The Iowa State football program is embarking on a significant transition under first-year coach Jimmy Rogers. With Matt Campbell moving to Penn State and a large portion of the 2025 roster departing, Rogers faces the challenge of reshaping the team ahead of the 2026 season.
Iowa State Football: Track Incoming Transfers and Commitments
As the program prepares for a fresh start, Rogers will focus on building a competitive roster by utilizing high school recruits and the transfer portal. The transfer portal opens on January 2, and the Cyclones are expected to be active in acquiring new players.
Rogers’ Experience and Strategy
Rogers previously managed a similar rebuilding task at Washington State, where he secured a 6-6 record despite a depleted roster. Although the context differs between a Pac-12 program and a Big 12 institution, his experience will guide Iowa State as they aim to establish depth and a robust foundation.
Incoming Transfers
- Caleb Schmidt, LS, Minot State (D2): A 6-foot-3, 240-pound long snapper.
- Derek Worden, OT: A 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle from Arizona, previously signed with Washington State and offered by Arizona.
- Landon Kalsbeck, ATH: A 6-foot-1, 210-pound athlete from Littleton, Colorado, also a Washington State signee.
- Bradley Esser, S: A 6-foot-2, 209-pound safety from South Dakota who signed with Washington State and held an offer from Northwestern.
- Kingston Fotualii, OL: A 6-foot-3, 290-pound offensive lineman from Washington, flipping from Washington State.
- Jake Jones, DL: A defensive lineman standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 275 pounds, originally from Arizona, who also flipped from Washington State after receiving offers from Boise State and Colorado State.
- Tyler Burnstein, DE: A 6-foot-4, 235-pound defensive end, Arizona native, with offers from Arizona State and Nevada.
- Drew Byrd, TE: A tight end expected to enroll in January, rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals from Meridian, Idaho.
- Luke Galer, TE: Another tight end from Loomis, California, also expected to enroll in January, rated as a three-star prospect.
- Savion Barthelemy, DL: A 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman from Belle Chasse, Louisiana, recognized as a three-star prospect.
As the Cyclones navigate this transition, ongoing monitoring of player commitments will be crucial. The coaching staff’s proactive steps in addressing roster needs reflect a commitment to building a competitive team for future seasons.
