Rob Gray

No one questions if Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht “can do this” anymore. It’s about going from good to great at this point — and so far, he appears to be right on schedule.

Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson is 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds — but his value to the Cyclones’ young stable of tailbacks transcends his measurable qualities.

An Achilles injury derailed then-true freshman Iowa State offensive lineman Deylin Hasert’s push to earn immediate playing time last fall, but the painful setback didn’t halt the versatile 6-4, 315-pounder’s progress.

Kenard Snyder jumped at the chance to join the Iowa State defensive line unit as an edge rusher with two seasons of eligibility remaining after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe. Expect not just a stronger pass rush, but better defensive line play as a whole this season from the Cyclones.

Cyclones are stacked at the position, but North Dakota State transfer is fitting right in. He will make coaching decisions difficult

Cyclone receiver hoping to make a splash in his final season

Cyclone football media day notebook

Iowa State star point guard Tamin Lipsey couldn’t even get shots up until recently, but the 6-1 junior simply got better, steeling his mind and body for what he hopes will be another successful season that could end with an even deeper run into March.

Will the Cyclones have depth at receiver? Will the offensive line be a strength? Lots of questions remain ahead of Iowa State football media day.

Kansas State expects to contend for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Cyclones’ ample returning production on both sides of the ball and recent success in the series will, at minimum, give them a chance to play spoiler.

The Big 12 beckoned amid last summer’s conference realignment-based tumult, and Utah appears poised to stand atop its new league from Week 0. Big 12 media members made the Utes the favorite to win the conference title — and given the star power that returns, it’s easy to see why.

Dishon Jackson’s presence and production will be crucial for the 2024-25 Iowa State men’s basketball team. T.J. Otzelberger and his staff already feel good about Jackson’s development over the past six weeks.

Change has been constant for Cincinnati football since head coach Luke Fickell left for Wisconsin and Scott Satterfield replaced his last season, but there’s enough talent — and transfer portal help — to improve from a disappointing 3-9 mark.

His football camp for the central Iowa town’s youngsters had just ended on a sultry and breezy Saturday afternoon — and Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht needed to give back one last time, in the form of a $7,500 check to benefit Perry Youth Football, Inc.

Iowa State fans hope to turn Arrowhead Stadium into a Jack Trice Stadium South of sorts on Nov. 9, but Kansas is coming off back-to-back bowl-worthy seasons for the first time since 2007-08.