Conference realignment shakes up college football landscape. North Carolina eyes SEC move, Miami ponders Big 12 jump. What's next for the ACC?

Drake and the Big 12 Squad break down potential conference shifts, analyzing financial motivations and brand impacts. The hosts explore ACC teams as expansion targets, weighing geographic fit and rivalries. Deion Sanders' dramatic health journey and coaching return at Colorado takes center stage, sparking discussions on resilience and program implications.

Tune in for insider perspectives on conference strategies, team valuations, and the ripple effects of these game-changing moves in college football.

While the departure of top wide receivers might seem like a setback for Iowa State, it presents a unique opportunity for quarterback Rocco Becht to elevate his game and, in turn, propel the Cyclones into the Big 12 Championship race. Last season, Becht put up impressive numbers, throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, a significant portion of that production went to now-departed NFL-bound receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, who combined for 167 catches, 2,377 yards, and 17 touchdowns. This reliance, while effective, could have inadvertently limited Becht's full development.

Without the safety net of defaulting to his established top targets, Becht will be compelled to progress through his reads more thoroughly and distribute the ball across a broader array of receivers, including new transfers like Chase Sowell and Xavier Townsend, and promising tight ends such as Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle. This forced diversification will hone his decision-making, improve his field vision, and ultimately foster greater poise under pressure. As quarterbacks coach Jake Waters noted, Becht is actively working on "processing, getting through reads, things like that where he can take another step." This growth in fundamental quarterbacking will make him a more complete and unpredictable passer.

Iowa State, returning nine starters on offense and with a strong defensive unit, is already seen as an intriguing contender, with Big 12 championship odds around +1200. Becht's enhanced ability to navigate complex defensive schemes and trust his entire receiving corps will make the Cyclones' offense more dynamic and less susceptible to being shut down by simply neutralizing one or two players. This maturation from Becht could be the critical factor that pushes Iowa State from a strong contender to a legitimate Big 12 champion.

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Iowa State's upcoming football season hinges significantly on the prowess of its defense, which appears poised to carry the team to more victories than the offense. While the offense boasts returning talent, the defensive unit, particularly the defensive line and linebackers, has undergone a transformative improvement from last year.

The defensive line, often a cornerstone of Jon Heacock's scheme, is set to be "completely different" according to coach Matt Campbell. Key returners like Domonique Orange and Ikenna Ezeogu are expected to take on larger roles, complemented by impactful transfers such as Yale's Tamatoa McDonough, who led the Ivy League in sacks, and Tulsa's Vontroy Malone. This infusion of talent and experience promises a more disruptive and effective pass rush, a notable area for improvement from the previous season.

Equally impactful is the resurgence of the linebacker corps. Plagued by injuries in 2024, the unit returns largely healthy and with valuable in-game experience gained by younger players forced into action. Coach Campbell has expressed high praise, stating the linebacker room looks "as good as I've ever seen it." This depth and renewed health will allow the defensive line to play more vertically, creating a synergistic effect that amplifies the entire front seven's ability to stifle opposing offenses.

With a stout run defense, an improving pass rush, and a deep, healthy linebacker group, Iowa State's defense is primed to be a top unit in the Big 12. Their ability to consistently limit opponents' scoring and generate turnovers will undoubtedly be the primary driver of wins, compensating for any potential growing pains on the offensive side of the ball.

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The recent announcements of Rocco Becht's inclusion on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, alongside the recognition of two Iowa State defensive backs, Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams, on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, serve as powerful testaments to a growing trust in the Iowa State football program. These prestigious nominations are not merely individual accolades; they collectively signal a broader belief in the team's potential and a promising outlook for the upcoming season.

Becht's nod for the Maxwell Award, honoring the nation's top collegiate player, underscores the confidence in his leadership and ability to guide the Cyclones' offense. It suggests expectations of a high-performing unit capable of making significant strides. Similarly, the dual presence of Iowa State defensive backs on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, an award for the best defensive back, highlights the elite talent and depth within the Cyclones' secondary. This recognition speaks volumes about their defensive prowess and the potential to shut down opposing offenses.

Such widespread national attention, particularly for key players on both sides of the ball, indicates that Iowa State is no longer an underdog but a legitimate contender. This external validation fosters internal belief and momentum. With a strong foundation of talent and the trust placed in them by national award committees, the Cyclones are poised for a truly great season, ready to exceed expectations and compete at the highest level.

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The recent decision to cancel the Hilton Coliseum renovation project casts a dark shadow over the future of Iowa State athletics, strongly suggesting that the financial concerns voiced by Athletic Director Jamie Pollard earlier this year are far more serious than initially perceived. This halt in a crucial infrastructure upgrade is not merely a postponement but a stark indicator of significant budgetary constraints impacting the department's ability to invest in its facilities. Modern, competitive facilities are vital for recruiting top talent, enhancing the fan experience, and generating revenue. Without these planned improvements, Iowa State risks falling behind peer institutions, potentially hindering its long-term competitiveness across various sports. The cancellation underscores a precarious financial situation that could limit future strategic investments, player development, and overall program growth, making it a genuinely troubling sign for the trajectory of Cyclone athletics.

Meanwhile, the Iowa State football team, under the leadership of head coach Matt Campbell, recently held its media availability, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season. Campbell, known for his consistent approach and ability to develop talent, addressed the media with his characteristic blend of optimism and realism. Discussions likely centered on key returning players, the integration of new recruits, and the team's readiness for the challenges of the Big 12 conference. Despite the broader athletic department's financial headwinds, the football program remains a focal point, with fans eagerly anticipating how Campbell's squad will perform following their preparations and recent interactions with the press.

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The Iowa State Cyclones' linebacker room is poised to be the decisive factor in their season-opening clash against Kansas State. Heading into the new campaign, the unit boasts an exceptional blend of returning talent from injury and battle-tested depth, creating a formidable defensive core that could swing the momentum in Iowa State's favor.

Last season saw key linebackers like Caleb Bacon, John Klosterman, and Will McLaughlin sidelined due to injury. While their absence was felt, it inadvertently provided invaluable experience to their replacements. These players, thrust into significant roles, gained crucial reps and developed a deeper understanding of the defensive scheme and the speed of collegiate football. This unexpected "trial by fire" has forged a more resilient and versatile group.

Now, with Bacon, Klosterman, and McLaughlin expected to return to full strength, Iowa State will benefit from a wealth of high-end skill and unparalleled depth at the position. The combination of seasoned veterans and newly experienced players creates a dynamic rotation capable of maintaining relentless pressure and adapting to Kansas State's offensive schemes. This depth ensures that fresh legs and high-level talent are consistently on the field, minimizing fatigue and maximizing defensive efficiency. It's this potent mix of returning stars and hardened backups that will ultimately secure a crucial early-season victory for the Cyclones.

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The ongoing evolution of the College Football Playoff (CFP) format has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding its implications for various conferences. Commissioner Tony Petitti's proposed 4-4-2-2-1 model, while seemingly offering a guaranteed pathway for more leagues, presents a nuanced disadvantage for conferences like the Big 12, and by extension, teams such as Iowa State.

Under the 4-4-2-2-1 structure, which allocates four automatic bids to the top four conference champions, followed by a tiered selection process, the Big 12 would indeed secure a guaranteed slot. However, this guarantee comes at a potential cost: a reduced opportunity for multiple teams from the same conference to qualify. For a league striving for broader representation, this format could be limiting.

Contrast this with a "5+11" model, often discussed as a potential alternative, which would likely allow for five automatic qualifiers and eleven at-large bids. Such a structure would significantly increase the chances of a strong Big 12, even if its champion isn't among the absolute elite, to place several teams into the expanded playoff field. Iowa State, for instance, a program that consistently competes for top-tier finishes within the Big 12, would find its path to the playoff more accessible as a strong at-large contender under a "5+11" system, even if they don't win the conference title.

While the 4-4-2-2-1 model ensures a presence, it paradoxically constrains the Big 12's overall playoff footprint, making it less advantageous for the conference to maximize its representation compared to a more open at-large heavy format.

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The recent news of Marcus Zelee's decommitment from Iowa State basketball might, at first glance, appear to be a setback. However, a deeper look reveals that this development, paradoxically, underscores the burgeoning strength and premier status of the Iowa State program. Rather than a negative reflection, Zelee's initial swift decision speaks volumes about the appeal of Ames.

Consider the timeline: Marcus Zelee accepted his offer within a mere 48 hours of Iowa State extending it. This wasn't a drawn-out deliberation or a cautious weighing of options. This was an immediate, enthusiastic embrace of the opportunity. Such a rapid commitment from a talented prospect is a clear indicator that Iowa State is not just a viable option, but a highly desirable destination. It demonstrates that the program, under its current leadership, has cultivated a reputation so strong that recruits instantly recognize its value and potential.

This instant attraction suggests that Iowa State basketball has ascended to a level where it is considered a top-tier program by recruits. They don't need extensive convincing; the allure of playing for the Cyclones in Ames is self-evident. Furthermore, this decommitment, while unexpected, opens up a valuable scholarship spot, allowing the coaching staff to strategically pursue a player who might be an even better fit for the team's long-term vision or a prospect with a more solidified commitment. This flexibility can ultimately strengthen the roster.

While decommitments are an unfortunate reality in college recruiting, the initial fervor with which Zelee chose Iowa State is a powerful testament to the program's undeniable appeal and growing prominence on the national stage. It reinforces that Iowa State is indeed a premier program, capable of attracting high-caliber talent with immediate impact. However, the program should also view this as a potential warning sign, prompting an internal review of factors that might lead to future decommitments, especially concerning larger commitments where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) considerations could play an increasingly significant role.

The Big 12 Conference's decision to not extend an invitation to Memphis, despite their persistent efforts, was a strategic move that ultimately benefits both the league as a whole and its existing members, particularly Iowa State. While expansion often brings new markets, this particular rejection underscored a commitment to quality over quantity, solidifying the conference's post-realignment identity.

For the Big 12, declining Memphis helped avoid potential dilution of its competitive and financial strength. The current configuration, strengthened by recent additions like UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston, has established a clear, geographically cohesive, and competitively robust footprint. Adding Memphis, a program without a consistent Power Five pedigree, could have introduced an element of instability or, at the very least, a less lucrative media rights partner, potentially diminishing the per-school revenue share. The Big 12 prioritized maintaining its strong, unified front, ensuring that its existing members continue to thrive without unnecessary compromises.

For Iowa State, this decision is particularly advantageous. A strong, stable Big 12 means continued access to high-profile competitive matchups, which are crucial for recruiting and maintaining fan engagement. The financial health of the conference directly impacts Iowa State's athletic budget, allowing for investments in facilities, coaching, and student-athlete welfare. By not adding a program that might have been perceived as a step down in overall conference strength, the Big 12 signals its commitment to its current members' long-term prosperity. This stability allows Iowa State to focus on its competitive goals within a secure and increasingly formidable league.

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