Iowa State Cyclones Lag in Big 12 Preseason Rankings

Big 12 Preseason Rankings Overview

The Big 12 Conference did not issue its own preseason rankings for the 2026 season. USA TODAY Sports Network filled the void with a predicted order that was voted on by writers covering all 16 league teams. Texas Tech tops the list after capturing the conference crown and reaching the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, while BYU sits second following its upset of the Red Raiders in the championship game. Utah, Houston and Arizona round out the top five, leaving Iowa State at the bottom of the projection.

Iowa State’s Predicted Finish

Iowa State was tabbed to finish last in the preseason poll after losing its winningest coach, Matt Campbell, and undergoing a massive roster overhaul. The Cyclones posted an 8‑4 mark last season but now must replace a decade of success with more than 60 newcomers. New head coach Jimmy Rogers, who is making his first foray into a power conference, inherits a team loaded with freshmen and transfers. The rebuild scenario explains why the Cyclones are projected to be at the bottom of the Big 12 standings.

Who’s Leading the Pack

Texas Tech’s rise is fueled by its first‑ever Big 12 title and a deep run into the postseason, making the Red Raiders the favorites for a repeat performance. BYU sits just behind after beating Texas Tech in the championship game and hopes to build on last year’s momentum. Utah, Houston and Arizona round out the top five, giving the conference a competitive feel‑in‑the‑middle. The contrast between Texas Tech’s dominance and Iowa State’s rebuilding effort highlights the wide gap inside the league.

Iowa State’s Preseason Honorees

No Cyclones made the USA TODAY Sports Network preseason All‑Big 12 team, but three players earned honorable mentions. Running back Aiden Flora returns as a second‑team all‑conference performer, while kicker Kyle Konraddy was named an honorable mention last year. Defensive end Isaac Terrell, a high‑profile newcomer, was named Pac‑12 Defensive Line Top Performer and posted a team‑high seven sacks at Washington State. Those selections show that despite the overall rebuild, Iowa State has talent to build upon.

2026 Iowa State Football Schedule Preview

Below is the complete 2026 slate for the Cyclones, highlighted by a mix of home and away matchups against a variety of opponents. Each game includes the date, location, kickoff time and a quick note on the opponent’s recent record. The schedule opens with a home game against Southeast Missouri State and closes with a rivalry contest against Kansas State in late November.

• Sept. 5 – Home opener vs Southeast Missouri State at Jack Trice Stadium. Kickoff is noon CT. The Redhawks finished 4‑8 in 2025 and will be a key gauge for Iowa State’s preseason expectations.

• Sept. 12 – Road trip to Iowa City for a 6:30 p.m. CT matchup against the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa completed the 2025 season with a 9‑4 record and enters the game as a top‑25 contender. The Cyclones will look to upset the host Hawkeyes and send a message early in the schedule.

• Sept. 19 – Hosted Bowling Green at Jack Trice Stadium, kickoff 11:00 a.m. CT. The Falcons were 4‑8 in 2025 and provide an open‑date challenge for Iowa State. A strong performance against Bowling Green will help the Cyclones build momentum for the tougher contests ahead.

• Sept. 26 – Home clash vs Utah at Jack Trice Stadium. The Utes capped 2025 with an 11‑2 mark and will be a test of depth for the Cyclones. Iowa State’s defense must contain Utah’s high‑powered offense to secure the win.

• Oct. 3 – Hosted West Virginia at Jack Trice Stadium. The Mountaineers finished 4‑8 in 2025 and will be looking to upset the Cyclones. Iowa State aims to stay unbeaten at home and keep its bowl hopes alive.

• Oct. 9 – Road game at Provo to face BYU. The Cougars completed 2025 with a 12‑2 record and are a top‑15 program. The Cyclones will need to execute a disciplined game plan to hold the high‑scoring Cougars in check.

• Oct. 24 – Travel to Tucson for a matchup against Arizona. The Wildcats posted a 9‑4 finish in 2025 and bring a balanced attack. Iowa State’s offense must produce enough points to stay competitive on the road.

• Oct. 31 – Home game vs Oklahoma State at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cowboys were 1‑11 in 2025 and will be desperate for a win. The Cyclones are expected to dominate this matchup and improve their overall record.

• Nov. 7 – Hosted Baylor in Waco. The Bears finished the 2025 season 5‑7 and are fighting to avoid a losing record. Iowa State will seek to capitalize on Baylor’s lapses and secure a crucial conference victory.

• Nov. 14 – Home clash vs Cincinnati at Jack Trice Stadium. The Bearcats posted a 7‑6 record in 2025 and are bowl‑eligible. The Cyclones need to finish the regular season strong and earn a spot in the postseason if possible.

• Nov. 20 – Road game in Orlando vs UCF. The Knights finished 5‑7 in 2025 and will be looking to end the season on a high note. Iowa State must stay focused and execute its game plan to overcome the Florida atmosphere.

• Nov. 28 – Season finale at home against Kansas State. The Wildcats completed 2025 with a 6‑6 mark and are eager to prove they belong. The Cyclones aim to close out the year with a win and send their fans home happy.

Iowa State’s 2026 campaign will be defined by the relentless rebuilding effort and the emergence of new talent. If the Cyclones can turn some of those rookie contributions into wins, they may surprise pundits and climb up the Big 12 standings. The schedule offers chances to notch key victories against Bowling Green, Oklahoma State and Kansas State, all of which could be pivotal for confidence heading into future seasons. Fans will be watching closely to see how Jimmy Rogers’ regime adapts and whether the infusion of newcomers can translate into on‑field results. The upcoming year promises to be a learning curve for Iowa State as it attempts to reclaim its former prominence in the conference.