SURPRISE: ISU's Schedule Is EASY, Cyclones Will SHOCK Big 12 If Jimmy Rogers Gets Rolling Early

Iowa State Cyclones face a make-or-break season as skepticism mounts—could first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers silence doubters and shock the Big 12? Nick Marovets spotlights a slate loaded with marquee matchups against Iowa, BYU, Arizona, Oklahoma State, and Utah, dissecting which showdowns will truly define the Cyclones’ path. With Jalen Raynor and an influx of transfers, questions loom about returning production, offensive potential, and how quickly a rebuilt squad can gel. Key talking points include which games could swing expectations, the pivotal CyHawk rivalry, and whether Iowa State can clinch bowl eligibility against UCF. Nick Marovets delivers ceiling vs. floor predictions, candid takes on Utah and Kansas State, and debate on just how far the Cyclones could go—will Iowa State become the Big 12’s surprise contender, or is a rebuilding year in store?   Image Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.