It seems like we read every season about how Iowa State Cyclones is ready to compete for a Big 12 championship in football. Matt Campbell enters his ninth season as head coach, and he has put together a solid culture for his program.
The Big 12 is as wide-open as it has ever been; just as soon as Texas finally emerged from a long malaise, the Longhorns left for the SEC, along with Oklahoma.
TCU was in the national championship game just two seasons ago, but didn’t even make a bowl game last season. Baylor used to be an elite contender, but now seems caught in perpetual rebuilding.
Can the Cyclones compete for a title this time around? Check out our thoughts on their season as you plan your sports betting for the college football campaign.
College Football Betting Odds: Iowa State Cyclones 2024 Season Analysis & Lines
- Saturday, Aug. 31 vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks (3:30 pm ET, FS1)
- Saturday, Sept. 7 at Iowa Hawkeyes (3:30 pm ET, CBS)
- Saturday, Sept. 21 vs Arkansas State Red Wolves (2:00 pm ET, ESPN+)
- Saturday, Sept. 28 at Houston Cougars
- Saturday, Oct. 5 vs Baylor Bears
- Saturday, Oct. 12 at West Virginia Mountaineers
- Saturday, Oct. 19 vs UCF Knights
- Saturday, Nov. 2 vs Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Saturday, Nov. 9 at Kansas Jayhawks
- Saturday, Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati Bearcats
- Saturday, Nov. 23 at Utah Utes
- Saturday, Nov. 30 vs Kansas State Wildcats
Iowa State Offensive Preview
Rocco Becht is one of the more interesting young quarterbacks in college football. He was the 2023 Freshman of the Year in the Big 12, setting school records for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns by a rookie.
Around him, he has tailback Abu Sama III, who is back after a highlight-filled second half of 2023. He ran for 544 yards in the last six games of the season, including 276 yards and three touchdowns at Kansas State, a program normally known for hard-nosed defense.
Benjamin Brahmer returns at tight end after setting a school mark for catches by a tight end freshman.
Wide receiver Jayden Higgins returns for his senior year after a terrific second half last year, alongside senior Jaylin Noel, giving Becht a wealth of targets. Overall, the offense returns eight starters and has experience all along the O-line.
^Defensive Preview for Iowa State
Jon Heacock returns at defensive coordinator, along with nine starters; this side of the ball has been reliably consistent under Heacock’s tenure.
They have a three-man front, which hurt them in terms of quarterback pressure last year, making the rush an area of growth.
Kenard Snyder came through the transfer portal and will start as an edge rusher, and the team brings back Tyler Onyedim, Joey Petersen and Domonique Orange.
Caleb Bacon has progressed from a walk-on to a contributing linebacker, and Zachary Lovett, Will McLaughlin, Kooper Ebel and Jack Sadowsky V will all get significant snaps in that second level. At safety, the Cyclones have both Malik Verdon and Jeremiah Cooper.
T.J. Tampa was an All-American at cornerback last year but has since departed, so Jontez Williams or Darien Porter will have to take charge of that position.
^Iowa State Special Teams Preview
The fall camp will see FAU transfer Carter Davis dueling with redshirt freshman Kyle Konrardy for placekicking responsibilities.
Tyler Perkins is the established punter, returning as a junior. Jaylon Jackson transferred in from Eastern Michigan and has returned kickoffs to the house in each of the last two campaigns.
^Go get it @DarienPorter10‼️ pic.twitter.com/3ADDOGTuXk
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) August 6, 2024
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