Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers isn’t wasting any time when it comes to building the foundation for his 2027 recruiting class. Aware that his program has ground to make up, Rogers and his staff are hitting the trail with purpose-and they’ve already zeroed in on one key in-state prospect.
That prospect is Nate Brenneman, a standout from Rock Valley, and he’s quickly become a priority for the Cyclones. Rogers, along with offensive line coach Jake Thornton, made the trip to Rock Valley last week to personally connect with Brenneman and lay the groundwork for what they hope will be a strong relationship moving forward.
For Brenneman, the visit left a real impression.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I had my two brothers there and my dad came and my coach was there, and we met for about an hour and it was just a great time.”
This kind of early, personal outreach says a lot about how Iowa State is approaching the 2027 class-and how much they value keeping top in-state talent close to home. Rogers knows that building a competitive roster starts with relationships, and visits like this one are about more than just football. They’re about trust, connection, and showing young players and their families that they’re more than just a name on a recruiting board.
For Brenneman, having his family and coach included in the conversation underscores that message. It’s a reminder that recruiting is as much about people as it is about potential.
There’s still a long road ahead in the 2027 cycle, but Iowa State’s approach here is clear: be intentional, be present, and be ready to compete for the best talent-especially when it’s right in their own backyard.