The Iowa State Cyclones finished last season with a 36-26 loss to Memphis in the Liberty Bowl, a loss that wrapped up a 7-6 season.
The Cyclones exceeded expectations just a bit, as Iowa State was young at several positions, including quarterback. An early surge at the start of Big 12 play — which saw the Cyclones win four of their first five games — helped erase some of the sour taste from their 1-2 start in non-conference, which included a road loss at Ohio.
But Iowa State struggled down the stretch, splitting their final four games, with losses to Kansas and Texas.
Now, the Cyclones return one of the most experienced rosters in the conference, as they boast 18 returning starters. The only team in the Big 12 that can challenge that level of retention is Oklahoma State, and the Cowboys went to the Big 12 Championship game last year.
Here’s what you should expect going in.
IOWA STATE OFFENSE: EXPERIENCE TO SPARE
Iowa State wasn’t one of the best rushing teams in the country last year, as the Cyclones only averaged 119.9 yards per game to finish No. 101 in FBS. That could change this year. First, Iowa State returns all five of last year’s starters on the offensive line. Second, running back Abu Sama III should take on a bigger role as a sophomore after he gained 614 yards and scored six times last year.
Incredibly, he’s not a “returning starter,” though he logged 84 carries. But he’s surrounded by all kinds of experience, including quarterback Rocco Becht, a sophomore who threw for 3,120 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions last year. He stepped up after Hunter Dekkers left ISU after he was caught up in a sports gambling investigation.
Becht’s top two receivers are back, too. Jayden Higgins caught 53 passes for 983 yards and six touchdowns, while Jaylin Noel had 66 catches for 820 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer — a rotational player last year — returns with 29 catches.
ISU didn’t really need any transfers but watch former Michigan State running back Jaylon Jackson, who could spell Saba at tailback.
Related: ESPN Claims Noah Fifita, Jalon Daniels Are More ‘Proven’ Than Rocco Becht
IOWA STATE DEFENSE: A TOP-TIER GROUP
Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock knows how to get a lot out of his defense. This season should be no exception, and he’s bolstered by the fact that he has eight returning starters. The Cyclones can create turnovers, as returnees Jeremiah Cooper, Beau Freyler, and Malik Verdon combined for 10 interceptions last year.
Cornerback Myles Purchase should move into the T.J. Tampa role as the team’s best defensive back after a quality 2023. Freyler is the team’s leading returning tackler. Linebacker Caleb Bacon was once a walk-on and is the Cyclones’ second-leading returning tackle.
Iowa State does need some help in the pass rush. Defensive ends Joey Peterson and Tyler Onyedim are back from a season ago, but the entire defense only managed 21 sacks. J.R. Peterson led Iowa State with 3.5 sacks and returns. To take the next step, the Cyclones need to get better at getting to the quarterback. That help could come from ULM transfer Kenard Synder.
IOWA STATE SPECIAL TEAMS: COUNTING ON KONRARDY
The Cyclones have an experienced punter in Tyler Perkins, who averaged 44.3 yards per punt. But placekicker Kyle Konrardy will assume those duties after Chase Contreraz graduated. It will be up to the former walk-on to give ISU what it needs in the field goal game.
PREDICTION: IOWA STATE GOES 8-4, BOWLING
The Cyclones should be among the teams jockeying for a berth in the Big 12 Championship game when November starts. It’s possible ISU could be 3-0 in non-conference, with its rivalry game with Iowa the biggest hurdle. Iowa State’s first four league games give it the chance to start the slate 4-0. But November will be hard. There is no break, and four of the five teams could be potential contenders, too — Texas Tech, Kansas, Utah, and Kansas State. That stretch will determine if the Cyclones can get to Arlington.
Related: Predicting Every Game of the 2024 Big 12 Football Season
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
