Iowa State Reloads: Cyclones Push Transfer Portal to the Limit Ahead of Deadline
As the college football transfer portal nears its Friday deadline, Iowa State is making it clear: this is a full-scale roster rebuild, and they’re not easing into it.
New head coach Jimmy Rogers has wasted no time putting his stamp on the program, diving headfirst into the portal and pulling in an eye-popping haul of over 40 transfers. The latest addition came Thursday with the commitment of former Arkansas defensive back Jaheim Singletary - a talented piece who adds more depth and experience to a secondary that’s being completely retooled.
In total, Iowa State has brought in 61 transfer players this offseason - a staggering number that speaks to the urgency and ambition of this new era in Ames. These additions are joining a small core of returners from the Matt Campbell era, but make no mistake: this is Rogers’ roster now.
And it doesn’t stop with transfers. Rogers has also landed 22 high school recruits and a junior college defensive back, signaling that this isn’t just about a quick fix - it’s about building something sustainable. The balance between veteran experience and young talent is critical, and Iowa State appears to be walking that line with intent.
Now, with just a few roster spots left and the spring semester set to begin on January 20, the Cyclones are in a sprint to finalize their 2026 roster. Every move from here on out has to be calculated. They’re nearly at capacity, but if the right player hits the portal - especially one who can contribute immediately - don’t be surprised if Rogers and his staff make room.
The sheer volume of movement this offseason underscores how drastically the college football landscape has changed. For Iowa State, it’s not just about surviving the portal era - it’s about thriving in it.
This aggressive approach is a clear signal that the Cyclones aren’t looking to rebuild slowly. They’re aiming to compete now, and they’re using every tool available to get there.
With the portal window closing fast, all eyes are on whether Iowa State has one or two more moves left in the tank. Given how active they’ve been already, it wouldn’t be wise to count them out just yet.