Iowa State Football Favorites Over Indiana for Class of 2028 DL

The Iowa State Cyclones football staff has been busy already this spring, hosting recruits for practice as the new regime, led by Jimmy Rogers, looks to build the foundation for the future.

One of the players whom the staff is kicking up the interest in is Class of 2028 defensive lineman Jayden McKinney. A four-star prospect in Rival Industry Rankings, he is ranked No. 199 nationally, No. 22 amongst defensive linemen and No. 6 in the state of Ohio.

He is already drawing attention from several Power Four programs, including the Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, Illinois Fighting Illini, Minnesota Golden Gophers and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

However, Rivals Predictions is giving Iowa State an early edge. They have received a 54.2% chance of securing a commitment from McKinney, which is lapping the field. Indiana is a distant second with 7.9%.

Jayden McKinney predicted to land with Iowa State

Winton Woods defensive lineman Jayden McKinney celebrating. — Winton Woods defensive lineman Jayden McKinney celebrates a sack during the Eastern Cincinnati Conference rivalry game between Anderson and Winton Woods Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. | Brian Mack for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It is easy to see why the Cyclones might be in the lead currently because of how glowingly he spoke about his visit to Ames for spring practice.

“The day was great,” McKinney said of his first visit to campus, via Bill Seals of Cyclone Report (subscription required). “I was able to check out the facility and loved it. We also talked about the academic help that they offer and that was great. I had an amazing time.”

A product of Winton Woods High in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is listed at 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds. The trip to Ames made a lasting impression on him, as the bar is now set for what he expects during his recruitment.

“I love the program and the school,” McKinney said. “I can’t wait to watch Coach (Jimmy) Rogers and Coach Bibbs this season.”

Iowa State coaching staff making great first impression

Iowa State defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs talks to media during the football defensive coaches media opportunity at the university’s Stark Performance Centerer on Feb. 13, 2026, in Ames , Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There will be some pressure on Rogers and defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs in their first season with the Cyclones. The roster has been overhauled, but there is a lot of familiarity as the two worked alongside each other and defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit, with the Washington State Cougars last season.

Several familiar faces will be featured on the defensive side of the ball. That unit was excellent for Washington State in 2025, and it is something that Iowa State thrived at under Matt Campbell as well.

McKinney cannot wait to see what Bibbs does with the defensive line group this fall.

“I loved the staff and feel like I would fit well with Coach (Jalon) Bibbs,” McKinney said. “He is a great coach. They said they loved my tape and I would fit right into the defense.”

An incredible first impression has been made, which is a major reason why the Cyclones are considered the runaway favorites right now to eventually land a commitment from McKinney.