Iowa State men's basketball is poised for a significant uplift this season, fueled not just by the expected veteran leadership but by an incoming class of newcomers, both transfers and freshmen, who are projected to make a more immediate and profound contribution than many across the national landscape. While established stars like point guard Tamin Lipsey, who guides the defensive tone, and forward Milan Momcilovic, a proven scorer, are set to take on massive roles, the new faces provide the critical depth and specific skill sets needed to elevate the Cyclones in the challenging Big 12 conference. The key to this anticipated boost lies in the quality and experience of the incoming additions. Transfers, in particular, are expected to hit the ground running. Guards like Dominick Nelson, the former WAC Player of the Year, bring proven scoring aggression and an elite ability to draw fouls, directly replacing dynamic backcourt production lost from last year’s roster. In the frontcourt, additions such as Blake Buchanan and Eric Mulder inject new energy and high-level efficiency into the paint, with Mulder bringing exceptional offensive finishing ability. Furthermore, highly-regarded freshmen like Jamarion Batemon and Xzavion Mitchell are already earning rave reviews for their defensive instincts and versatile scoring ability, suggesting they are prepared to bypass the typical college adjustment period. This combination of experienced collegiate transfers and highly mature, high-ceiling freshmen gives Iowa State a unique infusion of talent ready to contribute immediately, providing the foundation for a deeply competitive and dynamic squad aiming for a national boost.

Iowa State’s bowl bid is more than a reward for a successful season; it’s a high-stakes opportunity to reshape the national college football hierarchy. As bowl projections solidify, the Cyclones are likely to draw a foe from the perceived power duo of the SEC or Big Ten. This matchup carries an outsized importance, serving as a direct referendum on the Big 12’s standing against its wealthier counterparts in the new conference landscape. The prevailing narrative suggests a widening financial and athletic gap between the Big 12 and the elite leagues. A signature bowl win for Iowa State would be a powerful counterargument, lending crucial legitimacy to the entire conference. This urgency is seemingly shared by leadership, as athletic director Jamie Pollard’s reported efforts to secure a spot in the Rate Bowl—the only guaranteed Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup—underscore a strategic desire to take on a Big Ten rival directly. Pollard’s ambition is clear: he wants the Cyclones to secure a win that speaks volumes beyond the final score, challenging the superiority complex of the other major conferences. Facing a traditional powerhouse from the Big Ten or a physical SEC opponent demands a peak performance from the Cyclones. A victory would not only validate Matt Campbell’s program but, more significantly, would change the optics of the entire Big 12. This bowl game is not just a holiday excursion; it’s a chance for Iowa State to be the vanguard, turning a season capstone into a statement that the Big 12 still belongs at the highest level of the sport.

The argument that BYU and Utah are undervalued by the College Football Playoff Committee often centers on a deep-seated institutional and brand bias that favors traditional powerhouses. Despite both teams—especially after joining the new P4 conference—amassing solid resumes, the committee’s ranking logic appears inconsistent when compared to peer teams from the SEC or Big Ten. For BYU, the undervaluation is evident even in their best years. When the Cougars were undefeated, they were often ranked below one-loss teams from the perceived “elite” conferences, suggesting a penalty for a lack of "brand credibility" rather than on-field performance. After their first loss, the drop in rankings is often precipitous, falling behind two-loss teams like Texas or Oklahoma, who benefit from the narrative of “quality losses.” This differential treatment suggests the committee rewards the mere potential or reputation of established programs more than the actual, tangible Strength of Record (SOR) earned by BYU. Utah’s case highlights the harsh grading curve applied to Big 12 losses. As a consistently tough, defensive-minded program, their two losses this season came against other highly-ranked Big 12 teams (BYU and Texas Tech). Yet, their ranking near No. 13 keeps them just outside the contention tier, a placement often occupied by two-loss teams from other conferences that have a perceived higher overall floor. The Utes' methodical style, coupled with the committee's tendency to devalue close wins or reward teams for "style points," means Utah is held to a higher standard of dominance to secure an elite ranking. Ultimately, both Utah and BYU are fighting not just opponents on the field, but a long-standing culture that rewards historical brand over current results and strength metrics within a less historically favored conference.

The era of T.J. Otzelberger has fundamentally shifted the paradigm of Iowa State men's basketball, transforming the program from a yearly contender into a burgeoning national powerhouse. Securing another consensus top-20 recruiting class, the third in just five cycles under his leadership, is not just a momentary success; it’s a tangible confirmation of a sustainable, long-term trajectory toward a national championship. Otzelberger’s initial turnaround of a two-win team into a perennial NCAA Tournament participant established immediate credibility, but his true genius lies in building a self-sustaining talent pipeline. This consistent recruiting success creates the positive feedback loop essential for elite programs. Current on-court excellence, demonstrated by the team's phenomenal start to the season and the program's second consecutive preseason top-25 ranking, attracts higher-rated prep and international prospects. These talented newcomers, in turn, ensure that the future roster remains stocked with high-ceiling players, replacing key veterans like Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise without a major drop-off. By combining the immediate impact of transfer talent with a steady stream of highly-ranked high school commits who fit his defensive and work ethic profile, Otzelberger is building an organizational culture, not just a roster. This stability and commitment to development are what truly define a "super power." The Cyclones are no longer a flash in the pan; they are a continuous, upward-trending force, where sustained success is the foundation upon which that ultimate goal—the program’s first national championship—will be built.

The blurring line between amateur and professional basketball, fueled by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds, presents an existential threat to programs like Iowa State. While the current eligibility rules primarily allow international players and those from defunct leagues like G League Ignite to return, the hypothetical scenario of established G League players simply paying back a fraction of their guaranteed salary to access lucrative college NIL deals could instantly accelerate college basketball’s financial arms race. This dynamic drastically alters the recruiting landscape. Iowa State, like many public universities, relies on coaching acumen, player development, and a strong culture—the traditional pillars of competitive balance. However, if blue-blood programs and wealthy collectives can leverage their massive financial infrastructure to essentially re-acquire veteran professional talent via NIL, Iowa State’s recruiting pitch suddenly looks insufficient. The issue is one of resource disparity. If the best players aren't those entering college but those returning to college, the teams with the largest NIL budgets will consistently win the talent bidding wars. This trend would convert college basketball into a semi-pro feeder system dictated by pure financial might. For Iowa State’s football and basketball teams, which often rely on efficiency over sheer spending power, this hypothetical rule change would create a permanent competitive ceiling, making sustained national success prohibitively expensive and fundamentally unfair.

Iowa State’s dominant 96-80 victory over Mississippi State provides compelling evidence that the Cyclones are genuine contenders for the Big 12 basketball title this season. Following the departures of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, many speculated whether T.J. Otzelberger’s squad could maintain its identity and high level of play. This early-season performance against a strong SEC opponent answered those doubts definitively, showcasing both the team’s trademark high energy and a new level of explosive offensive capability. The win was fundamentally built on suffocating defensive pressure. Iowa State forced 26 Mississippi State turnovers, which they brilliantly converted into 29 easy points, proving that the defensive intensity is not only intact but may be even more lethal this year. This commitment to causing chaos is the foundation needed to survive the Big 12 gauntlet. Offensively, the Cyclones are deep and balanced. Returning stars Tamin Lipsey (25 points and 3 steals) and Milan Momcilovic (who has already flashed elite scoring potential) have taken on greater leadership roles. More critically, the newcomers immediately set a high mark. Freshman Killyan Toure and Virginia transfer Blake Buchanan, who contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, have seamlessly integrated. Buchanan’s all-around production alongside the established core shows that the Cyclones possess the necessary firepower and depth to compete atop the conference standings and ultimately challenge for the league crown.

Iowa State's dramatic 20-17 victory over TCU was more than just a win; it was a powerful statement about the team’s inherent resolve. Trailing 17-6 early in the fourth quarter, after TCU had scored 17 unanswered points, this was the moment when, traditionally, the Cyclones might have folded, letting their four-game skid continue. Instead, they answered the bell with tremendous fight, showcasing a tenacity that signals they are not going away in the Big 12. The comeback began with a crucial offensive drive that ended in a Carson Hansen touchdown run, trimming the deficit and injecting desperate life into the sidelines. Yet, the momentum-shifting blow came from a source few expected: special teams. Redshirt freshman Aiden Flora received the ensuing punt, broke through the coverage, and sprinted 79 yards for a game-winning touchdown return. This explosive, game-changing play was the spark the Cyclones needed, demonstrating their commitment to winning, regardless of the score or the recent history of losses. This performance, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the most improbable fashion, proves that the culture of toughness under Coach Matt Campbell remains intact. Iowa State has secured bowl eligibility and now projects to be a force to reckon with for the remainder of this year and heading into next season. The Cyclones have grit, and the Big 12 has been put on notice.

The Cyclones' gritty 20-17 victory over TCU was a testament not to offensive fireworks, but to incredible resilience, particularly from a beleaguered defense. Facing the highly-touted Horned Frogs, Iowa State's success was rooted in a bend-but-don't-break mentality that limited TCU to just 17 points, despite the team missing six original defensive starters—four in the secondary alone—due to a brutal wave of injuries. This unit, relying on deep reserves and freshmen, executed defensive coordinator Jon Heacock's aggressive game plan with stunning precision, delivering timely stops and two key interceptions that swung momentum. While quarterback Rocco Becht’s box score may not shine with overwhelming statistics, his performance was exactly what the situation demanded. Becht managed the game brilliantly, avoiding the catastrophic turnovers that plagued recent outings and extending crucial drives that kept the defense rested. His job was not to win the game single-handedly, but to be the offense’s anchor. He completed timely passes, used his legs when necessary, and facilitated the run game enough to maintain possession. In the end, the win belonged to the collective. It was a victory forged in defensive survival and steady quarterback play, with a 79-yard punt return providing the final, decisive margin. This performance proved that Iowa State’s identity as a tough, physical program can endure, regardless of who is next man up.

The matchup between the Iowa State Cyclones and the TCU Horned Frogs has become a pivotal, season-defining moment, specifically for coordinator performance. While head coach Matt Campbell’s job security remains high, the pressure cooker is certainly on offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and defensive coordinator Jon Heacock. Mouser's offense, which has shown flashes of brilliance, has recently stalled as the team has fallen from a 5-0 start into a four-game losing streak. Fans and analysts are questioning whether the play-calling is maximizing the potential of quarterback Rocco Becht and a strong rushing attack. A poor offensive showing against TCU could lead to significant scrutiny concerning Mouser’s long-term future in Ames. Conversely, Heacock faces the ultimate test of resilience. The renowned Iowa State defense has been decimated by injuries, particularly in the secondary, where key players like Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper are out. Facing TCU’s potent passing offense, Heacock must rely on his veteran coaching acumen and the philosophy of the 3-3-5 defense to simplify schemes and prevent big plays. This isn’t a question of job security through performance failure, but through resource management; Heacock must show he can coach up the depth chart against top-tier Big 12 opponents. The outcome of this Big 12 Football showdown will ultimately determine if the team can find the single win needed for bowl eligibility, shaping the narrative for the rest of the year.

The College Football Playoff rankings have been revealed, and now have massive implications for the Week 11 matchup between the BYU Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders. How does the Big 12 move forward from these rankings? Can they fit three teams in with the Utah Utes also in striking distance? All that and more on the Big 12 Squad.

The Week 11 clash between the Iowa State Cyclones and the TCU Horned Frogs is a high-stakes Big 12 Football showdown, pivotal for both programs. For Iowa State, the motivation is immense: ending a frustrating four-game losing streak and regaining momentum that saw them ranked as high as 12th earlier in the season. The Cyclones need stability from quarterback Rocco Becht, whose recent struggles have mirrored the team's slide. Becht must leverage the running game to set up downfield shots, minimizing the turnovers that have plagued the offense in recent weeks. Meanwhile, TCU looks to protect its home turf and keep its distant Big 12 Championship aspirations alive as they begin a tough closing stretch. The Horned Frogs, rested after a bye week, rely heavily on quarterback Josh Hoover, who has been one of the nation’s most prolific passers, averaging over 330 yards per game. Hoover’s success hinges on connecting with star receiver Eric McAlister, who ranks among the league leaders in receiving yards. This NCAAF battle will be determined by whether Iowa State’s stingy defense can pressure Hoover, or if the Cyclones’ offense can finally find the necessary finish to snap their skid.

The Iowa State men’s basketball season has started with a resounding statement, as the Cyclones claimed a dominant victory over Fairleigh Dickinson to move to 1-0. The performance was stellar, hinting that a truly fun season is on the horizon if the team can maintain this intensity. The clear catalyst for the blowout was junior Milan Momcilovic, who had a career night. He led the offense, showcasing exceptional efficiency and proving why he is poised to be the team’s go-to scorer. His ability to find rhythm and knock down seven three-pointers was particularly impressive, efficiently dropping 29 points and silencing any doubts after a quiet preseason. Beyond the individual scoring, the defensive effort was smothering. The Cyclones consistently forced turnovers and made every possession difficult for FDU, demonstrating the trademark intensity Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger demands. From this suffocating defense to a dynamic offensive flow led by Momcilovic’s career-high scoring output, the Cyclones demonstrated the cohesion and talent necessary to compete at the top of the Big 12 and make noise nationally. Despite dropping their last four games, the Iowa State football team remains fully committed to turning the corner and finishing the season strong. With three games left, the path to an 8-4 record is still achievable, a testament to the belief within the locker room. Head Coach Matt Campbell often emphasizes that the team is only "centimeters" away from securing those elusive wins, highlighting that small execution errors, not a lack of effort, are the current barrier. Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock echoes this sentiment, praising the great mentality of the players. Though losing linebacker Will McLaughlin for the rest of the season is a major blow to an already depleted defense, the Cyclones are not done fighting and aim to prove their resilience in the final stretch.

While Rocco Becht’s recent performance including four interceptions over his last three games has been frustrating, it is not the time for Iowa State to bench him for backup Alex Manske. This impatience violates a core principle of team management: the grass is not always greener. Manske, a promising true freshman and Elite 11 finalist, has minimal college experience, and inserting him now risks a sharp decline in overall play as the system is forced to adapt to an inexperienced leader. The primary issues are systemic, not singular. Firstly, the team's offensive scheme appears to be failing Becht. Analysts note that overly conservative play-calling has hampered momentum, forcing Becht to make plays under immense pressure when the offense stalls on high-leverage third downs. Secondly, his receiving corps has not provided the necessary consistency, with reports noting an "epidemic of self-inflicted wounds," including drops and penalties. Becht cannot be expected to succeed if his system and supporting cast are unreliable. Becht's true value lies in his proven leadership and clutch history; his struggles are a symptom of collective execution issues. Replacing him now would be a reactionary move that ignores the deeper problems. Iowa State’s season may be tough, but stability at quarterback is essential for development, and Becht offers the highest ceiling for a late-season turnaround.

The Iowa State Cyclones’ football season has devolved from a promising 5-0 start, which saw the team ranked in the top 15, into a severe crisis of confidence following their fourth consecutive loss, a 24-19 defeat at home to Arizona State. This latest setback, perhaps the most jarring of the four, signals a deep-seated malfunction within the Cyclone building. The team entered the game as a favorite against an injury-riddled Sun Devils squad missing its starting quarterback, yet Iowa State failed to capitalize. Instead, the Cyclones allowed ASU quarterback Jeff Sims to run for a staggering 229 yards, a shocking failure for a program that prides itself on stout run defense. The core problem is the cyclical breakdown in execution at critical moments. The offense, led by quarterback Rocco Becht, has grown inconsistent, failing to convert scoring opportunities and move the ball effectively through the air when needed. Simultaneously, the defense has proven vulnerable to dual-threat quarterbacks and momentum-shifting plays, contributing to the team’s inability to finish games. This combination of offensive stagnation and defensive vulnerability has crushed the team’s Big 12 title aspirations and now places their bowl eligibility (at 5-4) in precarious doubt. For a program built on stability under Coach Matt Campbell, the sudden and seemingly inexplicable decline requires an immediate, honest, and aggressive internal fix before the season spirals completely out of control.

This weekend's CFB Week 10 clash between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils is far more than a mid-season college football contest; it's a volatile Big 12 Championship rematch. Though both programs, currently sitting at 5-3, are likely outside the College Football Playoff picture and the immediate Big 12 standings race, the historical bad blood and high stakes for bowl eligibility make this a massive game. Last year’s title bout, which saw the Sun Devils claim the trophy, ensures the atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium will be electric, providing must-watch NCAA football content for fans and YouTube highlight creators. The central storyline is navigating significant injury news. Iowa State is fighting through deep secondary woes and running back rotation issues, while Arizona State’s offense is reeling from the loss of starting quarterback Sam Leavitt and the questionable status of top wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, forcing veteran Jeff Sims into the starting role. This defensive and offensive attrition changes the entire game day preview and prediction landscape. Look for a hard-fought, smashmouth football game characterized by strong defensive play. The key to victory will be who manages the debilitating injury crisis better. Despite falling short of preseason expectations, this Big 12 matchup is crucial for 2025 recruiting momentum and provides a critical test of character for both head coaches

Could the Big 12 end up having three different schools in the expanded 12-team college football playoff? The BYU Cougars, Texas Tech Red Raiders and Houston Cougars all have a shot. What do we make of the Utah Utes being handed College Gameday this weekend ahead of their matchup with the Cincinnati Bearcats? Is that a big win for the Big 12?

The Iowa State Cyclones' 5-3 start is a testament to resilience, but it also reflects the heavy toll taken by defensive injuries this season. Under Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock, the unit is typically the rock of Matt Campbell’s program, yet its depth has been systematically shredded by long-term losses. This attrition has been particularly acute in the defensive backfield, which recently saw cornerbacks Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, both key playmakers, ruled out for the year with severe knee injuries. The news that yet another defensive player, corner Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman, is now out for the remainder of the season, only compounds the crisis. This third major loss in the secondary forces younger, less experienced players like Tre Bell and Quentin Taylor Jr. into full-time roles, leaving defensive coaches scrambling to adjust their complex schemes with limited personnel. While the defense has battled valiantly—often still finding ways to limit opponents—the cumulative fatigue and reduction in talent depth have led to critical breakdowns in key moments, contributing directly to the team's three losses. The question facing the team now is simple but daunting: What is the contingency plan? With the most vital position groups thinned out, Campbell must rely heavily on coaching adjustments and rapid development from backups. The Cyclones are facing the reality that their path to a strong finish will not be paved by star power, but by the grit of their remaining rotation players.

Iowa State football is currently gripped by a painful defensive paradox: a unit that appears incapable of stopping opponents, regardless of its strategy. The core of this dilemma lies in the high rate of points and yardage conceded, particularly in recent games where the secondary has been hampered by injuries. Whether defensive coordinator Jon Heacock chooses to rely on his complex, coverage-first 3-3-5 scheme, or opts to dial up more aggressive blitz packages to generate pressure, opposing quarterbacks and offenses often find their rhythm. This failure to disrupt or contain consistently has resulted in a defense that gives up explosive plays and crucial third-down conversions, failing to provide the offense with the necessary momentum. The true problem emerges when the young, developing Iowa State offense cannot keep pace with the resulting scoring outputs. Quarterback mistakes, like a recent spate of turnovers, are magnified when the defense allows 30-plus points, turning what should be tight contests into multi-score losses. The coaching staff faces an agonizing choice: simplify the scheme to reduce mental errors, or continue to pressure and gamble, hoping to force game-changing turnovers. Until the Cyclones can consistently execute stops—either through successful pressure or sound coverage—this defensive vulnerability will remain the troubling anchor holding the entire team back.

The unexpected firing of a high-profile coach like Brian Kelly at LSU immediately resets the college football hiring landscape. This move, driven by the SEC's insatiable appetite for national championships and unlimited resources, acts as the first domino. While the LSU vacancy itself may attract numerous top candidates, the real danger for programs like Iowa State lies in the cascading effect the carousel creates. A coach leaving for Baton Rouge often opens up another high-level job (e.g., at an ACC or Big Ten school) that offers significantly more investment and a clearer path to the expanded College Football Playoff than a Big 12 program historically bound by developmental limitations. This pressure converges dangerously with Matt Campbell’s current situation in Ames. Despite his remarkable tenure building the Cyclones into a consistent contender, three consecutive losses—including a disappointing home defeat—can erode job security and fan patience, even for a respected figure. Campbell has already achieved the ceiling at Iowa State; the program's lack of blue-chip recruiting talent and the inability to consistently compete with NIL powerhouses make a national title run virtually impossible. For a coach known for his ambition, the opening of any highly-resourced job created by the initial Kelly firing becomes an irresistible exit strategy, allowing him to pursue his ultimate goal elsewhere.

The 41-27 defeat of the Iowa State Cyclones by the undefeated BYU Cougars was not just a loss; it was a devastating narrative of self-destruction that likely ended the team's Big 12 Championship aspirations. For a quarter and a half, Iowa State played with the confidence of a true contender, building a commanding 24-10 lead. The offense was clicking, the defense was stifling, and the home crowd was electric. However, what followed was perhaps the most rapid and comprehensive in-game collapse the program has witnessed, turning a hopeful upset into a brutal reality. The momentum began to disintegrate just before halftime, but the third quarter delivered the fatal blows. Critical errors, including a momentum-killing muffed punt recovery by BYU, swung the field position and completely revitalized the Cougars. The collapse was finalized when quarterback Rocco Becht threw a back-breaking pick-six in the fourth quarter, turning a close contest into a sudden 41-27 rout. The 31-3 run by BYU in the second half demonstrated an inability to weather adversity. With this loss, Iowa State falls significantly in the Big 12 standings, meaning the clear path to the championship game in Arlington is officially closed. The Cyclones must now regroup, accepting that their goal has shifted from winning the title to simply salvaging a successful season.