Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class just got a big boost - and it’s coming from a familiar pipeline.
On Friday night, the Cyclones secured a commitment from offensive tackle Derek Worden, a former Washington State pledge who reopened his recruitment after being released from his National Letter of Intent on Christmas Eve. Just two days later, Worden made it official with Iowa State, giving new head coach Jimmy Rogers another foundational piece up front.
Worden’s commitment is notable not just because of his size and potential, but because of the connection he already shares with Rogers. The two were previously tied together at Washington State, where Rogers served as defensive coordinator before being hired earlier this month to replace longtime Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell. That relationship clearly played a role in Worden’s quick flip - and his comments after committing made that clear.
“I love the head down, work first philosophy Coach Rogers has,” Worden said, echoing a message that’s quickly becoming the identity of this new-look Cyclones program.
Worden becomes the second recruit to commit to Iowa State since Rogers took over, joining wide receiver Malcom Watkins out of Bakersfield, California. While it's still early in the 2026 cycle, the early returns suggest Rogers is building a class that fits his no-nonsense, blue-collar approach - and he's doing it by leaning on relationships and familiar faces.
One of those familiar faces is expected to be Jake Thornton, the former Auburn offensive line coach who has been in regular contact with Worden throughout this process. While Iowa State hasn’t officially announced Thornton’s hiring yet, signs point to him taking over the offensive line room in Ames soon. His SEC pedigree and reputation for developing tough, technically sound linemen would be a strong addition to Rogers’ first staff - and it’s already paying dividends on the recruiting trail.
For Iowa State, landing a player like Worden this early in the cycle - especially one with Power Five experience and a prior commitment to a program like Washington State - is a strong signal. It’s not just about filling roster spots. It’s about establishing a foundation, and Worden looks like the kind of player Rogers wants to build around.
The Cyclones still have a long way to go in shaping their 2026 class, but with Worden and Watkins on board, the early framework is starting to take shape. And if this is any indication of how Rogers and his staff plan to recruit - with a clear identity, strong relationships, and a focus on fit - Iowa State fans have reason to be optimistic about what’s coming next.