Iowa State Football: Starting Over with 82 Newcomers

Iowa State is embarking on a new chapter in its football program under head coach Jimmy Rogers, following Matt Campbell's move to Penn State. The Cyclones, who are coming off their most successful decade, face a significant rebuild with no returning starters and an FBS-leading 82 newcomers. Many of these new players come from Washington State, where Rogers previously coached, and others hail from lower collegiate divisions.

The team's prospects have been met with skepticism, as evidenced by a Las Vegas over-under win total of 4.5 and being picked last in the Big 12 by media polls. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor and running back Aiden Flora acknowledge the challenges but express confidence in the team's unity and commitment.

Fans harbor concerns that the program will regress to its historical standing, marked by a long conference championship drought since 1912 and numerous all-time losses. This contrasts sharply with Matt Campbell's tenure, which saw significant success, including eight winning seasons in his last nine years and two Big 12 championship game appearances.