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7 clusters · 7 sources · 101 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Iowa State transfer portal upheaval

Entities: Matt Campbell · Purdue Boilermakers · Iowa State Cyclones · Jaylen Raynor · Jimmy Rogers

Overview

In April 2026, Iowa State’s women’s basketball program lost its top transfer prospect when center Audi Crooks committed to Oklahoma State, signalling the start of a broader exodus from the university. By early May, the transfer wave had expanded dramatically on the football side: 55 Cyclones entered the portal and nine women’s basketball players departed, prompting concerns from athletic director Jamie Pollard about the impact on the programs. A notable individual exit was running back Jayden Jackson. June saw the fallout intensify. Former starting quarterback Rocco Becht transferred to Penn State after head coach Matt Campbell also left for the same school, while the Cyclones’ receiver corps entered a competition for the WR1 spot. Within days, Iowa State announced a heavily reshaped 2026 football roster, hiring Jimmy Rogers as offensive coordinator and bringing in quarterback Jaylen Raynor from Arkansas State to lead a revamped passing attack. By early July, the focus shifted to rebuilding, with the soccer schedule released and the football program highlighting its 2027 recruiting class under new head coach Jimmy Rogers. The recruiting emphasis on offensive talent underscores the university’s effort to recover from the unprecedented turnover caused by the transfer portal and coaching changes. On July 15, men’s basketball head coach TJ Otzelberger outlined summer workouts, noting freshman Christian Wiggins’ season‑ending injury and the arrival of five transfers—Jaquan Johnson, Taj Manning, Leon Bond, Ryan Prather and Tre Singleton—who are expected to play significant minutes. He previewed a challenging non‑conference slate, opening against Memphis on Nov. 2, a Las Vegas tournament with potential matchups versus Tennessee and Purdue, and the in‑state rivalry with Iowa. Later in July, the Cyclones projected a strong 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, highlighting a home game against Purdue after the Boilermakers lost key seniors.

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Iowa State Cyclones look ahead to 2026-27 basketball season and football depth

    Iowa State Cyclones preview a strong 2026‑27 basketball season against Purdue and boast quarterback depth in football after coaching changes.

  2. 14 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Iowa State basketball coach Otzelberger and Hawkeyes football preview 2026 season

    Iowa State basketball coach TJ Otzelberger outlined summer workouts and a tough schedule, while Iowa Hawkeyes football held a media day with player interviews ahead of the 2026 season opener.

  3. 25 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Iowa State Announces 2026 Soccer Schedule and Highlights 2027 Football Recruiting Class

    Iowa State unveiled its 2026 men’s soccer schedule and, under new football coach Jimmy Rogers, highlighted a 2027 recruiting class ranked 49th nationally.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Iowa State Cyclones gear up for 2026 season with new roster and passing attack

    Iowa State's 2026 football season features a massive roster overhaul, new offensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers, quarterback Jaylen Raynor, and a focus on a stronger passing attack.

  5. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Iowa State football eyes new era with quarterback transfer and receiver battle

    Iowa State QB Rocco Becht transfers to Penn State for 2026 while the Cyclones’ WR1 spot sparks a race between Omari Hayes and Cody Jackson.

  6. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Iowa State Cyclones see record transfers and a running back exit amid portal debate

    Iowa State tops football transfers with 55 players; running back Jayden Jackson quits after coach cites attitude concerns.

  7. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Oklahoma State signs Audi Crooks after transferring from Iowa State following top portal move

    Oklahoma State signs Audi Crooks from Iowa State after she enters the transfer portal, a top-ranked addition amid Iowa State’s postseason roster turnover.

Sources

bestsecret.com · daily-iowan.com · dailyiowan.com · Essentially Sports · iowastatedaily.com · si.com · westerniowatoday.com