Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers kicked off his tenure with a commanding 38-10 victory against Southeast Missouri on September 5, 2026, at Jack Trice Stadium.
Why it matters: This win marks a positive start for Rogers, who faced the challenge of integrating 83 newcomers into the Cyclones' roster. The impressive performance sets a hopeful tone for the season ahead.
Rogers, previously with Washington State, has revamped the Iowa State roster with a mix of newcomers and returning players.
The Cyclones showcased their potential, especially in the first half, against a Southeast Missouri team that had already secured a victory this season.
Driving the news: The Cyclones' offense was led by quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two more. His performance was instrumental in establishing an early lead.
Raynor completed 8 of 13 passes for 164 yards, including touchdown throws to tight end Vince Benetti and running back Easton Miller.
He also demonstrated his rushing ability, scoring twice on 7-yard runs and finishing with 32 yards on the ground.
State of play: The Cyclones' defense was equally impressive, recording six sacks, with three coming from defensive end Isaac Terrell in the first half alone.
Iowa State's new four-man defensive front, implemented under coordinator Jesse Bobbitt, proved effective, dominating the SEMO offense with aggressive blitzing.
The defense also forced three turnovers, including a spectacular one-handed interception by Beni Ngoyi, which could be a highlight of the season.
The big picture: This game serves as a foundation for the Cyclones as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including a highly anticipated matchup against Iowa.
Next Saturday, Iowa State will face Iowa at Kinnick Stadium, a rivalry game that will test their early-season momentum.
The Cyclones will return home on September 19 to play Bowling Green, aiming to build on their successful opener.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike have expressed optimism following the Cyclones' strong performance in their season opener.
Columnist Randy Peterson noted that the team performed beyond expectations, especially considering the offseason turmoil.
"For 75% of the time, the Cyclones performed beyond what anyone not named Jimmy Rogers probably anticipated," Peterson stated.
By the numbers: The statistics from the game highlight the Cyclones' dominance in various aspects.
The team recorded 12 tackles for loss, accounting for 79 yards lost by SEMO.
Iowa State's six sacks were the most since their last game against TCU in 2020, where they also achieved six.
Between the lines: The Cyclones faced some challenges in the second half but managed to maintain control of the game.
Some players struggled with consistency, but the coaching staff is expected to address these issues moving forward.
The depth of the roster allowed for more substitutions, which could have contributed to the team's second-half performance.
What's next: The Cyclones will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchups.
The upcoming game against Iowa will likely be a test of their readiness and cohesion as a newly formed team.
Kickoff for the Iowa game is set for 6:30 p.m. on NBC, providing a national stage for the Cyclones to showcase their progress.