Iowa State Football Should Feel Good About Quarterback Room in 2026

As the Iowa State Cyclones continue spring practices, the coaching staff is starting to get a look at a completely different roster than last year's.

Following the departure of Matt Campbell and Jimmy Rogers, coming in as the new head coach of Iowa State, this is a group both on the sidelines and on the field that is going to look much different.

Iowa State was hit extremely hard in the transfer portal, losing a majority of their team, and needing to replace basically an entire roster. This was a team that had some excellent talent that was expected to be back on both sides of the ball, and also a quarterback in Rocco Becht who was going to be heading into his senior season.

With Becht understandably following Campbell to Penn State, it left the Cyclones needing a replacement. Fortunately, they were able to add some talented players to the room, and the hope is that the position will be a strength.

New offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl recently spoke with Alec Busse of 247Sports about the quarterback room for the Cyclones at spring practice, and he seems very pleased with what he has seen so far.

"Jaylen, Connor, and Zane are all playing at a high level," Roehl said. "And I didn't say it in that order for any reason. But they're all playing at a high level and grasping everything. Their athletic ability, they're doing a good job."

Quarterback Play Will Be Key

Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor throwing the ball — Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

While losing Becht was a major blow, Iowa State did bring in some good options to replace him, led by Jaylen Raynor and Zane Flores. Both were starters last year, with Flores playing in the Big 12 for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Furthermore, the Cyclones also played against Raynor in 2025, with him being on the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Of the two new quarterbacks, it is likely going to be Raynor who will be the starter for the team. The talented senior has plenty of experience, starting with the Red Wolves, and will provide a lot of skill as a dual-threat quarterback.

However, while Raynor having a good spring and getting used to his receivers will be important, so will Flores and Connor Moberly, who will be the future at the position going forward.

While replacing Becht was no easy task, Iowa State has to feel pretty good about this group going into the campaign. Raynor has been consistently improving since being a starter, and he could be poised for his best year yet as a passer with the Cyclones.