dates, but we know the opponents. The Cy-Hawk game against Iowa is always the barometer. Losing that game early in a rebuild can kill momentum, but winning it? That would officially start the Jimmy Rogers era with a bang.
What you should do next to stay updated:
- Watch the Spring Game: Usually held in April, this will be your first chance to see if Jaylen Raynor and the new-look offense have any actual rhythm.
- Monitor the Post-Spring Portal: Don't think the roster is set. There will be another wave of transfers in May after players realize where they sit on the depth chart.
- Check the "Iowa State Daily" and "Cyclone Fanatic": These guys are on the ground in Ames and usually get the scoop on injury updates or late-night commitments before the national guys do.
The 2026 season is going to be a rollercoaster. It might be messy, it’ll definitely be different, but for the first time in a long time, Iowa State football is completely unpredictable. And honestly? That’s kinda exciting.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're planning on attending games this fall, keep an eye on the ticket office early. With the massive roster turnover, there's a lot of "curiosity interest" that might drive up demand for the home opener. Also, get familiar with the names on the defensive line now—that's where Jimmy Rogers has spent the most "portal capital" trying to toughen up the roster for Big 12 play.