Iowa State football is entering uncharted territory in 2026. The winningest coach in program history, Matt Campbell, has departed, leaving a legacy of eight winning seasons in nine years and a Fiesta Bowl victory . The Cyclones now turn to Jimmy Rogers, a young and ambitious coach tasked with rebuilding a roster featuring over 80 newcomers after a massive transfer portal exodus . This guide provides a comprehensive preview of this new era, covering the 2026 schedule, key players, and the challenges and opportunities that await.
The End of the Campbell Era and the Rise of Jimmy Rogers
The departure of Matt Campbell to Penn State marked the end of a golden age for Iowa State football . Campbell transformed the Cyclones into a consistent winner, something the program had rarely experienced. He left as the all-time wins leader with a 72-55 record, a .567 winning percentage that is the best among Iowa State coaches in the past century . His success built a foundation of high expectations that the new coach will have to uphold. The bar has been set for winning seasons and bowl game appearances, a standard that was once a distant dream for Cyclone fans. The challenge for Rogers is not just to win, but to maintain the culture of competitiveness that Campbell instilled.
Who is Jimmy Rogers?
Jimmy Rogers arrives in Ames after a single season as the head coach at Washington State. At 39 years old, he brings a reputation for rebuilding programs. In his one year with the Cougars, he navigated a roster with 75 newcomers and led them to a 6-6 record and a bowl game appearance . He is viewed as a modern, player-centric coach who emphasizes connection and belief, traits he will need to unify a roster that has been completely overhauled. He has signed a six-year contract worth a starting salary of $3 million per year, signaling the university’s commitment to his long-term vision . Rogers has already shown his belief in the team by picking Iowa State to win the Big 12 championship in an On3 survey of conference coaches . This bold statement sets a high internal goal despite external skepticism.
Replacing a Legend: The Roster Overhaul
The transition has been drastic. More than 50 players entered the transfer portal following Campbell’s departure, including 16 starters from the 2025 squad . In total, 24 players followed Campbell to Penn State . This mass exodus left Rogers with the monumental task of rebuilding an entire roster. The Cyclones lead the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with an incredible 82 newcomers for the 2026 season, including 15 players who came with him from Washington State . This level of turnover is unprecedented in modern college football and presents both a significant challenge and a unique opportunity for immediate culture building. The coaching staff has been strategic in their recruitment, mixing players from the transfer portal with high school recruits to create a new identity.
The 2026 Iowa State Football Schedule
The 2026 season schedule has been officially released, and it presents a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities for the new-look Cyclones . The season will be a test of how quickly the team can gel and perform under Rogers.
Detailed 2026 Iowa State Football Schedule :
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sept. 5 | vs. Southeast Missouri | Ames, IA |
| Sept. 12 | at Iowa (Cy-Hawk Series) | Iowa City, IA |
| Sept. 19 | vs. Bowling Green | Ames, IA |
| Sept. 26 | vs. Utah | Ames, IA |
| Oct. 3 | vs. West Virginia (Homecoming) | Ames, IA |
| Oct. 10 | at BYU | Provo, UT |
| Oct. 17 | Bye Week | – |
| Oct. 24 | at Arizona | Tucson, AZ |
| Oct. 31 | vs. Oklahoma State | Ames, IA |
| Nov. 7 | at Baylor | Waco, TX |
| Nov. 14 | vs. Cincinnati | Ames, IA |
| Nov. 21 | at UCF | Orlando, FL |
| Nov. 28 | vs. Kansas State | Ames, IA |
A New-Look Offense
The offense will have a completely different feel in 2026, led by a new quarterback, a revamped running back room, and a rebuilt offensive line . The key will be how quickly these new pieces can develop chemistry and execute offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl’s system. The offense is expected to be more mobile with Raynor at quarterback, and the running game will aim to be more explosive. The success of this unit will be a major factor in how the team performs.
Quarterback: Jaylen Raynor Takes the Helm
The quarterback position will be led by Jaylen Raynor, a transfer from Arkansas State . Raynor won the job over other transfer quarterbacks and will reunite with his former offensive coordinator from Arkansas State, Keith Heckendorf, who is now Iowa State’s quarterbacks coach . In his junior season, Raynor led the Sun Belt in completions and passing yards, throwing for 19 touchdowns. He is a dual-threat, adding 423 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. While he has thrown 28 interceptions over three years, his high volume of passes suggests a manageable interception percentage that would be average in the Big 12 . His mobility is expected to be a key asset for the Cyclones. His familiarity with the offensive system should help him adjust quickly and lead the new-look offense.
Running Backs: Pettaway and Flora Lead the Charge
Cameron Pettaway is set to be the lead back for the Cyclones. He was named the MAC Newcomer of the Year after totaling 900 all-purpose yards and has been named to the Paul Hornung Award and Jet Award watch lists . The Cyclones will also rely on returning running back Aiden Flora, who provides explosiveness and will handle kick and punt return duties . The running back room also features Tulane transfer Arnold Barnes III, who is expected to contribute in short-yardage situations . Unfortunately, the team suffered a blow when Oregon State transfer Salahadin Allah tore his Achilles in spring workouts and will miss the entire season . This group will need to establish the run game to take pressure off the new quarterback.
Receivers and Tight Ends: A New Set of Targets
The receiving corps features a mix of transfers and returners. Cody Jackson, a former four-star recruit, brings deep threat speed, while Tulane transfer Omari Hayes is a reliable target who had his first drop in the American Conference championship game . Returning players like Dominic Overby and Washington State transfer Carter Pabst add depth . At tight end, Tyler Fortenberry, a transfer from Arkansas State, reunites with Raynor and will be a familiar face in the passing game . The tight end room has a mix of pass-catching and blocking skills, providing flexibility for offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl. The success of this group will depend on how quickly they build chemistry with Raynor.
The Defensive Outlook
While much of the focus has been on the offensive overhaul, the defense is expected to be a strength for the Cyclones in 2026. The team has a solid core of returning talent and new additions that could make it one of the better units in the Big 12. According to a detailed goals analysis for the 2026 season, a top-50 defense in key analytics is considered a realistic and achievable goal . This would be a critical anchor for a team with so many new offensive pieces, providing stability and keeping games competitive while the offense finds its footing.
Season Goals and Expectations
The expectations for the 2026 Iowa State football team are a topic of much debate. The national media is not high on the Cyclones, with an unofficial media poll picking them last in the Big 12 and Las Vegas setting the over-under for wins at a modest 4.5 . However, within the program, the goals are set much higher.
The season goals have been broken down into three tiers: Minimum, Realistic, and Stretch .
Iowa State Football 2026 Season Goals :
- Minimum Goals:
- Achieve a record of at least 4-8 while showing positive momentum in November.
- Secure wins against non-conference opponents and a couple of Big 12 home games.
- Avoid a full program reset and focus on developing a recruiting and development pipeline.
- Realistic Goals:
- Finish with a 7-5 record and defeat a rival (Iowa or Kansas State).
- Protect home field (they have 7 home games) and steal at least one road victory.
- Have a top-40 defense and a top-50 offense based on efficiency metrics.
- Secure a top-60 recruiting class, leveraging the new staff’s connections in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona.
- Stretch Goals:
- Achieve a 10-2 record and earn a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.
- Quarterback Jaylen Raynor wins Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
- Head Coach Jimmy Rogers wins Big 12 Coach of the Year.
- The potential for a record-breaking season hinges on the offense coming together quickly and the defense outperforming expectations.
The Path to the Big 12 Championship
Despite being a long shot, the path to the Big 12 Championship Game, while difficult, is theoretically possible . The Cyclones face a schedule that avoids three of the four teams that finished in the final AP Top 25, but they will face a gauntlet of ranked opponents like BYU, Utah, and Houston . The schedule is not considered “unwinnable,” but it will require the team to perform at a high level week in and week out. A potential path to the championship game would involve sweeping their Group of Five opponents, winning all their home games (Utah, West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Kansas State), and securing key road upsets at Iowa, BYU, and Arizona. This is a formidable task for a team with over 80 newcomers, but the belief within the team is that they can surprise people .
Frequently Asked Questions about Iowa State Football
Who is the new head coach for Iowa State football?
The new head coach for the Iowa State Cyclones is Jimmy Rogers . He was hired in 2026 following the departure of Matt Campbell to Penn State. Rogers previously served as the head coach at Washington State and is known for his ability to rebuild programs .
What is the Iowa State football schedule for 2026?
The Cyclones play a 12-game schedule starting Sept. 5. Notable games include the Cy-Hawk rivalry at Iowa on Sept. 12, a home conference slate against teams like Utah and West Virginia, and key road games at BYU on Oct. 10 and Kansas State on Nov. 28 .
Who is the quarterback for Iowa State in 2026?
Jaylen Raynor, a transfer from Arkansas State, will be the starting quarterback for the Cyclones in 2026 . He was named the starter after a competition and reunites with his former offensive coordinator, Keith Heckendorf, who is now the quarterbacks coach at Iowa State .
Why did so many players leave Iowa State football?
More than 50 players entered the transfer portal after head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State . Over 20 of those players, including 16 starters, followed him to Penn State, leading to a massive roster turnover for the Cyclones .
What are the expectations for Iowa State football in 2026?
Expectations are mixed. National analysts predict Iowa State to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 with only 4-5 wins . However, Coach Rogers and his players have set much higher internal goals, aiming for a winning record and even a potential Big 12 Championship appearance .
How many newcomers does Iowa State football have in 2026?
The Iowa State football team has an incredible 82 newcomers for the 2026 season, which is the most in the FBS . This includes 15 players who followed Coach Jimmy Rogers from Washington State and a mix of other transfers and high school recruits