The new season of college football is nearly upon us, and while Arizona State is seeking to repeat as Big 12 champions, the rest of the conference will have something to say about that. In anticipation of the new season, we're breaking down each of the 15 other schools and where they stand heading into the year. You can find previously released breakdowns below.
Oklahoma State
Houston
BYU
Colorado
Cincinnati
Arizona
West Virginia
Kansas
UCF
TCU
Baylor
Kansas State
Texas Tech
To finish off this series, we look at the team that Arizona State beat in the Big 12 championship game last year, the Iowa State Cyclones.
What happened last year
Iowa State entered the season severely overlooked. Rocco Becht had been suddenly thrown into action as the starting quarterback in 2023 and, after some growing pains, finished the year strong. In 2024, he had two senior wideouts to throw to in Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, as well as the usually strong run game the Cyclones are known for.
Things got off to a hot start. A one-point win over rival Iowa in Week 2 spurred a frenzy of stellar play, and the Cyclones rose to No, 9 in the polls after a 7-0 start. A one-point loss to Texas Tech, followed by a narrow loss to Kansas, provided only a momentary setback.
They won their final three games, including a win over ranked Kansas State, to secure their spot in the conference title game. The Sun Devils blew them out, serving as a somber conclusion to a thrilling year, but Iowa State at least pulled off a thrilling win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. It also marked the first time in program history the Cyclones had won double digit games.
What's new this year
Iowa State managed to retain both coordinators, and Becht returns for another year, too. Noel and Higgins, both of whom posted 1,100+ receiving yards last year, became NFL draft picks in April. Head coach Matt Campbell deviated from his usual tactics and dipped into the transfer portal to replace them.
Chase Sowell, a 4-star transfer from East Carolina, comes in with lofty expectations after recording 600+ yards each of the last two years. UCF transfer Xavier Townsend also promises to figure heavily into the rotation out wide.
All in all, though, Iowa State didn't see a whole lot of roster turnover. They had 16 players transfer out - only six of whom went to another Power 4 school - and brought in just eight transfers. Retention is the name of the game for Campbell, and Iowa State tied for fifth in the nation for most returning starters in 2025 (Arizona State finished in first).
Reasons for optimism
The Cyclones have been steady and consistent winners under Campbell. As he prepares to enter his 10th season in Ames, Campbell has just two losing seasons to his name. When he first took the job, Iowa State had endured three straight losing seasons, and was routinely a Big 12 doormat.
Last year was easily the best of Campbell's stellar tenure, and the fact that he returns so much production has led to a lot of optimism in Ames. Becht will have to adjust to some new weapons, but he's shown enough over the last two years to suggest it won't be a problem.
Defensively, coordinator Jon Heacock has been one of the most quietly successful coaches in college football. Last year's defense was stout against the pass, and they figure to be just as good - if not better - this year. That's huge considering the Big 12 is loaded with elite quarterback talent.
Reasons for skepticism
Replacing one 1,100 yard receiver is tough, but replacing two of them at the same time is a daunting challenge. Becht will need to prove he's elite - rather than having been bailed out by two great receivers - to get the Cyclones back to the Big 12 title game.
The schedule is also brutal for Iowa State. They start their season in Dublin against rival Kansas State, then host FCS powerhouse South Dakota, and then face off against rival Iowa. They face the three other teams that finished in a three-way tie for the regular season top spot in the conference, including the Sun Devils, back to back to back.
Road games to Cincinnati, TCU, and Oklahoma State are further complicated by facing a Kansas team that's teeming with potential. It's not the toughest schedule of any Big 12 team, but Iowa State hardly faces a cakewalk to get back to the conference championship game.
Realistic expectations
It's usually bad money to bet against Mat Campbell, and that's especially the case this year.
Iowa State was the second-best team in the Big 12 last year, and the only conference foe that returns more starters is the team that bested them in the title game. A tougher schedule, and more crowded field of contenders, present a more narrow path back to AT&T Stadium.
Still, it's hard to count the Cyclones out of the conversation. They'll be considered contenders until proven otherwise, and it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see them back in the Big 12 title game.