AMES, Iowa - If you’re looking for a month that could define the next chapter of Iowa State football, January 2026 is it. In a span of just a few weeks, the Cyclones underwent a roster overhaul that’s nothing short of seismic.
More than 50 players exited via the transfer portal. Nearly 45 new faces came in.
The math is simple, but the implications are massive: Iowa State enters the 2026 season with a roster of around 105 players, and a whole lot of unknowns.
At the center of it all is new head coach Jimmy Rogers, who’s stepping into the spotlight with a clear-eyed view of the challenge ahead. No excuses.
No hypotheticals. Just the roster in front of him and the work that needs to be done.
“It means you have to make the most out of what this roster is,” Rogers said in a recent conversation. “And there’s no turning back.
You can’t say, ‘Well, this guy’s going to be better than this guy.’ It’s none of that.
You have what you have.”
That quote tells you a lot about where Iowa State is right now - and where they’re headed. This isn’t a slow rebuild. It’s a full-blown reset, and it’s happening fast.
Over the coming days, Iowa State’s staff will be deep in evaluation mode, breaking down each position group as winter workouts ramp up in Ames. Spring practice is just around the corner, and every rep matters more than ever. With so many new players in the mix, establishing chemistry, identifying leaders, and building a cohesive unit is priority number one.
And it all starts with the most critical position on the field: running back.
Running back isn’t just about who can hit the hole the fastest or break the most tackles. It’s about setting the tone.
Establishing identity. In a revamped offense under a new regime, the backfield will be the heartbeat of the Cyclones’ attack.
Who steps up? Who earns the trust of the coaching staff?
And who becomes the go-to guy when it’s 3rd and short in Big 12 play?
Those are the questions Iowa State needs to answer - and quickly.
The roster turnover may have been dramatic, but it also opens the door for opportunity. For players who might’ve been buried on depth charts elsewhere, Ames is now a proving ground. For Jimmy Rogers, it’s a chance to build a team in his image - tough, disciplined, and hungry.
January may have reshaped the roster, but what happens next will shape the season.