Strategies for Iowa State to Reclaim the BIG 12 Championship By: Shahid Evans

Photo Credibility;Iowa State Univerisity Athletics

Iowa State had a commendable season, finishing with an impressive 11-3 overall record and a strong 7-2 in the conference, which earned them a spot at 15th in the Final AP poll.

However, the dream of advancing to the College Football Playoffs was erased by a challenging 45-19 loss to the #12 Arizona State Sun Devils in the Big 12 Championship.

Despite this setback, the Cyclones demonstrated remarkable resilience by securing a thrilling victory over the #13 Miami Hurricanes in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, winning 42-41.

As the team looks ahead to the next season, there are areas for improvement to ensure a successful run toward reclaiming the Big 12 Championship. The Cyclones are fortunate to bring back key players, including cornerback Jontez Williams, who was among the top seven in the Big 12 with four interceptions last season. The offense will rely on running back Carson Hansen, entering his junior year, who made significant contributions last season with 752 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, placing him among the conference’s top rushers. Quarterback Rocco Becht also established himself as a valuable leader, passing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns, which ranked him among the top five quarterbacks in the Big 12.

However, the team faces a challenge with the departure of standout wide receivers. Jayden Higns and Jaylin Noel, who combined for over 2,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, are now pursuing professional opportunities. This creates an exciting opportunity for emerging talent to step up and fill these important roles, ensuring that the Cyclones maintain their robust passing game.

Equally important is the need to enhance the run game, which last season ranked 10th in the Big 12. The Cyclones totaled 2,247 rushing yards on 516 attempts, but consistency and efficiency must improve to keep defenses off balance. For context, UCF, with the same number of attempts, managed to gain more ground, illustrating the need for Iowa State to bolster its offensive strategy.

Defensively, while Iowa State excelled with a strong interception rate, ranking in the top five in the Big 12, their ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a notable weakness. With only 16 sacks recorded last season—the lowest in the nation—strengthening the defensive line and improving their pass rush will be critical for the Cyclones to succeed.

The upcoming season kicks off with a crucial conference matchup against Kansas State at home, providing an excellent opportunity to set a positive tone for the year. Key games on the calendar include a rivalry matchup against Iowa in Week 3, a challenging away game at Cincinnati in Week 6, a trip to Colorado in Week 7, and an important rematch against Arizona State in Week 9. Winning these pivotal contests will be essential for Iowa State’s aspirations of reclaiming the Big 12 title.

As the Cyclones prepare for the season ahead, a focus on teamwork, dedication, and resilience will be paramount to achieving their goals. By fostering a strong sense of unity and purpose, Iowa State has the potential to rise to the occasion and make a lasting impact this season.