Iowa State’s New Offense: Built on Grit, Ground Game, and the David Montgomery Blueprint
AMES - Tyler Roehl spent last season coaching tight ends with the Detroit Lions, but it didn’t take long for him to build a connection with one of Iowa State’s most iconic players - a connection that’s already shaping the Cyclones’ offensive identity under new head coach Jimmy Rogers.
That player? David Montgomery.
The former ISU star and current NFL running back is the kind of tone-setter Roehl wants his offense to emulate: smart, relentless, and built for the grind. Roehl, now Iowa State’s offensive coordinator, isn’t just drawing inspiration from Montgomery’s highlight reels - he’s building a system that echoes the way Montgomery used to fight for every inch.
“He’s one of, if not the best player, to ever come through the school,” Roehl said. “Just seeing his daily workings as a professional - a true professional.
Work ethic. Curiosity to learn.
And then an unbelievable football player.”
Roehl saw it up close in Detroit. Montgomery’s ability to turn nothing into something - especially in short-yardage situations - left a lasting impression.
“It may not be blocked for a yard, but you know he’s gonna get a yard,” Roehl said. That kind of determination is the standard now in Ames.
The Run Game Is the Identity
Roehl’s plan is straightforward: run the ball, run it often, and run it with purpose. That philosophy aligns perfectly with what Jimmy Rogers preaches - physicality wins. Maybe not on every snap, maybe not in every game, but over the course of a season, the tougher team usually comes out on top.
John Johnson, the Cyclones’ new running backs coach, echoed that mentality. After coaching the same position at New Mexico last year, Johnson knows what he wants from his backs - and it starts with refusing to go down on first contact.
“The first defender never tackles you. One defender doesn’t bring us down,” Johnson said.
“Being able to be physical and having great contact balance - that’s gonna be the definition of it from a running back. We’ve got to exercise that every single day, we’ve gotta emphasize that every single day, and we’ve gotta go out and do it.
That’s gotta be who we are.”
That mindset will be tested early, but the Cyclones are building a backfield that fits the bill. From returners like Aiden Flora to newcomers like Cameron Pettaway - the MAC Freshman of the Year out of Bowling Green - the talent is there. But as always, the run game only goes as far as the offensive line can take it.
O-Line Chemistry Comes Fast - and That’s a Good Thing
Rogers didn’t mince words when he described how quickly his new offensive line group came together: “shocked” was the term he used. That’s not hyperbole - in today’s transfer portal era, building chemistry on the fly is no easy feat.
But thanks to a mix of veteran additions and returning players, the Cyclones have put together a group that looks ready to anchor this new-look offense. Transfers like Maasai King (Akron), Jake Taylor (Oklahoma), and Gavin Broscious (Michigan State) bring experience from Power Five and Group of Five programs. Meanwhile, holdovers like Austin Barrett and Garrett Rutledge are helping to bridge the gap.
Offensive line coach Jake Thornton, who spent the last three seasons at Auburn, knows how fast things move in the portal - and how quickly decisions have to be made.
“It’s like speed dating,” Thornton said. “You can’t wait in the portal.
If you wait one day on a guy, that’s like waiting two months in real recruiting. It’s already bypassed you at that point.”
Thornton said nearly every lineman they added committed within a day of visiting campus. The draw? According to him, it’s the Iowa State community - and the chance to be part of something that’s being built to last.
Quarterback Room Has Depth - and a Leader
The Cyclones also added a key piece under center in former Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor. He’ll compete with returning QB Connor Moberly and Oklahoma State transfer Zane Flores, but Raynor’s leadership traits are already standing out.
“He’s a connector,” said quarterbacks coach Keith Heckendorf, who coached Raynor at Arkansas State. “That’s where it starts with me with him - just who he is as a person, and the work ethic, and the knowledge and the mind that goes behind that.”
Raynor’s ability to lead - both in the huddle and off the field - will be critical as ISU looks to establish an offensive identity that can complement its physical run game with efficiency through the air.
A Blueprint Built on Toughness
At the end of the day, Roehl’s vision for the offense is simple: line up, hit hard, and keep coming. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective - and it’s grounded in the same qualities that made David Montgomery a Cyclone legend.
“We want to go out there and throw haymakers,” Roehl said. “That’s the identity.”
If the Cyclones can match that mentality with execution, this offense won’t just be tough - it’ll be a problem for Big 12 defenses all season long.