Jimmy Rogers enters his 1st season at Iowa State with a revamped roster following Campbell’s exit

Jimmy Rogers embarked on his inaugural season as Iowa State head coach, steering the program through a significantly altered roster in the wake of Matt Campbell's departure for Penn State. In response to the mass exodus, Rogers was forced to recruit 47 new players to the team. The transition proved challenging, with Rogers acknowledging that the Cyclones would need to endure difficult times as they sought to build a championship-caliber squad.

Rogers' decision to field a team composed primarily of newcomers was underpinned by the presence of a veteran quarterback in Jaylen Raynor, who played 36 games across three seasons at Arkansas State. Raynor's performance, including 3,361 yards and 19 touchdowns, and his ability to lead the Red Wolves to a bowl game, provided a solid foundation for the team. He would be supported by tight end Tyler Fortenberry, another Arkansas State transfer.

Defensively, the Cyclones relied on a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor faced challenges after being sacked 31 times last season, potentially leading to an increased emphasis on running the ball. Tackle Jake Taylor, a transfer from Oklahoma, provided experience on the offensive line despite missing all of last season due to injury. Linebackers Carson Willich and Isaac Terrell, both acquired from Washington State, were tasked with anchoring the defense against top-tier competition.

Amidst the roster overhaul, Iowa State retained some key contributors. Kicker Kyle Konrardy, known for his accuracy on field goals and extra points, remained with the team. Transfers Cameron Pettaway and Sullivan Schlimgen bolstered the running back and linebacker positions, respectively. Pettaway, who was named MAC freshman of the year for his 1,000-yard rushing season and 53.1 kickoff return average, and Schlimgen, who started the last five games as a freshman, were vital pieces for the young team.

The coaching staff's anticipation for the upcoming season was tempered by the high stakes. Iowa State's first two games were scheduled against Utah and BYU, with the team aiming to compete for the conference championship. Rogers' prediction of a challenging year reflected the enormity of the task ahead for a program that had largely succeeded under Campbell's leadership for the preceding decade.