AMES — Iowa State football officially turned its attention toward the 2026 season Wednesday morning as the Cyclones opened their first fall camp under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
The first practice featured helmets and shells rather than full pads, but Rogers wasted no time introducing younger players to the pace and expectations of the program.
Iowa State worked in the red zone and near the goal line during the opening session, an unusual starting point that Rogers said was part of a carefully planned effort to control player workloads and reduce the risk of soft-tissue injuries.
“It was just good to be back into the swing of things,” Rogers said. “Had a good summer. Guys are healthy.”
The practice marked another important step in a new era that began when Iowa State hired Rogers as its 34th head football coach in December.
Rogers arrived in Ames after guiding Washington State to a bowl game and previously leading South Dakota State to the 2023 Football Championship Subdivision national championship.
The Cyclones have one month to prepare for their September 5 season opener against Southeast Missouri at Jack Trice Stadium, and Rogers has identified “competitive maturity” as one of the team’s most important objectives.
That means learning more than the playbook.
Rogers wants his players to improve their technique, understand changing game situations and remain mentally prepared when the depth chart begins to take shape.
Practices will eventually include clock-management situations, game-like segments and crowd noise intended to test the offense and defense under pressure.
“For the most part, they have the scheme down,” Rogers said. “It’s just with all the nuances and all the new people getting on the same page and creating clarity so that they can play with confidence.”
The new head coach spent much of the offseason assembling the operation that will guide the Cyclones through his first season.
Among the most significant additions was the return of Tyler Roehl as Iowa State’s offensive coordinator after Roehl spent a season coaching tight ends with the Detroit Lions.
Roehl previously served as Iowa State’s assistant head coach and running backs coach during the Cyclones’ record-setting 2024 campaign. His familiarity with Ames and experience building physical rushing attacks could prove valuable as Iowa State installs a new offensive system.
Rogers also brought a trusted defensive leader with him when Jesse Bobbit was named Iowa State’s defensive coordinator.
Bobbit worked alongside Rogers at South Dakota State and Washington State, helping oversee defenses known for limiting points, creating pressure and performing well in critical situations.
The Cyclones later completed their offensive and defensive coaching staff, bringing together assistants with experience at the college and professional levels.
Rogers said Iowa State’s sports-science resources have changed how he plans practices. Coaches receive extensive information about player health and physical workload, allowing the staff to adjust the length and intensity of each session.
He acknowledged that holding back can be difficult for a coach eager to prepare his team.
“I’ve been under one system for a long time, so it’s hard for me to look at a practice script on day one and be like, ‘This is all we’re doing,’” Rogers said. “I have to fight myself on that.”
Iowa State entered camp with most of its roster available.
Max Baloun participated throughout Wednesday’s practice and looked healthy, while Ryver Peppers continued working his way toward full clearance. Rogers said players recovering from season-ending injuries remained unavailable.
Some of the most significant camp competitions are expected at tight end and safety.
Christian Greenlaw and Vince Benetti are among the tight ends competing for work, while A.J. Petersen could contribute in more of a fullback role. Rogers also indicated that several players remain in contention for snaps at safety.
No position will be protected by seniority.
Rogers said Iowa State will prepare its freshmen to compete immediately, and the best player will receive the opportunity regardless of age or experience.
“The best player is going to play,” Rogers said. “If we can get a guy ready to play, he will take somebody’s spot. It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior or a freshman.”
That approach could create disappointment as players begin to learn where they stand, but Rogers said handling those setbacks professionally will be part of the team’s development.
He warned that players who respond poorly to reduced playing time could prevent themselves from earning opportunities later in the season.
“There’s going to be some hurt feelings,” Rogers said. “There always is. It’s how they handle it. Will they be a professional?”
The coaching staff must balance that intense individual competition with the need to keep the roster united.
Rogers said the returning Cyclones and the program’s numerous newcomers have developed strong relationships during the offseason. The goal now is to preserve that connection while every player fights for a place on the field.
The head coach described the program’s desired culture as one built upon trust, purpose, accountability and an absence of ego.
Wednesday’s lighter practice offered only a limited look at which players might emerge.
Rogers mentioned impressive catches by Dom, Evan Boyd and Ty Claiborne, along with several sacks by the defense. He cautioned that the real separation will begin after players put on full pads and start competing at game speed.
The Cyclones will also spend the coming weeks preparing for situations that cannot be completely recreated on a practice field, including late-game decisions, crowd noise and the pressure of executing assignments within seconds.
Rogers made it clear that the work ahead will not be comfortable.
Players must absorb an unfamiliar system, withstand physically demanding practices and remain committed when their individual roles do not develop as hoped.
“They are going to have to suffer through hard times to become the team that they want to be,” Rogers said. “This isn’t for everybody. You have to be tough when you come here.”
Iowa State opens the season at noon Saturday, September 5, against Southeast Missouri in Ames. One week later, the Cyclones travel to Iowa City for a 6:30 p.m. Cy-Hawk rivalry game against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
(TOP PHOTO: Christian Greenlaw, via Iowa State Athletics.)