Cyclone Fanatic
Premium Iowa State coverage without the filter. Sharp analysis, strong opinions, and real conversations from the voices at Cyclone Fanatic — the largest Iowa State community on the internet. If it matters to Cyclone Nation, we’re talking about it.
DAILY CLONE: Ranking Iowa State's Position Groups 1-10
Ahead of media day, Jake Brend evaluates each position group for the 2026 Cyclones and ranks them 1 through 10. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: Jake Taylor is grateful and eager for his opportunity at Iowa State
After battling injuries for years at Oklahoma, Iowa State offensive lineman Jake Taylor is grateful and eager for his opportunity in Ames. Jake Brend reports on Taylor's journey to one of Iowa State's captains. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery.
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Williams & Blum: Creating tiers for Big 12 quarterbacks
Chris Williams & Brent Blum break down Iowa State football’s team captains that were announced this weekend. Plus, creating tiers for this season’s Big 12 starting quarterbacks. Where does Jaylen Raynor fit in? All this and more, courtesy of Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Cody Jackson's Incredible Story
As everyone continues to learn the backstories of the 2026 Cyclones, wide receiver Cody Jackson opens up about his difficult journey through college football.Jake Brend shares the story of Jackson overcoming Lemierre Syndrome.
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The Beat Reporters: Week 2 Fall Camp Impressions, Otz’ message to football, Jeremiah George vs Texas
Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens, and Rob Gray gather to recap week two of fall camp, reacting to Jimmy Rogers’ 13 minute answer about the depth chart. Plus, the guys touch on the staff’s different philosophies they’ve hit on throughout camp. The Beat Reporters react to T.J. Otzelberger’s message to the football team and close by spinning the wheel, reliving David Montgomery’s fumble at the Liberty Bowl and Jeremiah George’s near fumble. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing.
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Williams & Blum: Jimmy Rogers Gives Inside Look At Potential Depth Chart
Chris Williams and Brent Blum react to a fresh Jimmy Rogers press conference where he dove into the Iowa State offense and potential starters, along with position battles. What was the biggest takeaway? Ranking Big 12 schedules and more, courtesy of Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Did Jimmy Rogers just give us a 2-Deep?
Jimmy Rogers gave a 13 minute answer to Bill Seals' question about position battles and ended up giving a lot of insight into a potential two-deep.Jake Brend dissects who might could see the field at Jack Trice Stadium in 2026.
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DAILY CLONE: The Importance of Vulnerability for Cyclone Football
Jesse Bobbit explains the importance of vulnerability in the locker room and how it shows it up in critical moments.Jake Brend relates how being vulnerable can lead to confidence. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: Can the Cyclone Defense Hold Teams to Less Than 15 Points Per Game?
Jesse Bobbit has a goal for his defense. Keeping opponents to under 15 points per game. Is that attainable in 2026?Jake Brend analyzes the staff's track record and some of the changes they've made on Monday's Daily Clone.
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Williams & Blum: How Successful Can Iowa State's Offense Be?
Chris Williams and Brent Blum react to Iowa State's open practice over the weekend. What did they learn about Iowa State's offense? Jimmy Rogers could potentially rely on a group of freshmen. Plus, how could the latest news in the Protect College Sports Act affect the Big 12? Presented by Mechdyne.
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The Beat Reporters: Early Fall Camp Media Impressions
Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens and Rob Gray share their early impressions from the first two days of fall camp media availability. How is Iowa State acclimating to the pro-style offense, why Jaylen Raynor’s leadership is impressive, and the importance of Jimmy Rogers command. The fellas put a bow on summer basketball and then close by spinning the wheel and reliving an interaction between Bill Self and a fan. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing.
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DAILY CLONE: Jaylen Raynor is taking COMMAND of the new pro style offense
As Iowa State and Tyler Roehl switch to a new pro style offense, a lot is on the shoulders of quarterback Jaylen Raynor. On Thursday's Daily Clone, Jake Brend explains how Raynor's is making the transition to pro style through his leadership and command. Presented by Wyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: A Refreshing First Day of Fall Camp
Jimmy Rogers opened up fall camp with a refreshing attitude on expectations, resources and playing freshman. Jake Brend reports from day one of fall camp about why it matters on the Daily Clone presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery.
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Williams & Blum: Football is BACK!
Chris Williams and Brent Blum react to fall camp starting for the Cyclones before bringing in Jake Brend to recap Jimmy Rogers' first fall presser. Why did he pick Iowa State to win the Big 12? T.J. Otzelberger says he could use a two-big lineup this season. Breaking it all down courtesy of Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Will Dom Pleta play alongside Blake Buchanan?
As college basketball continues to trend towards a bigger game down low, T.J. Otzelberger shares the possibility of Dominykas Pleta playing the four spot alongside Blake Buchanan.
Can it work offensively? Why is size so important? What does it say about where Iowa State's program? Jake Brend answers those questions on the Daily Clone presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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Let Him Cook feat. Tamin Lipsey: Building a legacy at Iowa State, life after Ames, and more
Dylan Coon and Nigel Dyson are joined by former Iowa State legend Tamin Lipsey to reflect on his remarkable career in Ames. Lipsey discusses his journey from hometown standout to one of the most beloved Cyclones of his era, shares stories from his time playing under T.J. Otzelberger, and looks ahead to the next chapter of his basketball career.
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DAILY CLONE: Will Tamin Lipsey be a Cyclone next year?
The courts recently ruled that 2022 high school graduates are eligible to play a fifth year in the 2026-27 season. That criteria fits Cyclone legend Tamin Lipsey. Does that actually mean he'll come back to Iowa State? Jake Brend answers that question in the Daily Clone presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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Williams & Blum: What the Protect College Sports Act means for Iowa State
Chris Williams and Brent Blum break down the revised Protect College Sports Act after the Big Ten and SEC agreed to support the legislation. What would the new spending limits, NIL regulations and realignment protections mean for Iowa State and the Big 12?
Plus, could Tamin Lipsey receive a fifth year of eligibility and return to Iowa State?
Presented by Mechdyne.
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The Beat Reporters: Iowa State Makes Key Changes to Future Football Schedule
Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens, and Rob Gray react to Iowa State's football schedule changes, including the Cy-Hawk game being extended through 2031. Jamie Pollard opened up about logos. What should Iowa State's primary be? Touching on hoops, "Seneca Was In," and more, courtesy of Kelderman Manufacturing.
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DAILY CLONE: Extending Cy-Hawk is a win for Iowa AND Iowa State
Regardless of what Iowa fans say, extending the Cy-Hawk game is great for both parties. Jake Brend makes the case to take some notes from Kirk Ferentz. Presented by Wyffles Hyrbids in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE : Jaquan “Bully” Johnson is a Perfect Cyclone Fit
As the MVC Defensive Player of the Year comes to Ames, T.J. Otzelberger explains why Jaquan Johnson is a great fit at Iowa State and what will allow him to play well alongside Killyan Toure. Jake Brend has it on the Daily Clone presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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Williams & Blum: What Does The Future of Non-Conference Football Look Like?
Jake Brend and Brent Blum discuss the latest Cy-Hawk future rumblings. What does the future of the non-conference schedule look like? Diving into Phil Steele's preseason rankings. Summer hoops update, Big 12 Monster deal looks worse, and more. Presented by Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Is Killyan Toure the best on-ball defender in America?
As Iowa State tries to replace a legend in Tamin Lipsey, T.J. Otzelberger has pretty high hopes for sophomore guard Killyan Toure. Otzelberger explains how he can be the best on-ball defender in America and take his game to another level this upcoming season. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: What is the 4-2-5 defense?
Jake Brend takes a deep dive into what the 4-2-5 defense is based off what defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit and passing game coordinator Ross Watson told Cyclone Fanatic last week. What's the emphasis? Where does the pressure come from? Why will it work? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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Williams & Blum: The Jimmy Rogers era is HERE
Brent Blum is joined by Jake Brend filling in for Chris Williams to recap Thursday's interviews with Jimmy Rogers and Ross Watson. Brend and Blum have a nuanced conversation about the Iowa State and Penn State relationship and what feelings fans might have this fall. The guys continue to share their excitement for this upcoming season and some of the advantages Iowa State might have early in the year as an unknown team. Plus, they react to Jamie Pollard announcing he won't be around for basketball season and why that timing is important for the athletic department. Finally, they...
DAILY CLONE: Jimmy Rogers is keeping complacency away from Iowa State
Jake Brend explains some of the tweaks he's made to the Daily Clone and how that relates to what Jimmy Rogers hiring Offensive Coordinator Tyler Roehl and SAM/Nickels/Passing Game Coordinator Ross Watson. Plus, Watson explains a story from the legendary Dick Lebeau that's helped shape him as a coach. Presented by Whyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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PRESEASON CYCLONE FOOTBALL SPECIAL: Jimmy Rogers & Ross Watson join Jake Brend & Levi Stevenson
Are Cyclone fans ready for some football?! Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson host a Cyclone Fanatic///CF After Dark collab at the Cyclone Football Gridiron Golf Outing.
Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers joins the program to share his football philosophies, why he picked Iowa State to win the Big 12, how he adapts year-by-year, how his staff handled their first recruiting cycle and a lot more.
Iowa State SAM/Nickels/Passing Game Coordinator Ross Watson joins in on the fun to explain what his job is, why he loves...
The Beat Reporters: Jamie Pollard speaks his mind on A LOT
Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens and Rob Gray react to Jamie Pollard's busy week in the news cycle. The guys react to Pollard's opinions on retirement, state funding from the government, Texas Tech's handling of Brendan Sorsby and Jimmy Rogers' expectations. Plus, the beat reporters have a nuanced conversation about Matt Campbell's latest comments about Taylor Mouser and play the what-if game on Pollard's decision. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: Iowa State has EARNED respect nationally
Jake Brend explains that Iowa State fans are sensitive for good reason but that's it's also important to give national media credit when it's due. His reasoning? T.J. Otzelberger has earned a level of national respect that's mostly unheard of at Iowa State. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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1-on-1 with offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl
Iowa State’s new Offensive Coordinator, Tyler Roehl, sits down with Chris Williams to explain how his time in the NFL with Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions is shaping the Cyclones' brand-new offensive identity. Coming off an intense offseason, Coach Roehl discusses how he's modeling Iowa State's structure off of the NFL.He also breaks down the quarterback room, praising key leaders like Jaylen Raynor and Connor Moberly for stepping up during roster transitions. Roehl explains his core philosophy: "Time of Physicality" (TOP) over possession time. Presented by Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Matt Campbell isn't the ONLY coach that can win in Ames
Just because Matt Campbell is the most successful coach in Iowa State football's history, it doesn't mean that he's the only coach who can win in Ames. Jake Brend explains why based off of the recent Jimmy Rogers story. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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1-on-1 with defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit | Williams & Blum
In a sit-down interview with Chris Williams, Iowa State defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit outlines the aggressive identity he and Head Coach Jimmy Rogers are bringing to Ames. Reflecting on his transition from interim head coach at Washington State to Iowa State, Bobbit highlights a recruiting strategy built around culture fit and long-term development over quick fixes. Bobbit and Williams discuss what the new four-down base defense will look like and why he rejects the "bend but don't break" philosophy. Presented by Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: Pollard plans to retire before basketball, Bobbit & Roehl preview (July 21, 2026)
Jamie Pollard announces on the 365 Sports' "Smoak Show" that he plans to retire before basketball season. What does that mean for Iowa State? Plus, Jake Brend previews offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl and defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit's interview with Chris Williams that will air Wednesday. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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Williams & Blum: Questions from fans as football season approaches (July 19, 2026)
Chris Williams & Brent Blum take questions from subscribers about the upcoming Iowa State football season. Which Cyclones do the guys think have an NFL future? More analysis on President David Cook’s search for a new athletics director. Post Malone wore an Iowa shirt in Jack Trice Stadium on Friday night. How does that happen? All this and more, courtesy of our friends at Mechdyne.
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DAILY CLONE: What if Blake Buchanan makes a big jump in 2026-27? (July 17, 2026)
What are realistic expectations for Blake Buchanan in the 2026-27 season and what could Iowa State look like if he takes a big jump? Jake Brend explains. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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DAILY CLONE: Embracing Lower Expectations (July 16, 2026)
Jake Brend explains why lower expectations for Iowa State football in 2026 can be good for the fanbase and the atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium. Presented by Wyffels Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios.
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The Beat Reporters: Singleton comps to Jefferson, MBB non-con schedule, Aaron Craft
Ben Hutchens, Rob Gray, and Jake Brend discuss the similarities and differences between Tre Singleton and Joshua Jefferson and the importance of Singleton becoming his own player. Plus, the guys break down the non-conference basketball schedule, Kyle Konrardy’s importance, and relive the infamous Aaron Craft shot. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing.
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Williams & Blum: Football anticipation builds, breaking down the basketball schedule
Jake Brend and Brent Blum are joined by Chris Williams to discuss the balance of fewer expectations with excitement for year one of the Jimmy Rogers era. Brend and Blum then break down the 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule and discuss the latest drama with Cody Campbell. Courtesy of Mechdyne.
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Daily Clone: What's Happening With CyTown?
Chris Williams reacts to the latest update Jamie Pollard provided on CyTown before diving into why it will still work, what happens after Pollard retires, and more. Presented by Whiskey River.
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Daily Clone: Top Five Most Interesting Games of the 2026 Season
Chris Williams breaks down his top five most interesting games of the 2026 season for the Cyclones. Who does he find the most intriguing? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery.
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