The Sunday shakedown: dissecting week 2 of fall camp, taking a deep dive into position group battles, and potential week 1 starters.

Let's start with the WHO. Some names cyclone fans should know going into JTS this fall consist of Jaylon Raynor (QB), Aidan Flora (RB), Cody Jackson (WR), Jake Taylor (OL), Issac 'Bobby' Terrell (DL), Sullivan Schilmgen (LB), David Coffey (CB), and Kyle Konrardy (K). 5 of the 8 players listed above have been named captains for 2026, given their established demeanors of leadership, experience, and skill set. Going into week 3 of camp, there's still a handful of young, and older players who are fighting for position spots this fall, let's break each position group down.

QB- Since Big 12 media days in July, Arkansas State transfer QB Jaylen Raynor (Sr.) has been known as the starter for week 1 against SEMO (per various media sources at Big 12 media days). Rs-Sophomore Connor Moberly appears to be the clear backup to Raynor, though Oklahoma St. transfer Zane Flores (Rs-So) is battling hard for that spot as well. It's safe to say we'll likely see both Moberly and Flores in the game on certain plays due to their mobility in the QB run game. 

RB- The running back position has been an area of concern, and uncertainty all throughout spring ball leading up to fall camp. The new staff didn't really bring in any big or shining names from the portal, so that worry and uncertainty has been normal... but given recent media availability conference statements from HC Jimmy Rogers and OC Tyler Roehl, rest assured there's no need to worry any longer. As Roehl compared 3rd year former walk-on punt returner Aidan Flora to the legendary, current 49ers RB Christan McCaffery. It's been known since Flora announced his return to the program after the departure of former head coach Matt Campbell, that he would play more snaps at the running back position, along with continuing his role in the special teams return game. Bowling Green transfer Cameron Pettaway (Rs-So) has also shined since arriving on campus. Since the end of spring ball, Pettaway has been named to 2 pre-season award watchlists, the Jet Award (college football's best return man), and the Hornung award (college football's most versatile athlete). Flora, and Pettaway will bring speed, versatility, and elusiveness to the run game in 2026, but when push comes to shove (literally), who will be pushed the whole 2 yards on 3 or 4th and short? Arnold Barnes (Sr.), that's who. The 5'10, 220-pound bruiser back from Tulane, will likely be Iowa State's short yardage back this season, following the injury loss of Salahadin Allah (Jr.) Some other names to keep an eye on are Easton Miller (Rs-Jr.), Caleb Francois (Fr.), and Ryver Peppers (Rs-Fr.).

WR- With recent names like Allen Lazard (NFL), Hakeem Butler (UFL), Jaylin Noel (NFL), Xavier Hutchinson (NFL), and Jayden Higgins (NFL), wearing cardinal and gold, deeming Iowa State as "WRU" isn't a hot take. The development at the receiver position under Matt Campbell was nothing short of elite. Can Jimmy Rogers and Derrick Sherman continue that legacy will be the question. Some fall camp standouts consist of Michigan St. transfer Evan Boyd (Rs-Jr.), Tarleton St. transfer Cody Jackson (Rs-Sr.), Tulane transfer Omari Hayes (Rs-Sr.), and Dominic Overby (Rs-So) who has been limited with soft tissue injury. The receiving core is by far the most up-for-grabs, and depth-filled position on the offense... In a media availability press conference Jimmy Rogers praised freshman wide receivers Malcom Watkins and Jamal Polite for their talent, and competitive mindsets. Given what Rogers has said numerous times about "the best players will play" it wouldn't surprise me to see younger players like them on the field this fall.

TE- Like the WR position, Iowa State has had a long reign of good tight ends come through Ames. Charlie Kolar (NFL) is one name that most cyclone fans view as an all-time great. He played a pivotal role in the run blocking, as Iowa State loved nothing more but to use 2, 3, and even at times 4 tight ends in the run-game. When they weren't blocking for David Montgomery (NFL), or Breece Hall (NFL), they were pass catching left and right, making them a 2-way offensive threat. Given OC Tyler Roehl's most recent coaching job being the Detroit Lions tight ends coach, I'm confident Iowa state will return to their identity of a tight end heavy offense. In the meantime, there might be some growing pains... during the offseason, Iowa State brought in some lower-level transfers like Christian Greenlaw (Rs-Jr.) from Hampton, Jordan Vyborny (Rs-Fr.) from Oklahoma St. and Tyler Fortenberry (Rs-Sr.) from Arkansas St. TE's coach Seth Hestness was also able to retain players from the previous staff like Keaton Roskop (Rs-So.), and Jack Bjorn (Rs-Sr.). Greenlaw and Fortenberry have been taking reps with the 1's so far. Rogers has high praises for Greenlaw and has made clear his potential as a football player, but more work needs to be done. Rogers failed to mention Fortenberry when first asked about the tight ends in a media availability press conference, which raised question and concern from fans... but in later press conferences said he's rotating with the 1's regularly. Ultimately the tight end position is one that still needs growth, coaching, and experience, in order to be operating at full strength this season. *Side note- Rylan Barnes (Rs-Jr.) is testing the TE/FB position as opposed to his LB spot in previous years.

OL- The first handful of transfers Iowa State brought in following the departure of 50+ players from the 2025 roster were offensive lineman. That's no fluke. In an interview with Cyclone Fanatic, Rogers was asked about the offensive lineman they brought in --https://x.com/cyclonefanatic/status/2015842579670077808

He said it was a bit shocking how easy it was to get the guys they were after, then hit on how hard it can be to find good ones... that alone has primed offensive line coach Jake Thorton (formerly at Auburn) to have a good offensive line in year 1 of the Jimmy Rogers era. Some names that have caught eyes are Jake Taylor (Rs-Jr.) from Oklahoma, DeAndre Carter (Rs-So.) from Auburn, Michigan St. transfer Gavin Broscious (Rs-Jr), and Braden Smith (Rs-So.) who was teammates with Cody Jackson at Tarleton St. Caden Maas (Rs-Jr.) was another name who stood out in the spring showcase, but has gotten less snaps with Collin Amick (Rs-So.) out-playing his position. Garrett Rutledge (Rs-So.) is a potential week 1 starter. Finding guys to protect Jaylen Raynor is no easy task, but with experienced and battle tested transfers, and a former SEC OL coach at the helm, I expect to see the offensive line take big strides throughout the season. 

DL- Saying goodbye to John Heacock wasn't easy, but it came with a sigh of relief when DC Jessie Bobbit announced Iowa State's defense would return to a 4-man front. Bobbit and DL coach Jalon Bibbs were able to retain numerous players from the 2025 roster, including Zamir Hawk (Rs-Jr.), Jace Gilbert (Rs-So.), and Trey Verdon (Rs-Fr.). All of which saw the field throughout the 2025 season, showing sparks of play-making ability throughout it. Along with the holdovers, Bobbit was able to bring over many other defensive linemen from Washington State's top 30 defense such as Issac 'Bobby' Terrell (Sr.) who was Wazzu's sack leader in 2025, Max Baloun (Rs-Sr.), Donovan Fitzmuarice (So.), Jack Janakowski (Rs-Jr.), Bryson Lamb (Rs-Sr.), and a handful of other guys like Caden Crawford (Rs-Sr.) from South Dakota, and Blake Hawkins (Rs-So.) from Iowa Western (JUCO), who had an astonishing 23.5 TFL and 13 sacks there. According to Bobbit and Rogers, there is still growth to be made at the defensive line, but plenty of talent, depth, and guys who are willing to buy into the system and give it their all. 

LB- With Iowa states revamped defense, DC Jessie Bobbit has hit on why they went after smaller linebackers from the portal, along with retaining Carson Willich (Rs-Sr.), and Beau Goodwin (Jr.)... speed. With a now 4-man front, Bobbit's objective is to spread offenses side to side, rather than north and south, and linebackers like Montreze Smith (Rs-So.) from Austin Peay, and Tristan Exline (Sr.) from UTPB will do just that. Bobbit also brought along a familiar face from Wazzu, Sullivan Schlimgen (So.) to add familiarity and chemistry to the defense. Willie Breland III (Jr.) has also impressed coaches thus far in camp. Like the DL, the linebacker core is rich in depth, and with only 2 spots to be played, competition is sure to be tough and tight up until gameday.

S- With potential star safety Braden Awls out with a season ending injury sustained in practice, the safety room is both short-handed, and inexperienced. Thankfully, they're in good hands. Coach Pete Menage follows Rogers from Washington State, hoping to bring his coaching skills and experience to one of the most showcased positions in Iowa State history. You think of names like Barry Hill (ISU HOF), Brian Peavy, Tony Washington, and Beau Freyler. Who will be the "next" guy on this years team? Drew Surges (Rs-Jr.) has emerged as a potential day 1 starter, Montana St. transfer Micah Harper (Rs-Sr.) and Washington St. transfer Duhron Goodman (Rs-Sr.) are also in the mix for a spot. True freshman Matthew McClain has impressed coaches so far as well. 

CB- In my book cornerbacks seem to be the most decided position on the team so far, at least from what I'm hearing. David Coffey (Rs-So.) and Montana transfer Seth Johnson (Rs-So.) are the clear day 1 guys in my book. That said, don't count out Bowling Green transfer Kenyon Washington (Rs-So.) and Arkansas transfer Jaheim Singletary (Rs-Sr.), who bring length, and athleticism to the secondary. Younger players like Beni Ngoyi (Rs-Jr.), and Trillion Sorrell (Rs-Fr.) are getting much needed reps and learning from the older guys. 

ST- I unintentionally saved the best for last, lol. Special teams up until the past few seasons have been a hair puller for Cyclone fans, but I can confidently say it more than likely won't be that way this year. With all-American caliber kicker Kyle Konradry (Rs-Jr.) returning, along with PR Aidan Flora (Rs-So.), and arrival of return specialist Cam Pettaway (Rs-So.) from BG, get ready for some exciting moments this season. Jonah Dupont (Rs-So.), and Aussie Ethan Gurney (Fr.) are battling it out for the punting duties. 

- Dominic Overby (WR) limited with soft tissue injury

- Jordyn Bailey (WR) back to full health after missing spring showcase with injury 

- True Frosh. Matt McClain impressing coaches early

- Freshman class eager to prove their worth playing time to coaches 

- LB Rylan Barnes making switch from LB to TE/FB

QB- Jaylon Raynor/Connor Moberly

RB- Aidan Flora/Cameron Pettaway

WR- Evan Boyd/Dominic Overby

WR- Cody Jackson/Jamal Polite 

WR- Omari Hayes/Carter Pabst

TE- Christian Greenlaw/Tyler Fortenberry 

TE- Keaton Roskop/Jordan Vyborny

RT- Garret Rutledge

RG- Colin Amick

C- Braden Smith

LG- DeAndre Carter

LT- Jake Taylor

DE- Bobby Terrell/Malaki Ta'ase

DT- Zamir Hawk/Jareb Ramos

DT- Max Baloun/Bryson Lamb

DE- Caden Crawford/Jack Janikowski

WLB- Montreze Smith/ Willie Breland III

MLB- Sullivan Schlimgen/Beau Goodwin

SLB- Tristan Exline/Carson Willich

SS- Drew Surges/Matt McClain

FS- Micah Harper/Duhron Goodman

CB- David Coffey/Jaheim Singletary

CB- Seth Johnson/Kenyon Washington

K- Kyle Konradry/Chase Smith

P- Ethan Gurney/Jonah Dupont

PR- Aidan Flora/Jamal Polite

KR- Cameron Pettaway/Aidan Flora