Record Prediction
Sports Editor Kayde Sheaffer: 9-3
I think this year is going to be a little bit different for the Cyclones. Although we had a great season last year, we have also said goodbye to a large number of players who contributed a lot to the team. Mix that in with a couple of tough games, such as Kansas State and Colorado, I believe that the Cyclones worked hard enough in the off-season and gathered some great players to continue showing the world the team’s talent, but not enough to prove we are the best Big 12 team.
Assistant Sports Editor Ford Griffith: 9-3
Following a historic Cyclone season in which the team won double-digit games for the first time ever, I would love to predict that same success once again. Unfortunately, losing two wide receivers and one cornerback to the NFL makes it hard for me to give the Cyclones 10 wins. However, I do think the staff did a good job bringing in high-impact guys that can make up for that lost production. Guys like receivers Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend may replenish some of the lost receiving production, and Tre Bell could solidify himself as a solid cornerback on the opposite side of Jontez Williams.
Some crazy early-season scheduling is daunting, which has me thinking the Cyclones drop one to either Kansas State or Iowa, and then lose two more during the three-game stretch of Colorado, BYU and Arizona State.
Sports reporter Aleigha Bailey: 8-4
Between becoming the winningest team in Cyclone history and reclaiming the Cy-Hawk trophy last season, Iowa State will have to continue to excel to come close to the history established last season. With the departure of key players due to the NFL draft, seniors who moved to the next chapter and the transfer portal, being a successful team is in reach with the appropriate strategy. Given these circumstances, the matchups against ASU, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa may be the breaking points for the Cyclones. Now the question is, will an Irish victory against Kansas State be the luck to start off another historic season?
Offensive Player of the Year
Sheaffer: Carson Hansen
Last season, Carson Hansen played a prominent role in the backfield. In 2024, the running back scored 13 touchdowns and 752 rushing yards. Hansen has been a strong player to continuously find the end zone; alongside his durability and explosiveness, Hansen could be the Cyclone’s offensive centerpiece.
Griffith: Rocco Becht
I haven’t seen Kayde and Aleigha’s prediction, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had the same answer. Becht has played with NFL-caliber receivers in each of his first two seasons as the starter, which has me thinking he is prepared to really run the show now. He is capable of making the guys around him better with his ball placement, throwing them to where they need to be.
Bailey: Rocco Becht
Coming off being the MVP in the Pop-Tarts Bowl and his best season yet, Becht looks to set the scene for the offense this season. Becht ended last season with 3505 passing yards and 318 rushing yards. With the departure of offensive stars like Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, Becht’s chemistry with his offense will be the difference between him becoming the offensive player of the year and becoming a one-season wonder.
Defensive Player of the Year
Sheaffer: Jeremiah Cooper
As a senior defensive back, Jeremiah Cooper has the opportunity to present a great amount of leadership to the team. With his three-year prior experience as a Cyclone, Cooper offers great playmaking abilities. Last season, Cooper had two interceptions, 49 assists, 76 solo tackles and 125 total tackles. With Cooper’s experience and time to grow, I believe he will be someone who shines this upcoming season.
Griffith: Jontez Williams
Williams really broke onto the scene last year alongside Darien Porter and Myles Purchase, and now he has the keys to hold down the cornerback position. Williams also had a four-game streak with an interception in 2024, and I expect him to be a ball-hawk in 2025 as well. Williams has a very good chance to be an All-Big 12 First Team guy and could make his way onto some All-American lists as well.
Williams finished the year with 46 total tackles, five pass deflections and four interceptions. Despite sharing the secondary with NFL draft pick Darien Porter and undrafted free agent Myles Purchase, Williams led in both tackles and interceptions for the group, and I expect the same this season.
Bailey: Kooper Ebel
Going from three tackles in eight games his freshman year to 69 tackles in his sophomore campaign, Ebel looks to be a sneaky yet key part of the defense. With the jump in his contributions during last season, Ebel took the fourth slot in defensive players last season along with being the leading linebacker. Losing Beau Freyler and Malik Verdon hands the defense a disadvantage, but sets Ebel to become the next defensive leader. Ebel can lead by example and establish a veteran presence as he begins his junior season. With Ebel on the frontlines of the defense, the team looks to be dialed in for a successful season. Along with Senior Jeremiah Cooper at the back end of the defense, this tandem presence of veteran players looks to be the bridge to a victorious season.
Newcomer of the Year
Sheaffer: Xavier Townsend
As a recent transfer from UCF, wide receiver Xavier Townsend has big shoes to fill after Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel graduated. However, Townsend has the ability to thrive as a Cyclone, as he brings speed, versatility and shiftiness to the team. With the wide receiver room open, Townsend has a giant opportunity to step right into a significant role. Overall, I think Townsend is not only a great addition to the team, but his big-play abilities will make him the Newcomer of the year this season.
Griffith: Tamatoa McDonough
Following his senior season at Yale, McDonough provides a big frame on the edge for Iowa State as a graduate transfer. He tallied 6.5 sacks in 2024, a mark that would have led the Cyclones a year ago. Additionally, McDonough has been given the honor of wearing No. 58, something one defensive lineman is given each season. With Domonique Orange clogging up the inside, McDonough can be an absolute force in stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.
Bailey: Chase Sowell
With Higgins and Noel establishing their NFL careers, Iowa State looks to fill the wide receiver slots. Sowell, a junior this season, joined the Cyclones after transferring from ECU. Last season, Sowell held the second-place spot among ECU receivers with 34 receptions for 678 yards. The performance of Sowell last season was not nationally recognized due to a games played minimum but what he accomplished will be a crucial part of reestablishing a core role at the wide receiver position. Sowell’s addition begins to fill the gap left by Iowa State’s top wide receivers’ departure, along with contributing to the veteran presence that I assume will be a critical element for success this season.
