Tyler Burnstein didn’t waste time making a decision when it came to his college football future. The standout edge rusher from Peoria, Arizona had his sights set on playing for Jimmy Rogers-and initially, that meant heading to Washington State. Burnstein signed with the Cougars in early December, ready to compete in the evolving landscape of the Pac-12.
But college football rarely stays still for long.
Just days after Burnstein’s commitment, the coaching carousel spun again. Rogers accepted the head coaching job at Iowa State, stepping in for Matt Campbell, who had moved on to take the reins at Penn State. Suddenly, Burnstein’s plans were up in the air.
What followed was a few weeks of uncertainty, as Burnstein weighed his options and waited to see how things would shake out. The connection he had with Rogers was strong-strong enough to make him rethink his path. On December 27, Burnstein made it official: he was flipping his commitment to Iowa State.
“It was very nerve-racking, not knowing what I was doing,” Burnstein said via text. “I have a really good relationship with Coach Rogers, which is the reason I chose to flip to Iowa State.”
Burnstein’s move isn’t just about following a head coach he trusts-it’s about continuity and familiarity. Rogers isn’t going to Ames alone.
He’s bringing key members of his staff with him, including general manager Ricky Ciccone and defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs. For a player like Burnstein, who’s looking to develop at a high level, those relationships matter.
“I have a great relationship with those guys,” he said. “They are my position specialized coaches.”
For Iowa State, this is more than just a recruiting win-it’s a signal that Rogers is already building a foundation rooted in trust and continuity. And for Burnstein, it’s a chance to grow under coaches who already know how to get the best out of him.