00:00 – Intro & Banter

• Welcome and co-host update: Carter Hanson in new house (unpacking ongoing, necessities like TV and Duke string set up).
• Teaser: Iowa State’s Hall of Football recruits from the past week + Brennan Sorsby/Texas Tech resolution.

00:15 – Iowa State Football Recruiting Updates (Recent Commits)

Hosts review new commits with offer lists, ratings (247), physical profiles, film analysis (mostly huddle/YouTube tape), positional fit in Iowa State’s scheme (aggressive 4-2-5/hybrid fronts, emphasis on length, speed, and camp evaluations).

1. Damarian Williams (DL/Edge, 6'4" 225, Alabama) – Committed yesterday

• Rating: ~.878 (slight bump recently; steady 87-88 range).
• Offers: Mississippi State, Wake Forest, Tulane, USF, Troy, Southern Miss, Marshall + G5s.
• Film: Plays mostly Mike LB now but body type/athleticism screams edge rusher (long arms, bend, explosion). Good run defender, filters through traffic, eyes in backfield.
• Fit: Likely edge in ISU’s scheme; frame to add 20-25 lbs. Comfortable moving forward more than backpedaling. Wake Forest connection via coaching ties.
• Overall: Solid Southern get with camp/in-person eval upside.

2. Leslie Woodson (Edge, ~6'4" 228, Fort Wayne, IN) – Committed yesterday

• Rating: .87 range.
• Offers: Heavy MAC (Northern Illinois, etc.), Mountain West (former MAC).
• Film: Hand-in-dirt edge rusher archetype similar to Williams projection. Strong run defender, swim moves, gap shooting, quickness off the line. Nose for the ball, sheds blocks well. Limited pure pass-rush reps vs. elite competition.
• Context: Camp offer that “blew up” after in-person eval. Exposure issue possible due to northern Indiana location.
• Fit: Long, rangy edge with bend; needs pass-rush refinement but raw tools evident.

3. Keyshawn Williams (CB, 6'1" 178, Orlando, FL) – Recent commit

• Rating: .86.
• Offers: Nebraska, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Louisville + lower levels.
• Film: Big-time track speed + length. Strong in man coverage (Iowa State runs >50% man). Good tackling, doesn’t bite on double moves, recovers with speed. Florida pipeline (Jontez Williams, etc.).
• Fit: High-end speed and man-coverage traits align with defensive scheme needs.

4. “Special” Henry (LB/Edge, 6'2" 195, Texas) – Recent commit

• Rating: Bumped to .86.
• Offers: SMU (ACC), Tulane, CUSA, Mountain West, Pac-12 level.
• Film: Versatile (edge rush, run defense, special teams, space as nickel/WLB). Good speed, physical tackler, chases well. Comfortable in space but better downhill.
• Fit: Hybrid LB/safety type or edge; scheme favors aggressive, run-heavy hybrids (e.g., Willie Breland mention). Can add weight.

5. Shahariam (or Shaharia) Thurston (CB, 6'1" 175, Arlington, TX area) – Recent flip from Colorado State

• Offers: Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech, TCU, Louisville + others. Strong Texas footprint.
• Film: Man coverage reps, physical tackler, track background (110H, high jump), reported 4.45 forty. Some stance/hip quirks to clean up.
• Context: Good flip beating Big 12/Texas schools. Smart kid with Ivy offers too.

6. William Bowers (K, 5-star per specialist rankings, Elizabeth, TN)

• Top-10 kicker (Jamie Cole’s group).
• Film: Strong leg, accurate on 42+ yarders.
• Context: ISU history with specialist rankings (Cole Netton, etc.). Positive addition for special teams.

Additional Notes:

• Many camp offers; heavy emphasis on in-person evals over huddle tape.
• Theme: Length, speed (especially defense), system fits. Class currently ~22 commits, targeting 45-50 range overall (composite stronger with a couple 4-stars).
• Quick mentions: Drew Bergfeld (LB, Western Dubuque, bumped to .85), Josh McCarthy (.88), Joey Massey (.86).

~35:00+ – Brennan Sorsby Saga Resolution & Broader Discussion

• Update: Sorsby entering supplemental NFL draft, leaving Texas Tech. Ends the two-week saga.
• Background: Gambling incidents (betting on own team games while suited up). Mental health/gambling addiction acknowledged.
• Texas Tech response criticized: Defensive video with coaches/admins, legal threats via Texas AG, perceived PR missteps.
• Hosts’ take: Frustrating defense of playing him; resources for recovery yes, but not on-field participation. Irreparable harm argument seen as overreach. Bad look for program reputation.
• Supplemental draft context: For ineligible players (gambling, academics, etc.). Historical successes rare but include notable names (Josh Gordon, Chris Carter, etc.). Sorsby’s NFL path now via this route.
• Broader: Gambling culture in sports, conference bylaws, integrity questions.

Basketball Recruiting Quick Hits

• Iowa State #1 in 2027 class (early aggression on targets).
• Jack Conan (Wisconsin, elite shooter – Brent Bloom praise; Matt Thomas comp).
• Josiah Harrington, Donovan Davis. TJ Otzelberger locked in.
• Strong program outlook under Otzelberger.

Closing & Outlook

• Class nearly full; few OV spots left (e.g., Cash Hollingshead QB visit).
• Focus shifts to season; early class completion by design.
• Positive on system fits despite modest ranking projection.
• Sign-off: Go Cyclones.

Key Takeaways: Iowa State continues building depth with athletic, scheme-specific defensive pieces via camp/in-person focus. Sorsby saga concluded with player exiting, drawing commentary on program handling. Solid foundation for both football and basketball recruiting under current staffs.

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Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #69 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson

Focus: Iowa State recruiting updates, recent commits/visits, and extensive discussion on the Brandon Sorsby gambling scandal at Texas Tech and its broader implications.

Quick Summary

The episode opens with housekeeping on recent Iowa State recruiting activity (new commits like Dontrell Young) and upcoming visits. The bulk of the show shifts to a deep, frustrated analysis of the Brandon Sorsby situation at Texas Tech — his gambling history, the court injunction allowing him to play, comparisons to Iowa/Iowa State cases, and the hosts' strong view that this undermines the integrity of college football. They also touch on offensive scheme fits (e.g., fullback Joey Massey) and quarterback evaluations.

Timestamped Key Segments & Notes

00:00 – 05:00: Intro & Latest Commit (Dontrell Young)

• Welcome and recent news: Iowa State landed Illinois QB Dontrell Young (track standout, 10.46 100m) ~15 minutes before the show.
• Discussion of his elite speed/athleticism (6'0", ~160 lbs), versatility (corner/safety/nickel potential), and fit in the new defensive scheme emphasizing man coverage and speed.
• Hosts note the staff's shift toward athletic, high-upside players who can be coached up. Young seen as a developmental piece with special teams upside.

05:00 – 20:00+: Film Review & Player Breakdowns

• Breakdown of Young's film: Strong pursuit, tackling for size, comfort in deep coverage and run support. Concerns about current weight but high praise for raw traits.
• Hosts debate best position (corner or safety); lean toward corner/nickel due to speed and downhill mentality.
• Additional commits mentioned: Jackson Poden (safety, Missouri), under-recruited gems found via camps. Emphasis on staff's in-person evaluations over stars/offers.
• QB Cash Hollingshead: Pro-style passer with good mechanics, arm talent, accuracy, and culture fit. Compared favorably to Hudson Kurland in some areas; seen as a strong developmental piece.
• Fullback Joey Massey (6'2", 235 lbs): Highlighted for physicality, blocking, hands, and scheme fit in an A-gap power run game. Hosts excited about his "football dude" mentality and potential to add weight.

Recruiting Housekeeping (~20:00 – 35:00)

• Recent momentum with camp offers and under-the-radar talent.
• Upcoming visits (Friday): Keyshawn Williams, Shamarian Thurston, others. Mentions of Cameron Roberson visit feedback.
• Strategy praise: Building culture with guys who fit the scheme and buy in, while still pursuing higher-end targets.

Main Segment: Brandon Sorsby / Gambling Scandal (~35:00 – End)

• Deep dive into Sorsby's extensive gambling (reported ~$90k over years, including on his own teams), court injunction allowing him to play at Texas Tech, and fallout.
• Strong criticism: This is point-shaving territory in the hosts' view; far more damaging to the sport than conference realignment or NIL issues.
• Comparisons to Iowa/Iowa State cases (e.g., Noah Shannon, Hunter Dekkers): Players lost eligibility for far less, highlighting inconsistency and perceived corruption.
• Broader implications: Erodes trust in game outcomes, legitimizes gambling on one's own team, potential for boycotts/refusals to play Texas Tech, calls for NCAA "teeth" via congressional action/antitrust exemption, and even death penalty speculation for Texas Tech.
• Hosts express frustration with Texas Tech's stance, Cody Campbell's influence, and the precedent this sets. They hope for accountability to preserve sport integrity.

Key Takeaways / Analysis

• Recruiting: Iowa State continuing to build athletic depth through camp evals and speed-focused defensive additions. Positive early returns on new staff's approach.
• Scheme Fit: Emphasis on versatile, tough, culture-aligned players (speed on defense, physicality in the run game).
• Gambling Topic: Hosts view Sorsby/Texas Tech situation as an existential threat to college football's credibility. Strong belief that gambling on one's own team should be a permanent ban, with calls for broader reform.
• Tone: Optimistic on ISU recruiting/culture; highly critical and disheartened on the national gambling precedent.

Notable Quotes

• On Young: “With that kind of speed, I kind of wonder if they’d consider moving him to corner... that’s athleticism that you can find a spot for pretty much anytime.”
• On Massey: “This guy looks fun... He was built for Tyler Rohl’s offense.”
• On Sorsby: “This delegitimizes everything... If you let this go through, TV viewership will go down because people will just stop caring.”

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Focus Areas: Official Visitors, Recent Football Commits, and Ted Cruz-Maria Cantwell Bill

1. Recent Football Commits (from prior weekend visitors)

The hosts reviewed three new commits from the previous weekend's visitors:

• Jason Wooden (WR/DB, Frisco/McKinney, Texas)
  • Switching to defensive back (likely safety or hybrid nickel role).
  • 6'2", ~200 lbs frame with good athleticism, ball skills, high-pointing ability, and explosiveness.
  • Strong frame for growth into linebacker/safety hybrid in Iowa State's 4-2-5 scheme. Limited defensive tape reviewed, but physical tools stand out.
• Drew Agson (OT, Goodrich, Michigan) – 3-star
  • Priority offensive line target with offers from Boston College, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pitt, Virginia, Wisconsin, etc.
  • 6'5", 275 lbs with tackle body type and athleticism. Plays with good motor, aggression, and versatility (some defensive highlights).
  • Projected as offensive tackle; good potential to add weight and develop.
• Jordan Crider (S, Middletown, Ohio) – 3-star
  • Offers from Kentucky, Temple, Bowling Green, James Madison, etc.
  • Strong athleticism and instincts as a developmental prospect; good student.
  • Shows ball skills, route jumping, open-field playmaking, and explosiveness in highlights. Ohio high school football context noted as competitive but not elite.

Overall, solid depth additions with upside in key positions (DB, OL, S).

2. Official Visitors (coming Monday, June 8)

Quick tape reactions and recruiting context for the four main visitors:

• Cameron Roberson (4-star CB, Cypress, Texas) – High-priority target
  • Strong offer list (Houston, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, Vandy, Iowa, K-State, etc.). Visiting Vanderbilt Thursday, Iowa State Monday.
  • Excellent scheme fit for Iowa State's man-heavy 4-2-5 defense: press coverage, ball skills, speed, fluidity, and physicality.
  • Multiple standout reps jamming receivers, trailing, and disrupting screens. High-upside player who could compete for early playing time.
• Carl Jones Jr. (3-star CB, Tampa, Florida)
  • Offers from USF (favorite per 247), Wake Forest, Virginia, Cincinnati, BYU, Georgia Tech, Iowa, K-State, etc.
  • Explosive playmaker and "turnover machine" — big hits, strips, picks, return TDs, blocked kicks. Instinctive with great ball-hawking and open-field ability.
  • Primarily zone in highlights but shows coverage and physicality. Potential future #1 CB if fundamentals (footwork/hips) are refined. Strong Iowa offer noted as competition.
• Bennett Conkey (WR, Geneva, Illinois)
  • Offers from Northwestern, Iowa, Iowa State, Illinois, Wisconsin, etc. Smart kid (Ivy League offers).
  • Well-rounded 6'1", 180 lbs receiver: good routes, consistent hands, athletic enough to get open, solid after-catch.
  • Not flashy "wow" plays but reliable and scheme-versatile (inside/outside). Comparable to a steady contributor type (e.g., bright Eskildsen reference).
• Caleb Jordan (DE/Edge, Chandler, Arizona) – Lower 3-star
  • Offers from K-State, Washington State, Air Force, Mountain West, Ivies. On K-State visit same weekend.
  • 6'3", 220 lbs — needs significant weight (30-40+ lbs). Good first step, block shedding, and athleticism on the edge.
  • Mostly 3-tech/end in high school; developmental project with pass-rush upside. Smart kid who could benefit from early enrollment.

Additional note: Dontrell Young (DB) added as an extra visitor. Elijah Shaw (big tackle) did not visit.

3. Ted Cruz-Maria Cantwell Bill (Congressional discussion)

The hosts discussed the upcoming floor debate on this bipartisan college athletics reform bill:

Key Provisions Highlighted:

• Five-and-Five Rule: 5 years of eligibility total (eliminates traditional redshirts; minor impact for football due to current 4-game rules).
• Transfer Rules: One free transfer, then sit-out year for additional moves (possible coaching change exception unclear).
• NIL/Revenue Sharing: Spending caps on revenue sharing + organized NIL; builds on existing ~$21.5M media rights limits.
• Antitrust Protections: Gives a college sports commission more enforcement power and exemptions to reduce endless lawsuits.
• Other: Bans pro athletes (overseas or drafted) from college; restricts in-season coaching hires/changes (pushes moves post-championship).

Pros/Observations:

• Addresses chaos in portal, NIL, and eligibility.
• Popular with fans and many coaches (e.g., aligns with Nick Saban's views).
• Could stabilize the sport long-term.

Challenges/Concerns:

• Grandfathering issues for current players (e.g., Mila Momchilovic, Dom Plata, Hudson Curlin, RJ Lewis?).
• SEC opposition over media rights pooling (wants individual negotiation power).
• Enforcement questions (e.g., policing "over-the-cap" NIL deals).
• Likely to face heavy litigation from TV networks, conferences, etc.

Overall Take: Promising structure and bipartisan support, but slow progress expected due to legal fights. Hosts view it as a positive step toward structure vs. current free-for-all.

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Host: Levi Stevenson (Carter off this week) Show: Iowa State Cyclones Live on IowaStateVOCFB  Date/Context: 5/26/2026

Overview

• Focus: Film review of several 2027 prospects visiting Iowa State this weekend.
• Emphasis on in-state commits visiting + several high-upside targets.
• Levi highlights a shift toward competing more with Power 5 peers rather than lower-tier programs.

Key Commits Visiting This Weekend

• Will Slagle, Isaiah Hansen (in-state)
• Gavin Erickson-Statton, Cohen Hintzman (offensive linemen)
• Zavod Robinson (DL, Minneapolis – likely DT)
• Joe Vineyard (TE, Waukee – in-state)
• Positive to have multiple already-committed players on campus, especially in-state ones.

Prospects Reviewed (Film Breakdowns)

1. Chris Wilson – DE, Yorktown, IN

• Big, physical (6'5", 235 lbs).
• Dominant high school edge rusher with size/athleticism advantage.
• Strong against the run, good quickness, mix of hand-in-dirt and stand-up rushing.
• Offers: Cincinnati, Purdue, Iowa State, Kansas, Auburn, Indiana, Kentucky, etc.
• High-upside but questions on translating vs. bigger college tackles.
• Iowa State in the mix with closer-to-home schools (Purdue/Cincy).

2. Jalen Welch – S, Loganville, GA

• Good size (6'3", 190 lbs).
• Ball hawk with excellent instincts; always around the ball.
• Comfortable in space, run support, and showed nickel/edge rush ability.
• Strong in coverage and open-field tackling (minor technique notes).
• Fits as nickel or free safety in Iowa State's defense.
• Offers from West Virginia, Syracuse, Boston College, North Carolina, etc. (peers for Iowa State).

3. Elijah Shaw – OL, Leawood, KS

• Massive project (6'9", ~273 lbs) with basketball background → very athletic.
• 4-star (247) / high 3-star composite.
• Raw but enormous upside; needs pad level work, strength, and ~50+ lbs.
• Competes with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Arkansas.
• Potential NFL trajectory if developed (Jake Thornton mentioned as ideal coach).
• Huge foundational piece for the O-line.

4. Roman Combs – DB/Athlete, West Chester, OH (Lakota West)

• Versatile defensive back (corner focus in highlights).
• Good technique variety (squared-up jamming + open/quarter-turn hips for flexibility).
• Solid in coverage, ball skills, and special teams.
• Offers include Purdue, Illinois, Pitt, Penn State, Indiana, Iowa, etc.
• First noted Iowa State vs. Penn State recruiting battle.

5. Ryan Paulson – DE, DeWitt, IA (in-state)

• Strong run defender / edge setter.
• Disruptive vs. run, good motor, physical.
• Offers from Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, etc.
• Projects as high-level run defender (Zach Peterson comp vibes).
• Key in-state target.

6. Cade Newman – TE, Ankeny Centennial, IA (in-state)

• 6'5", 210 lbs – good run blocker with reliable hands.
• Fits Iowa State's projected offense (run-heavy, intermediate passing).
• Solid competition level in Iowa 4A.
• Iowa State currently his best offer.

7. Brian Manuel – WR, (details lighter)

• Smooth, modern route-runner; quick in space, good hands/YAC.
• Not overly explosive but consistent and productive.
• Solid athlete; needs to develop a dominant trait for Power 5.
• Iowa State stands out as top offer.

Additional Mentions

• Brody Campbell (QB, GA) – Offered recently; visiting soon. Connection via Jarvis West.
• Other visitors noted but not deeply reviewed: Drew Agasson, Jordan Kreider, Logan DuBose, Jason Wood, etc.
• Strong recruiting focus on Texas, Georgia, and traditional Midwest/Kansas City areas.

Takeaways

• Iowa State getting quality visits and competing at a higher level.
• Emphasis on keeping in-state talent (Paulson, Newman) while adding high-ceiling pieces like Shaw and Wilson.
• Positive momentum with commits returning to campus.
• Levi optimistic on several targets but realistic about competition (geography, program prestige).

Next Episode Tease: More film reviews (Carl Jones, Bennett Conkey, Caleb Jordan, etc.) + potential commitment updates.

Great solo episode from Levi with detailed, honest film analysis! Go Cyclones.

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Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Network: IowaStateVOCFB Length: ~52 minutes Date: May 20, 2026 (offseason episode)

Quick Summary

A relaxed, classic offseason show covering recent roster moves in basketball and football, plus broader commentary on conference realignment drama. The hosts emphasize enjoying a “normal” summer without major chaos and provide level-headed takes on the latest developments.

Key Topics

1. Basketball – Jackson Kiss Flip

• Jackson Kiss decommitted from Iowa State and flipped back to UNLV.
• Main reason: He became academically eligible unexpectedly and wants immediate playing time. Iowa State had no available minutes for him this season (he was projected as a redshirt/developing piece).
• Hosts view it as mutual best interest — opens a roster spot and gives him what he wants. Not a major loss as he wasn’t a high-impact immediate contributor.
• Side chatter: UNLV fans (especially “Rebel Girl”) getting some revenge after TJ Otzelberger poached players previously.

2. Basketball – Milan Mamchilovic Draft Decision

• Extensive discussion on whether Milan returns for another college year.
• Concerns: Roster fit (lacks the playmakers/defenders like Jefferson & Lipscomb from last year), defensive limitations, inability to create his own shot consistently, and tough matchups against long/athletic wings.
• NIL/money angle: Louisville reportedly offering big money (~$6.5M). Iowa State might stretch to $2–3M but probably not enough.
• Hosts’ consensus: Very low chance (~<5%) he returns to Iowa State. Roster and scheme aren’t ideal for him as the clear #1 option. Deadline mentioned around May 26–28.

3. Football – Running Back Carousel

• Gene Jackson is gone (on-field performance + possible off-field issues).
• Another RB (Achilles injury) out for the season.
• Iowa State added a transfer from Tulane as a situational/power/goal-line depth piece.
  • Expected role: Very limited snaps behind primary backs Aiden Flora and Petaway.
  • Hosts stress the staff was likely upfront with him about expectations.
• River Peppers update: Recovering well from October Achilles tear; expected to practice in fall camp. High praise for his high school film/explosiveness.
• Overall: Not a needle-mover. The 1-2 punch of Flora/Petaway remains the focus; new addition is just insurance.

4. Jamie Pollard Comments (Tailgate Tour)

• Strong agreement with Pollard’s frustration toward the Big Ten/SEC.
• Key quote/theme: They helped create the College Sports Commission but now resist its rules. Pollard says “let them break away” — but they must leave all sports, not just football.
• Hosts break down why a football-only super league would hurt non-football sports badly (scheduling boycotts, loss of competitive depth, diluted TV interest from neutral fans).

5. Other Notes

• Positive vibes on the Tailgate Tour (fun fan/coach interactions).
• Women’s wrestling: Recent commits from William Penn (NAIA powerhouse), including a U17 world champion — exciting for the new program.
• General offseason feel: Preseason rankings, recruit chatter, no major drama.

Tone & Takeaways

Casual, honest, and fan-friendly. The hosts are optimistic about the football RB room depth and realistic/pessimistic on the Mamchilovic return. Strong endorsement of Pollard’s “put up or shut up” stance on conference politics.

Next Episode: Tentatively Tuesday at 7 PM Central — more offseason rankings, position group breakdowns, or schedule difficulty talk.

Great low-stakes summer episode for Cyclones fans catching up on the latest moves. Go Cyclones!

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1. Basketball Recruiting Highlights

• Donovan Davis (4-star, Wisconsin): Major commitment to TJ Otzelberger. Extends the strong Wisconsin pipeline (dating back ~20 years to players like Scott Christopherson & Mike Taylor). Iowa State has landed ~7 of the last top-15 Wisconsin prospects.
  • Profile: Big, athletic forward (6'7", 200 lbs). Good handle, distributor, solid high-school jumper. Compared to Melvin Ejim in style/size. Strong playmaking, downhill driver.
  • Defense: Familiar with Iowa State's "no middle" scheme from high school. Smart, mature beyond his years.
  • Fit: Projects as scorer around the rim, rebounder, defender early on. Room to grow physically and as a shooter (potential 38% 3PT at size).
• Class Outlook: Iowa State currently #1 in 2027 class rankings. Other names: Josiah Harrington, potential Jack Conan (Wisconsin shooter, more well-rounded scorer).
  • Isaiah Bond: Likely 1 year left (possible redshirt history).
  • Lineup vision (2026-27): Lengthy, switchable defense with guys like Davis, Trey Singleton, Bully Johnson, etc. Exciting transition play.

Future Outlook: Strong 2026 tournament team expected. 2027 looks "scary" with development from Singleton, Don Plata, Bateman, Davis, Bond + new class.

2. Football Recruiting Updates

• Zavad Robinson (3-star DL, Minneapolis/Camden): Developmental prospect (6'3", 275). Lower-major offers. Fits as edge/DT. Good size/quickness for the level; familiar with 4-2-5 scheme. Low-risk flyer with existing DL depth.
• Joe Vineyard (3-star TE, Waukee Northwest): 6'5", 220. Solid offer list (Baylor, Washington State, etc.). Smart kid (military academies + Ivy interest). Developmental piece for TE room.
  • Context: New staff shifting away from heavy TE-centric offense (unlike past decade). Focus on run-blocking + future pass-catching development. Good regional pickup after missing on prior 4-star TEs.

QB Notes:

• Brody Campbell (3-star, Georgia) gaining traction as fallback/option if DJ Hunter doesn't commit. Good fundamentals, accurate, quick release (minor coaching points on compactness), mobile enough. Solid arm talent.
• Visits upcoming: Cameron Roberts (4-star CB), Elijah Shaw (4-star OT), etc. in late May/early June.

General: Staff emphasizing multi-year portal guys + developmental high school talent. Not in a rush; plenty of bodies.

3. Big 12 Preseason Rankings & Outlook

• ESPN: Iowa State picked last (16th) in Big 12. Not surprising to hosts (new coach, new players, less "sexy" transfers vs. teams like Oklahoma State).
• Hosts' View: Iowa State won't finish last. Realistic bowl game (6+ wins) possible. Schedule favorable (tough games mostly at home).
  • Defensive-first identity under new staff (Tyler Rowe influence). Run-heavy, grind-it-out style similar to Bears/Lions or Iowa.
  • Optimism: Competing in close games, growth throughout season more important than final record this year. Proof-of-concept for future recruiting.
• Other notes: Cincinnati/West Virginia/Colorado/Kansas projected low. Iowa game could be winnable (Iowa lost talent; special teams questions).

4. Fun/Closing Bits

• Former ISU players for new offense: Breece Hall (north-south runner) as top fit. Tight end mentions (Charlie Kohler/Dylan Sainer).
• QB throwing motion discussion: Jacob Park had elite arm talent (NFL-level) but off-field issues. Brock Purdy example of coachable mechanics.
• Next episode: More football/basketball updates post-visits.

Overall Tone: Positive and realistic offseason vibe. Excitement around basketball pipeline + defensive culture in football. "Old school" chill recruiting summer after recent chaos (NIL, realignment, etc.).

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Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Date/Context: Post-spring game recap (game in Ames on Saturday). Casual, detailed position-by-position breakdown after both hosts attended.

Overall Impressions

• Strong emphasis on culture and toughness from the new staff.
• Midnight Alley drill (modified Oklahoma drill) kicked off the day with high energy, physicality, and mono-a-mono attitude — set the tone for the program. Brought over from NFL (Lions influence).
• Defense flew around and made plays; offense showed flashes but was inconsistent (especially OL).
• Team not the most talented ever, but will play hard and physical.

Position Group Breakdown

Quarterbacks

• Jalen Rayner: Clear starter for now; made nice throws, showed mobility (limited by no-contact).
• Zane Flores (note: pronounced "Floors"): Very close competitor; led both TD drives, threw multiple "dimes" (e.g., to Cody Jackson and Aiden Flora on wheel route). Not just a backup — pushing hard.
• Connor Moberly: Clear #3.
• Walk-on Wyatt Boehm got late snaps.
• Future: Hudson Curlin (incoming) has high arm talent.
• Takeaway: Battle between Rayner/Flores is real and healthy; both showed Big 12-caliber throws.

Running Backs

• Aiden Flora & Cam Pedaway: Clear 1-2 punch (wore no-contact jerseys). Elite return tandem — possibly best in Big 12.
• Jaden Jackson & others (Easton Miller) got most live reps but didn’t challenge the top two.
• Incoming: Caleb Pressley (or similar); Isaiah Hansen noted.
• Takeaway: Running game limited in spring game due to OL/no-contact, but top duo looks strong.

Receivers / Tight Ends

• Evan Boyd: Emerging WR1 — big, physical body (Lazard/Petway-like).
• Dom Overby: Breakout candidate; confident, good hands, deep threat potential (6'5", athletic background).
• Cody Jackson (Tarleton/Oklahoma): Impressive in slot/jet sweeps; consistent targets.
• Amari Hayes (Tulane transfer): Expected in top 3 (slot); looked quick in drills.
• Others: Carter Pabst (limited by hammy), Trevor Fortenberry (surprise contributor).
• Tight ends: Raw, mostly blockers for now; not heavily featured in new offense.
• Projected starters: Boyd, Hayes, Overby. Strong depth.

Offensive Line

• Inconsistent; rotated heavily. Defense clearly ahead.
• Messiah King limited with first team (injury?).
• Garrett Rutledge got first-team reps (highly regarded by staff).
• Others: Braden Smith, Moss, Colin Amick, etc.
• Takeaway: Biggest question mark; too early for firm two-deep. Joe Thornton expected to sort it out.

Defensive Line

• Impressive even without Isaac Terrell.
• Standouts: Zemir Hawk (emerging leader/jump year), Caden Crawford (high-upside transfer), Jack Janikowski, Blake Hawkins, Malachi Tease, Max Balloon, etc.
• Takeaway: Strong interior anchor potential with Hawk + Terrell.

Linebackers

• Most impressive group on the field.
• Starters: Sullivan Schlemgen, Carson Willick, Willie Breland (nickel/hybrid).
• Tristan Exline (D-II): Stood out — flew around, laid wood, aggressive.
• Depth: Excellent rotation; can run true 4-3 sets.
• Takeaway: Fast, physical, versatile — huge upgrade for power run and mobile QB defense.

Secondary

• Corners: David Coffey (reliable #1), Keon Washington, Jaheim Singletary (former 5-star), Seth Johnson, Ben Nagoya (high upside, health key).
• Safeties: Braden Alls out (still on roster for ratings); Drew Sergis, Michael Harper. Rhythm needed.
• More man coverage shown (big shift from past scheme).
• Takeaway: Athletic enough for man; ceiling high.

Special Teams

• Punters: Kyle Conradi (beast), Aussie kid strong.
• Returns: Flora/Pedaway primary; Cody Jackson tried on punts.
• Clean day overall.

Other Notes

• EA College Football Ratings speculation: Defense favored (high 70s–low 80s overall?); offense lower initially due to new pieces. Braden Alls boosts roster. Expect ratings to rise.
• Scheme shift under new staff: More aggressive, man-heavy defense → more turnovers expected (trade-off for occasional big plays).
• Optimism: Defense looks stout (run defense especially); offense a work in progress but passing game showed promise.

Final Takeaways

• Defense (front 7 especially) is ahead and exciting — should be a strength.
• Offense gelling (OL key); QB competition healthy.
• Positive vibes post-spring; program building toughness and identity.

Great listen for detailed Iowa State spring ball insights and early 2026 season outlook.

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• Hosts greet listeners; casual chat about weather (first 80° day) and shifting focus back to football.
• Men's basketball season is "100% settled"; women's basketball still adding recruits (full roster evaluation later).
• Main topics: Will Slagle recommitment (big in-state win) + other 2027 recruiting notes, plus preview of the Spring Showcase (first public look at new offense/defense, players, and staff under Rogers).

Key Recruiting Discussion: Will Slagle Recommits

• Will Slagle (Grinnell, IA; 6'4", ~280-305 lbs; 4-star composite/ high 3-star on some services; top OL in Iowa for 2027 class) recommitted to Iowa State on April 17, 2026. He had originally committed under Matt Campbell but decommitted after the coaching change.
• Why it matters: Lifelong Iowa State fan (dad and uncle attended); huge for new staff to retain a high-caliber in-state talent and maintain foothold in Iowa against rivals like Iowa. Demonstrates staff's dedication to in-state recruiting.
• Offer list was elite: Arkansas, Auburn, Duke, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Penn State, Stanford, Wisconsin, plus North/South Dakota State. Recent visits included Miami (NIL-heavy, strong recruiter in Mario Cristobal) and others like Notre Dame/Iowa/Penn State.
• Hosts call it a "momentous" early win—feels like a centerpiece recruit (similar to past Iowa State O-linemen like Trevor Downing). Allows building the class around elite OL talent; already 3 of 6 commits in 2027 class are O-linemen.
• Positive vibes: Committed at a tailgate previously; decommitted fairly but left door open and chose home over bigger programs/money. Hosts joke about Jimmy Rogers delivering a motivational speech akin to old Paul Rhodes-era moments (e.g., Allen Lazard).

Other 2027 Recruiting Notes

• Isaiah Hansen (Newton, IA; RB): Bumped to consensus 4-star; now the #1 player in Iowa for the class. Hosts recall watching his high school tape (Newton game) and liking him pre-offer; funny note about his old 247 photo in an Iowa hoodie (compared to Brees Hall's old Iowa pic).
• Bryson Thompson: Rating bump (e.g., to .87 or similar on 247).
• Class off to a "great start" with momentum—mix of high-profile in-state guys and pursuing higher-end out-of-state talent (shift from prior staff's "diamonds in the rough" approach). Current commits include OL focus plus others like Bryson Thompson, Koen Hinzman, etc. Class currently ranks around top 40 nationally in some services (with multiple 4-star composites).
• Keaton Wollan (or Wallen; Amery, WI; 6'3", 205 lbs; 3-star composite LB; two-way high school player, projects to LB): New commit mentioned (committed shortly before/during episode timeframe). Recent visits to Wisconsin/Minnesota but chose Iowa State; hosts discuss his athleticism, size, and need to add weight (20-25 lbs) in college program. Tape shows good downhill play, form tackling, traffic filtering; raw but with upside.
• Broader staff philosophy shift: Treating Iowa State as a "high-end job"; pursuing 4-stars and competing in battles rather than just underdog/diamonds-in-rough strategy. Still finding sleepers (e.g., Thompson was unrated at offer time). Early success seen as proof of dedicated, aggressive approach.

Recruiting Philosophy & Program Outlook

• New staff recalibrating approach: Heavy on top in-state targets + higher-profile out-of-state guys; actively competing vs. bigger programs.
• Comparison to Matt Campbell era: Campbell's classes weren't dramatically higher-ranked (often top 50-60 range even after success like Fiesta Bowl); current 2027 class sitting higher early (~top 37-40 in some rankings).
• 2026 season as "proof of concept": Even after roster/coaching turnover, aim for bowl eligibility (6-6 or better) to reset floor and show stability/competitiveness in Big 12. Schedule allows path to 7-8 wins if pieces click. Re-establishing baseline prevents sliding to "back of the conference."
• Optimism: Guys like Slagle/Hansen provide building blocks; vision and momentum under Rogers feel different (no longer leaning on pure underdog mentality post-recent successes).

Spring Showcase Preview (April 25)

• Format: Not a full-contact spring game (injury risk too high); more like organized practice/scrimmage—light, focused on scheme/install. No opponent (e.g., no UNI idea dismissed for safety/competitiveness reasons). Gates open ~10 a.m.
• What to watch:
  • All positions, but emphasis on chemistry (new pieces meshing).
  • Offense: Jalen Rainer (QB transfer) — footwork, ball placement, escapability, fit in power-run scheme (vs. his prior Air Raid-style at Arkansas State). O-line development/gelling (defense likely ahead early due to transfers/proven pieces). New receiving corps (limited passing expected; focus on run game). Cam Pettway's game-changing speed in space; Aiden Flores' wheels. Small details over big plays.
  • Defense: Defensive line (strongest unit potential—depth from Washington State transfers + returners like Samir Hawk, Jace Gilbert, Isaac Terrell, Max Balloon, etc.; platoon-style depth expected). Linebackers (Sullivan Schlemgen, Carson Willick, Tristan Exline/Montrez Smith candidates for starters; depth like Ryland Barnes/Bo Goodwin). Scheme shift should reduce LB injuries (less gap-fighting, more edge-setting/tackling).
  • Secondary/DBs: Less run support burden; corners may not be heavily tested (run-focused day expected).
  • Special teams: Kyle Konradi (K) — hope for long attempts (e.g., 60+ yarders like his 63-yarder prior).
  • Overall: Energy, scheme glimpses, new player looks (e.g., transfers). Defense expected ahead of offense initially.
• Hosts note: Wide receivers may not "pop" much (passing game not fully opened); focus on run game/O-line vs. D-line battle.
• Broader excitement: First public look at Rogers-era team; builds hype for fall.

Other Mentions & Tangents

• Quick hits on past running backs/recruits (Dylan Lee discussion—solid but not "heir apparent"; historical names like Alexander Robinson, Brees Hall, etc., for context on Iowa State RB legacy).
• Hypotheticals: Replacing non-con games (e.g., SEMO tune-up kept for rhythm; prefer swapping Bowling Green for a mediocre Power 4/5 like Minnesota, Missouri, Purdue, etc., for better measuring stick without huge risk).
• Light banter: UNI/Drake memories, old surplus sales/equipment, etc.
• Closing: Excitement for showcase; plans for in-person events (distillery meetup, trivia, etc.). Next episode will recap what was seen.

Overall Tone: Positive, optimistic vibe about recruiting momentum and new staff's approach. Feels like a "fresh start" with realistic expectations for 2026 (bowl or better as benchmark) while building long-term. Hosts balance analysis with fan enthusiasm and historical context.

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• Momcilovic (6'8" forward) declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while entering the transfer portal. He led the nation in 3-point shooting percentage last season (~48.7% on high volume, a modern record for his attempts) and was Iowa State's leading scorer (~16.9 PPG).
• Hosts note he declared for the draft in prior years but returned for feedback. This time, the move feels more final due to timing and NIL realities.
• Concerns: Without Joshua Jefferson's spacing, defenses could clamp him more in 2025-26. A potential Florida return (rumors of big NIL) would sting, especially in a hypothetical Sweet 16 matchup.
• Financial/math angle: Top college players like Milan often earn more via NIL than as second-round NBA picks (two-way/G-League deals). First-round guarantees change the equation. A fringe first/second-round projection makes the decision tricky.
• Historical comps: His shooting season was elite (better volume/context than many all-time greats, on a deeper 3-point line). Replicating 50% is unlikely; even 45% next year could have made him a lottery pick in a weaker 2027 class.
• Roster impact: Iowa State can't wait until late May (NBA deadline) with portal timing. They spread his substantial NIL across multiple pieces. Door isn't fully closed for a return, but logistics (coordinated announcements with Ryan Prather) suggest it was planned. AJ Green's path (stayed in draft, succeeded with Bucks) is cited as a positive precedent.
• Proposed fix: Align transfer portal window and NBA draft deadline (e.g., early/mid-May) so teams/players make informed choices without fringe prospects getting squeezed.

Overall take: Bitter-sweet but understandable. Momcilovic pursued his NBA dream after a historic shooting year. Iowa State moves on quickly thanks to Otzelberger's portal work.

Basketball Transfers: Otzelberger's "Big Weekend" (5-for-5 Commitments)

T.J. Otzelberger hosted five visitors; all committed without other visits. Roster is now at 15 (solidified for 2026-27). Hosts praise the fit, depth, and speed.

• Ryan Prather Jr. (Sr., 6'5" 205, from Robert Morris): Big-bodied guard/wing, strong shooter/playmaker, high IQ, academic all-conference. Rebounds well for size. Question: Athleticism/defense in ISU system? Expected to slim down in offseason. Plug-and-play scorer (38% from 3 last year; more space could push 40%+). High-usage at prior stop, but won't be "the guy" here. Solid Emil replacement vibe.
• Taj Manning (Sr., from Kansas State): Veteran forward (~6'7"), strong rebounder (4-6+ boards in limited/expanded minutes). Picked up production mid-season. Fills a depth/"Eric Mulder upgrade" role: 5-10 minutes, 6&6 type, physical, competent defender. Locker-room veteran presence is a bonus. Not a 15-20 MPG guy, but valuable grinder.
• Leon Bond III (from Northern Iowa/Virginia): Freak athlete (6'5" plays bigger, long, tenacious defender). Catch-and-shoot capable (~36% from 3). Compared to a defensive Deontay Burton or Nate Heisey-style junkyard dog. Loves transition dunks, physical boards. Hosts call it a perfect TJ fit—high-floor defender who could be an X-factor (ceiling like Mariel Shayok in system). Big-time pickup for versatility and motor.
• Jaquan Johnson ("Bully," from Bradley? Milwaukee area): 5'9"-5'11", 205 lbs, thick build. Explosive stats: ~17 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.5 APG on 42% shooting; elite defense (2.5 SPG, 10th in country in steal rate, MVC Defensive POY). 38% from 3. Near-perfect Taman Lipsy replacement (but with better shooting). Pat Beverly with a jumper or mini-Javon Carter vibe. Paired with Killyan Toure in backcourt = nightmare for offenses. High-floor, two-year piece.
• Trey Singleton (Fr./So., from Northwestern): 6'8" forward, Joshua Jefferson comp (point-forward in transition, rebounder, passer). Freshman who showed flashes (double-doubles vs. good teams; strong vs. Iowa in exhibition). Not as polished as Jefferson yet, but fits the system blueprint perfectly. May need time adjusting to Big 12 physicality (Big Ten was down). High ceiling; could start or key bench piece. Shot needs work (confidence/rhythm with staff), but not broken—aim for solid 30-35% to keep defenses honest.

Bust potential discussion: Jaquan/Leon have high floors (defense-first). Taj/Prather have low expectations (depth/scoring bursts). Trey has highest relative bust risk due to Jefferson-sized shoes, but also highest ceiling. All are hand-in-glove fits replacing prior pieces or adding depth/athleticism. Roster is done—no more portal scrambling. Prioritizing visits over bidding wars is smart.

Hosts love the veteran mix, defensive potential (e.g., disgusting lineup: Toure/Johnson/Bond/Buchanan/Plata), and how quickly Otz locked it in. Summer arrival likely end of semester/May for classes.

Football Segment

• Braden Awls (Awls) injury: Safety transfer from Toledo (expected Big 12 newcomer contender, potential All-Big 12/first-team talent, NFL upside) tore his ACL in a routine spring blocking drill. Season-ending. Sucks for a loaded new roster. Silver lining: Medical redshirt likely; he has regular redshirt eligibility too. Could return in 2027 as a plug-and-play starter once the rebuild/reload stabilizes. Modern rehab often leaves players stronger. Depth in secondary reportedly okay per coaches.
• Iowa tampering news: Iowa must vacate 4 wins from 2023 (games with Cade McNamara starting) due to impermissible early contact by Kirk Ferentz/assistant. Self-reported; penalties include probation, fine, restrictions. Hosts find it hilarious ("cheating on a test you failed anyway")—McNamara wasn't worth the risk, and the non-fair-catch vs. Minnesota still stands. Shade at Ferentz's statement.
• New commits (brief tape/scout talk):
  • Gavin Erickson Statton (OT, Lombard/Chicago area): 6'5" 270, developmental with aggression and physicality (wrestler background). Pushes guys around; plays through whistle. Pad level/stance technique needs work (too high), but can't teach motor. Will add weight.
  • Cohen Hintzman (OT, bigger 6'7" 285): Stronger offer list (Arkansas, Cincy, etc.). More polished/power-run experience. Good footwork, finishes plays, pulls well. Some hunch/flexibility to clean up, but aggressive and ready sooner. Solid get.
  • Bryson Thompson (WR, San Antonio): 5'10" speedster with Jalen Noel comp written all over him (quick, long speed, concentration on contested catches, jet sweeps). Elite offer list (Baylor, Okie St, TCU, etc.). Plug-and-play slot/receiver vibe. Hosts save him as the favorite—another dynamic piece for the receiver room.

Jimmy Rogers showed unusual transparency on expecting more commits soon (vs. Matt Campbell's style). Spring showcase mentioned for getting familiar with the ~80 new faces.

Other Notes

• Casual open: Weather/tornado mentions (Levi's hometown), long day, Carter's debut.
• Tone: Optimistic on basketball portal haul and defensive identity; realistic/frustrated on football injury but forward-looking. Banter on old players (Sam Richardson defense, Prohm era "what ifs," etc.).
• Closing: Thanks viewers; next episode tease.

Strong debut for Carter. Episode highlights Otzelberger's portal mastery in hoops and the early Jimmy Rogers-era challenges/opportunities in football.

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• Host: Levi Stevenson (also associated with CF After Dark).
• Main Topics: Wrap-up of the 2025-26 Iowa State men's basketball season (29-8 record, Sweet 16 appearance), offseason priorities for T.J. Otzelberger's program, a brief note on quiet football spring practices under Jimmy Rogers, and a deeper dive into the women's basketball roster crisis plus Big 12 expansion news on flag football.
• Tone: Conversational, fan-focused analysis with optimism for MBB continuity, concern for WBB, and excitement about potential new sports.

Men's Basketball Season Recap

• Season ended with a Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee (size/rebounding mismatch highlighted).
• Key injury: Joshua Jefferson (All-American forward) was unavailable due to ankle injury; he wasn't close to playing even in a potential next round. Without him, the team was "doomed" in that matchup.
• Strengths shown: Hustle plays, 3-point shooting at times, defensive effort.
• Weaknesses exposed: Rebounding (especially without Jefferson), free-throw shooting (team-wide issue, notably Blake Buchanan at ~49%), size down low against taller/longer teams like Tennessee.
• Levi notes the loss was a tough matchup; even beating Tennessee likely wouldn't have led past Michigan without Jefferson.

Offseason Priorities for Men's Basketball

Levi outlines clear focus areas for building on the core:

1. Retain Talent:
   • Confirmed/Expected Returns: Blake Buchanan (Jr, big, explicitly said he's back), Killyan Toure (rising freshman guard, strong defender), Jamarion Batemon (rising freshman guard, 3-and-D upside), Dominykas Pleta (big, returning). This gives a solid young core.
   • Milan Momcilovic (elite 3-point shooter, ~16.9 PPG): Declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft (standard process; he can return). Future depends on draft feedback—likely mid/late first or second round. Levi sees development upside in defense, playmaking, rebounding, and toughness. Money/NIL will factor in; many expect him back unless a strong first-round projection.
2. Address Size and Rebounding (Especially at 4/5):
   • Need athletic length, motor, and rim protection/rebounding to avoid small-ball issues seen vs. Tennessee.
   • Targets: Transfer portal for a versatile 4/5 (ideally 6'8"+ with hustle like a "Dustin Hogue" or "Melvin Ejim" type—high-motor rebounder who makes dirty plays).
   • Incoming freshmen mentioned: Dorian Ronaldo Comlin (6'10" French big, raw but potential rim protector/lob threat; friends with Toure), Jackson Kiss, Christian Wiggins (Mr. Basketball Minnesota; bucket-getter with defense), Yusuf Gray (developmental).
3. Replace Hustle/Junkyard Dog Role (Nate Heise/Tamin Lipsey):
   • Losing two high-effort guys who made tough plays. Develop Dom Pleta into a taller, skilled version (6'8"+ Nate Heise type—hustle, rebounding, corner 3s, rim defense).
   • Expand Pleta's game using his European tape (perimeter skills, shooting, attacking).
4. Develop Young Core (Toure, Batemon, Pleta, Buchanan):
   • Toure: Improve decision-making, pick-and-roll orchestration, jumper efficiency.
   • Batemon: Control energy/adrenaline in big games; refine as a 3-and-D scorer who attacks selectively (Naz Long 2.0 upside).
   • Buchanan: Free throws (priority—Levi cites Victor Wembanyama as proof bigs can shoot better), add strength (~10-15 lbs), low-post moves/touch, distributing off handoffs/pick-and-rolls. He's a "finished product" to some degree but still improvable.
   • Pleta: Full offseason (visa issues limited last one) to get comfortable; potentially stretch him to 4 or develop as a hustle wing/forward.
5. Free-Throw Shooting & Other:
   • Team-wide emphasis (unacceptable last season).
   • Portal activity expected for scoring guard depth and size; mid-major upgrades have been a successful Otzelberger strategy.

Overall optimism: Strong returning pieces + portal/recruits position them well for another competitive Big 12/NCAA run.

Women's Basketball Situation

• "Tsunami" of transfers: Down to essentially 2-3 players (Evangeline Apolk/Paulk, Ariana Jackson, Audi Crooks—her status uncertain). Multiple starters/role players (including Addy Brown, Jada Williams, etc.) entered the portal.
• Levi's take: Program "not working" for a while; recent tournament success tied to standout scorers/defenders like Ashley Joens or Crooks.
• Recommendation: Bill Fennelly needs deeper conversations with AD Jamie Pollard, family, staff, and remaining players to diagnose issues and plan forward. Heavy portal reliance incoming with limited high school recruits.

Big 12 Flag Football News

• Report from Ben Portnoy (Sports Business Journal): Big 12 exploring flag football (likely women's, possibly men's) as an official sport, aiming for competition in 2028. Partnership with NFL involved.
• Context: Replacing the defunct gymnastics program. Women's wrestling was the expected favorite due to Iowa's wrestling culture and in-state talent pipeline.
• Levi's analysis:
  • Flag football has lower startup costs (minimal equipment: flags, balls, cleats; can use existing indoor/outdoor facilities like football/soccer fields or rec centers—no specialized wrestling rooms needed immediately).
  • Recruiting: No built-in Iowa high school feeder system yet (unlike girls' wrestling), but youth/USA Football leagues exist. A D1 program could incentivize high school/club growth; leverage soccer/basketball athletes for athleticism (teach catching/routes).
  • Potential: Exciting to cover (Levi would love it— "two football seasons," tailgating). Could cultivate local talent by investing saved funds into youth programs. Big 12 could be pioneering among power conferences.
  • Comparison: Wrestling has passionate fanbase and recruits; flag is "quirky/unique" with Olympic momentum and spring/summer scheduling potential (avoiding overlap with tackle football).
  • Levi's personal lean: Flag football (as a football guy), but either works; both could draw support. Other Big 12 schools (e.g., Arizona schools outdoors year-round, UCF, Colorado, possibly TCU/BYU) might join.

Football Notes

• Spring practices very quiet (by design? Basketball overlap, new social media approach, coach preference for low profile).
• Levi views the quiet as positive for Jimmy Rogers—allows focus without early scrutiny. Rogers dislikes media/pressers; this is a bigger stage than prior stops (South Dakota State, Washington State).
• Attention will ramp up near the spring showcase (April 25). Staff heavy on recruiting (pushing into Texas, long ignored by prior staff).
• Tease: More football focus next episode; CF After Dark content planned (e.g., 4-2-5 defense breakdown with Jackson Pence).

Closing

• Levi wraps by thanking listeners, teasing next week's football-heavy episode (plus any basketball portal news), and mentioning CF After Dark apparel/merch soon.
• Invites questions; notes live post-game/RV lot potential and spring showcase coverage.

This episode blends season reflection with forward-looking priorities, roster realities, and intriguing conference/sports expansion discussion. Strong emphasis on retention, development, and targeted portal adds for MBB to sustain success. WBB faces a rebuild; flag football adds an exciting wildcard for Iowa State athletics.

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• Levi Stevenson opens the show, introducing himself and noting his role with CF After Dark.
• The episode covers three main Iowa State topics: football (shortest segment), men's basketball (Sweet 16 run), and women's basketball (transfer portal news).
• Levi interacts with live chat comments throughout (e.g., from Carter, Redbird, Duke).
• Tone is candid, fan-oriented, and appreciative of the new football coaching era's straightforward communication.

Football Segment: Jimmy Rogers' First Spring Media Availability

• Spring practice begins Thursday, March 26, 2026.
• Rogers held his first media session before practice. Levi plays and discusses clips (courtesy of Jake Brand).
• Key quotes from Rogers:
  • Excited to see players "compete" and "do football things" after meetings/walkthroughs.
  • Growth seen in winter workouts: team relationships, getting faster/bigger, movement efficiency.
  • Emphasis on building chemistry with many new players (transfers and returners); noted players spending spring break together.
  • Things "moving in the right direction" — now comes down to execution.
• Levi contrasts Rogers' frank, matter-of-fact style with Matt Campbell's vague/platitude-heavy answers. Praises Rogers for being honest and direct (even on self-reflection questions).
• Additional notes:
  • Defense (led by Tyler Babbitt/Roll?) appears ahead or on pace; Rogers expressed full trust in offensive coordinator Tyler Roll (formerly with Lions/Bears influence) and said offense is progressing well due to Roll's detail-oriented approach.
  • Rogers takes a "CEO" style like Campbell: coaches the coaches more than micromanaging players.
  • Recruiting/staff: Discussion of retaining players like Francois (from Minnesota); hiring a new recruiting/social media staffer from Wisconsin.
  • Spring showcase planned for ~April 25 (practice + scrimmage elements, open to public, no full spring game).
  • Positive on roster chemistry despite turnover; building relationships is priority early.
• In-state 2027 RB recruit Isaiah Hansen (Newton HS) highlighted — Levi shares tape impressions: tough runner, good vision, speed (4.4 camp time), stiff arm, MVP at a St. Louis camp. First 2027 commit under Rogers.

Men's Basketball: Sweet 16 vs. Tennessee (Friday, ~9-10 PM CT in Chicago)

• Iowa State (2-seed) faces Tennessee (6-seed) after beating Kentucky convincingly without Joshua Jefferson (ankle injury, progressing but questionable).
• Levi's take: ISU can win without Jefferson by replicating the Kentucky game plan (force turnovers, transition buckets, efficient FTs/jumpers).
  • Tennessee is very slow (306th in pace), rebound-heavy but star-reliant on Jacoby Gillespie (solid but streaky 3PT shooter ~34.5%, struggles vs. elite defenses).
  • Weaknesses: Poor 3PT team overall, not efficient from 2, turnover-prone, mediocre FT shooting.
  • Iowa State's elite defense (top-5) should feast; KenPom projects a close but winnable game (~4-pt favorite).
• Strategy talk: Use Mulder sparingly for fouls/rebounding if needed. Avoid letting Tennessee dictate slow pace.
• Broader tournament outlook: Levi "called his shot" earlier — potential loss spots were 2nd round (pre-injury), Elite Eight (Michigan), or Final Four/Natty. Still believes in a deep run (possibly to Indy). Michigan matchup preferred over Alabama (pace/shooting variance).
• Optimism high despite Jefferson's status; depth and defense carry the team.

Women's Basketball: Transfer Portal Fallout

• Big (and painful) news just before/during the show: Addie Brown entering the transfer portal (one year eligibility left). Described as a "really big loss" — second-best player on the team when healthy.
• Other transfers mentioned (multiple players entered today, creating roster uncertainty).
• Context: ISU had a strong regular season (top-10 at times) but struggled in postseason (e.g., recent first-round NCAA exit). Brown's back injury limited her this year.
• Levi's analysis:
  • Hard to blame Brown for leaving — she could land big NIL money at a blue-blood (Maryland, South Carolina, etc.).
  • Raises big questions for Audi Crooks (elite scorer but defensive liability — doesn't leave paint, doesn't contest drives well) and Jada Williams (strong transfer year). Will they stay?
  • Program at a crossroads: Bill Fennelly is a legend (Mount Rushmore of ISU WBB, possibly broader), has the fire to continue, and has a lifetime deal. But has he adapted to NIL/modern game?
  • No calls to fire him — he deserves to choose his exit. But tough questions needed on roster building and competitiveness.
  • Crooks' offense is historic (fastest to 2K points, great touch/passing), but defense is a major weakness that teams exploited. Needs fixing (effort/stamina/system?).
  • Roster uncertainty: Can they retain core and add shooters around Crooks? Or was this year's group their best shot?

Other Notes & Wrap-Up

• Wrestling quick hit: Tough NCAA Championships — team finished 8th (below expectations due to injuries). Yonger Bastida reached finals but lost 5-0 to NC State's Isaac Trumble (still a huge individual accomplishment; national runner-up).
• Fun chat interaction: Top 5 white guy ISU basketball players of all time discussion — strong consensus on Fred Hoiberg, Jeff Hornacek, Matt Thomas. Deeper debate on Gary Thompson, Jake Sullivan, Paul Shirley, Lauren Meyer, Julius Michalik, etc. (Niang disqualified as half-Cameroonian).
• Show closes early with thanks to viewers; teases more coverage (CF After Dark, post-game reactions Friday, next week's episode with possible spring football updates). Hopes for continued Sweet 16+ run.

Overall vibe: Positive on new football direction and men's hoops potential; concerned but respectful on WBB transition. Levi keeps it real with fans, mixes analysis, tape talk, and lighthearted ranking bits.

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• Welcome to Iowa State Cyclones Live; shift from football to basketball/March Madness.
• Iowa State is a #2 seed in the Midwest Region.
• Host is organizing chaotic group merch efforts with CF After Dark crew.
• Looking for a potential co-host — interested people can DM on X/Discord or email.

Iowa State's First Round: vs. #15 Tennessee State (02:08–07:00)

• Tennessee State: Ohio Valley Conference champ, low/mid-major profile.
• KenPom projects ~24-point Iowa State win.
• TSU strengths: Decent 3-point shooting (Aaron Akuma ~34%, Travis Harper ~42%), good FT% (~76%), okay offensive rebounding.
• Weaknesses: Poor overall offense (#173 KenPom), little else stands out.
• Iowa State advantages: Elite defense (forces TOs, contests shots), recent offensive surge (last 5 games very strong, recent form hides earlier lull).
• Verdict: Safe double-digit win barring major laziness/early hot shooting from TSU's shooters.

Midwest Region Second Round & Sweet 16 Path (07:00–~28:00)

• Potential 2nd round opponents: Winner of Kentucky (#7) vs. Santa Clara (#10).
  • Kentucky: Long/athletic but inconsistent, poor shooting outside a few guys, young/expensive roster, borderline home crowd advantage.
  • Santa Clara: Excellent offensive rebounding (#9), strong 3PT% (~35%), multiple shooters (40%+ guys), low TOs, but very poor FT attempts and mediocre defense.
  • Levi leans Santa Clara wins (doesn't trust Kentucky's inconsistency).
  • Iowa State vs. Santa Clara concerns: Shooters can punish slow rotations; no-middle defense vulnerable if ball swings.
  • vs. Kentucky: Length/athleticism but limited backup plan if rim attacks fail; Iowa State's pressure likely causes havoc.
  • Slight preference to face Santa Clara (Cyclones should score consistently), but matchup feels riskier due to volume shooting threat.
• Other Midwest notes:
  • Virginia over Tennessee (Tennessee in offensive slump, Virginia balanced + better shooters).
  • Alabama over Hofstra (Hofstra dangerous upset pick — can score, Alabama weak post/no D).
  • Texas Tech over Akron (with Christian Anderson healthy).
  • Michigan over Georgia/St. Louis winner.
• Sweet 16 projection: Iowa State over Santa Clara → Virginia.
  • Virginia: Slow pace (#354), good rim protection/blocks, mediocre offense outside offensive rebounding; hard to grind vs. ISU defense.

Elite Eight: Iowa State vs. Michigan (projected) (~28:00–33:00)

• Michigan: Post-heavy (Yaxel Lendeborg dominant), mediocre guards, similar to Arizona style but weaker perimeter.
• Iowa State advantages: Experience vs. post-heavy teams (Arizona, Kansas, etc.), elite guard play (Toure pressure), trapping potential on Lendeborg.
• Verdict: Winnable; ISU takes it to Final Four (first since 1944).

Rest of Bracket & Final Four/National Title Thoughts (~33:00–end)

• Other regions quick hits:
  • Duke over TCU/Kansas path.
  • Arizona over BYU (despite AJ DeBonsa's potential heroics).
  • Florida over Houston/Illinois path.
• Final Four: Iowa State over Arizona (third matchup; hard to beat great team 3×; ISU nearly won last time despite subpar nights from key players).
• Championship: Iowa State over Florida.
  • Florida: Strong post (Condon, Chinielu) but poor 3PT volume/shooting; essentially "Arizona but worse at shooting."
  • Scout advantage: Florida lacks live experience vs. ISU pressure vs. Arizona's two games.

Levi's Bottom-Line Iowa State Scenarios

Three realistic outcomes only:

1. Lose in Round of 32 to Santa Clara (hot shooting + defensive lapse).
2. Lose in Elite Eight to Michigan (post dominance overwhelms).
3. Win the whole thing (if they reach Final Four, momentum/vibes carry them).

• Team hot: BartTorvik has ISU as #1 in country last 5 games.
• Keys: Make jumpers, limit turnovers → long run possible.

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• Host: Levi Stevenson (also associated with Cyclone Fanatic After Dark).
• Main Topics:
  • Detailed breakdown of new Iowa State football head coach Jimmy Rogers' recently released contract (via FOIA/open records requests, originally from Quad-City Times, reported by Des Moines Register, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, etc.).
  • Iowa State men's basketball's dominant 91-42 win over Arizona State in the second round of the 2026 Big 12 Tournament (a historic 49-point margin, the largest in Big 12 Tournament history).
• Tone/Style: Casual, analytical, fan-oriented discussion with some humor (e.g., references to old Matt Campbell quotes, speculation on coaching futures). Football segment is longer and more in-depth; basketball is enthusiastic post-win recap.
• Length/Context: Aired shortly after the basketball game and amid fresh contract news (contract signed Feb 20, 2026; details public early March 2026).

Football Segment: Jimmy Rogers' Contract Breakdown

• Base Salary & Term: $3 million per year base salary, contract through January 31, 2032 (covering the next 7 football seasons from 2026 onward).
• Incentive Structure (bonuses are threshold-based, not always stacking):
  • Win bonuses: $250K for 7 wins; $500K for 8; $750K for 9; $1M for 10; $1.25M for 11; $1.5M for 12.
    • Effectively ~$250K per win above 6 (noted as caring about "6-6" like old Matt Campbell quote).
  • Conference achievements:
    • $100K for appearing in Big 12 Championship game.
    • $250K for finishing 1st in regular season and appearing in title game (but not winning it).
    • $250K for winning title game but not finishing 1st in regular season.
    • $500K for finishing 1st (including ties) and winning the conference title.
    • Host notes odd equivalence: same $250K bonus for regular-season 1st (no real meaning in modern CFP) vs. winning title game (auto-bid potential).
  • Postseason/misc:
    • $50K for bowl game or CFP participation.
    • Additional $50K for winning a bowl/CFP game.
    • $100K for playing in national title game.
    • $50K extra for winning national title.
    • $100K for Big 12 Coach of the Year.
• Buyout Structure (key protective feature for Iowa State):
  • 100% of remaining base compensation if Rogers leaves for another DI job.
  • Reduced each season by $500K per win above 6 (cumulative effect: extra wins drastically lower buyout over time).
  • Examples given:
    • Consistent 8-4 seasons reduce buyout significantly (e.g., drops millions after a few years).
    • Hypothetical undefeated + CFP run (14 wins) could slash ~$4M off buyout that season alone.
  • Host views this as smart/modern: massive buyouts fading due to revenue sharing/NIL costs; schools like Iowa State need flexibility to avoid being stuck with underperformers (e.g., examples of programs hanging on too long like Iowa basketball with Fran McCaffrey or Kirk Ferentz).
  • Contract protective for mid-tier programs; allows earnings upside for Rogers via incentives while giving school escape hatch if needed.
• Comparison/Context: Contrasts with "mega deals" of past 20 years; similar to Matt Campbell's but more school-friendly. Unclear if Rogers has assistant bonus pool clause like Campbell.

Basketball Segment: Iowa State 91-42 Arizona State (Big 12 Tournament Second Round)

• Game Summary: Dominant blowout (49-point margin, most lopsided in Big 12 Tournament history). Iowa State (No. 7, 26-6 overall, 12-6 Big 12) led 45-16 at half; Arizona State (17-16, 7-11 Big 12) turnover-prone and outmatched.
  • Key performers:
    • Milan Momcilovic: 21 points (efficient shooting).
    • Joshua Jefferson: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals (strong aggression, positive A/TO).
    • Blake Buchanan: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, multiple dunks/steals (best game of season; physical inside, good passing).
    • Taman Lipsy: 3/5 from three, strong minutes.
    • Others: Jamarian Bateman (active, dangerous shooter), Killian Touré (confidence-building three).
• Analysis/Positives:
  • Antidote to late-regular-season skid (lost 3 of last 5, including to Arizona State earlier).
  • Aggressive, patient, in-control offense: great ball movement, earned open shots, purposeful passing into paint (not just ISO/Jefferson post-ups).
  • Strong shooting (multiple contributors from deep); out-hustled/out-executed ASU.
  • Starters played near-normal minutes to build rhythm/momentum (intentional after recent struggles); main rotation got good run without overexertion.
  • Defensive dominance: ASU in "hell" early (multiple early turnovers, no shots).
  • Team looked joyful/relaxed again (lifted weight post-skid).
• Forward-Looking:
  • Next: Quarterfinal vs. Texas Tech (rematch; Iowa State favored ~4.5 points).
  • Keys: Maintain ball movement, avoid ISO bogs/foul-baiting traps; exploit TTU's lack of depth/fatigue.
  • Confidence boost: Cyclones deeper/talented; not reliant on jump-shooting like TTU.
  • Momcilovic future: Decent chance he returns (not first-round talent; shooting specialist; financial/NIL sense to stay; enjoys college ball?).
• Tone: Highly positive; "ass beating" joy; optimism for tournament run (potential Final Four level if rhythm holds).

Closing/Other Notes

• Host appreciates listener comments/interaction.
• Plans return to normal Tuesday schedule; teases football season excitement.
• Sign-off: "Go Cyclones!"

This episode blends offseason football strategy with in-season basketball momentum, typical of Levi Stevenson's fan-focused style on IowaStateVOCFB.

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1. Intro & Setup (~0:00–2:00)
   • Mid-spring practice (early phase).
   • Dom Orange (Iowa State prospect) attended NFL Combine but only did interviews; saving testing for pro day → limited combine discussion.
   • Focus: Desired spring practice rumors/nuggets to signal strong start under new head coach Jimmy Rogers.
   • Also plans brief basketball talk + live chat/questions.
2. Things Levi Wants to Hear from Spring Football (~2:00–37:00)
   • QB situation: Jalen Rayner (transfer) firmly establishes himself as the clear starter and senior leader. Wants QB battle settled by end of spring (no ongoing doubts with so many new players/coaches). Connor Moberly as clear backup; 3rd-string TBD (Hudson/Kirtland/etc.). Rayner’s athleticism, veteran experience (Arkansas State), and one year of eligibility make him the obvious choice.
   • Offensive line: Group starting to gel; key newcomers (e.g., Masai King) living up to hype. Wants foundational pieces emerging (King, Taylor, Barrett, Proudfoot, etc.).
   • Running backs: Less concern about specific starter (Petaway, Flora, Williams, etc.); scheme + QB should make any capable back productive. River Peppers (Achilles) likely out until late 2026 or redshirts again.
   • Wide receivers: Especially curious about Dominic Overby’s development — high ceiling (6'5" athlete), early flashes last year, but inconsistent hands/routes. New WR coach/system/QB could be the reset he needs. Less worry about Amari Hayes, Cody Jackson, Carson Robbins, etc. — expects them to be solid/rotation pieces. References past drops issues possibly tied to former WR coach Noah Pauly (now Packers).
   • Defense – Secondary: Wants cornerback names to emerge (major turnover). David Coffey penciled in; intrigued by Benny Nagoya (size/speed, possibly boundary/field corner over nickel), Jaheim Singletary, Tyrone Cotton, etc. Safety less concerning (Braden Owls, Drew Surges, transfers like Malcolm Jones/Michael Harper).
   • Defense – Linebackers: Likely deepest group. Excited about Tristan Exline (D-II transfer), Sullivan Schlemgen (Washington State), Carson Willett (veteran), Ethan Stecker, Bo Goodwin (potential rangy 4-2-5 fit), Blake Hawkins, etc. Notes shift to smaller, faster bodies (most ~200–225 lbs) vs. previous heavier 3-3-5 linebackers (often 230–260+ lbs).
   • Defense – D-line: Zemir Hawk + Bobby Terrell feel like locked-in DT starters. DE competition (Limbaugh, Gilbert, Don, etc.) interesting but two-deep feels fairly set.
   • General: Wants individual/position development stories over vague “defense dominating” or “offense unstoppable” reports (relative and meaningless in spring).
3. Gymnastics Program Shutdown (~37:00–end)
   • Major portion of episode reacts to same-day announcement (March 3, 2026) that Iowa State is discontinuing women's gymnastics.
   • Jamie Pollard video: Cited long-standing unresolved interpersonal/cultural issues (first flagged ~2018, outside review a few years ago, continued/worsened problems). Stated decision to “reimagine” women’s sports lineup and explore a replacement sport offering equal/greater opportunities.
   • Strong backlash from former gymnasts, assistants, parents on social media: Called Pollard’s explanation “BS,” accused admin of lacking accountability/support, blamed leadership (especially hiring an inexperienced head coach — described as former gymnast → car salesman → commentator → coach), claimed athletes raised serious environmental/safety concerns for months with no meaningful action.
   • Levi’s take: Program declined steadily under Pollard’s 20-year tenure (from nationally relevant in early/mid-2000s → 2–11 this year before cancellation). Questions timeline/logic of blaming current athletes/coaches when cited issues date back to 2018 (different staff/roster). Sees major resentment; doubts many will ever feel positive about ISU again. Speculates women’s wrestling most likely replacement (in-state talent, facilities reuse, low startup cost); flag football less practical (few regional opponents).
   • Overall: Bad look for Pollard/athletics; neither side telling full story publicly.
4. Quick Hits / Closing
   • Brief QB run-game question: Would let Jalen Rayner run as much as he wants (smartly) — no pitch count; use his legs to keep chains moving in transition year.
   • Skips deep basketball talk (“depressing”); mentions upcoming Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.
   • Wraps with appreciation for chat; plans basketball-heavy show next week.

Overall tone: Football optimism/hope focused on key position battles & development under new staff; lengthy, emotional, critical reaction to gymnastics shutdown (heavy blame toward athletic administration). Typical mix of analysis, speculation, and live-chat interaction.

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Key Topics & Timestamps (approximate)

• Intro & Setup (~0:00–2:00) Levi returns after a week off. Notes it's quiet February football news, so the focus shifts to early 2027 recruiting class offers. The new staff is essentially starting from scratch after the coaching change.

• Recruiting Philosophy Shift (~2:00–5:00) Previous staff (Matt Campbell era) heavily prioritized a ~6-hour radius around Ames (Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin) + strong Ohio ties and occasional Arizona/Florida picks. Very limited emphasis on Texas and deeper South. New staff shows clear geographic expansion, especially leveraging SEC footprint (Heckendorf & new OL coach from Auburn), Arizona (Jimmy Rogers), Texas/Houston (connections), and some Pac-12/West Coast holdovers.

• Position Group Offer Breakdown & Observations (~5:00–~35:00)

  • Quarterback Almost entirely SEC-footprint heavy: Tennessee, Alabama (multiple), Georgia (multiple). One outlier: Brody Rudnicki (Folsom, CA – possible Washington State tie). Clear sign of Heckendorf’s SEC connections.
  • Running Back Mix: Texas (multiple), Arizona, local Iowa (Isaiah Hanson – Levi likes his tape from Newton HS). Big name highlight: Landon Williams-Callis (TX) – premier 5-star back with massive stats (2,100+ yds / 43 TDs one season), offers from blue-bloods everywhere. Levi calls him potentially the best recruit Iowa State has ever signed if they land him (better than Lazard?), but acknowledges odds are very long.
  • Wide Receiver Continued Arizona/Texas push + some KC/St. Louis/Indiana/Ohio holdovers. Emphasis on speed/skill-position talent from talent-rich states.
  • Tight End Scattered: South Dakota, Arizona (Jimmy tie), Illinois, Tennessee, North Dakota (SDS ties).
  • Offensive Line / Tackle Mostly upper Midwest focus (Michigan, Kansas, Iowa – Rock Valley kid, Wisconsin brothers Hunter & Reese Mallinger, Nebraska, Illinois). Highlight: Will Slagle – local Iowa State fan who decommitted but hasn’t flipped to Penn State yet; still wears ISU gear in recent videos. Levi urges staff to prioritize him heavily.
  • Defensive Line / Edge First clear Washington State DNA: Denver/Colorado, Washington, Utah (Pac-12 territory), Florida, Texas. Notable: Troy Malo (Denver – very good offer list), Ujila Wolfgram (Utah).
  • Linebacker Minnesota, Arkansas, Ohio, Texas. Size notes: several 6'–6'2" 190–200 lb prospects (project to ~220–230 lb in college).
  • Secondary / DBs Heavy Texas & Georgia emphasis + Florida/Oklahoma. Speed focus clearly visible here. Notable: Blake Jenkins (Katy, TX), Tayshaun Poole (Omaha, high 4-star with blue-blood offers – possible re-entry into Omaha area).

• Overall Recruiting Patterns (~35:00–end) State offer leaders (early): Texas (11+), Illinois (6), Arizona (5), Kansas (5), Georgia (4), Iowa (4), Ohio (4). Much more selective than previous staff (far fewer total offers). Aggressive shots at high-end talent (5-stars like Landon Williams-Callis, high 4-stars like Tayshaun Poole). Playing time will be a major sell (especially RB, WR, secondary, some DL). Levi praises the staff for going where talent is produced instead of defaulting to regional comfort zones.

• Quick Hits & Closing Dom Orange (former Cyclone) interviewed at NFL Combine today → full discussion saved for post-Combine episode. Word around town: staff reportedly happy with winter workouts (limited insight since practices are closed). Junior Day (late May) + summer camps expected to bring many more offers (2027 & 2028 classes). Episode ends with appreciation for chat (shoutout Redbird), basketball mention (women’s senior night), and promise to return next week (likely Combine updates + depth chart projections).

Bottom Line Takeaways

The new staff is clearly expanding the geographic footprint — especially Texas (speed/skill), SEC South (QBs/talent depth), Arizona (head coach ties), and West/Pac-12 remnants — while still mining the upper Midwest for lines and linebackers. Early offers show ambition (multiple blue-chip targets) and strategic position-specific sourcing rather than blanket regional focus.

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1. Intro & Context (0:00–2:00)
   • Short episode to allow time for ISU basketball games starting soon.
   • Triggered by Brett Yormark's tease of a "revolutionary" Big 12 announcement (originally expected that day, delayed to the next).
   • Levi speculates it might involve basketball (e.g., conference tournament format change or revenue-sharing tied to the Big 12 tournament).
2. Big 12 Philosophy & Positioning (2:00–5:00)
   • Praises Yormark's approach: stay ahead of the curve, zig when others zag, stand out as innovative.
   • Acknowledges occasional "kooky" ideas that don't stick, but respects the experimentation.
   • Big 12's unique challenge: solidify as clear #3 conference behind SEC & Big Ten (unrealistic to catch them in revenue/prestige), while staying ahead of the troubled ACC.
3. Jimmy Rogers Contract Delay (7:00–9:00 approx.)
   • Panic level: very low (~0.1/10).
   • Delay is normal (lawyer back-and-forth on tiny details); similar delays happened with Matt Campbell and T.J. Otzelberger.
   • Rogers wouldn't have built the transfer/recruiting class if there were real issues.
4. Core Proposal: Ways to Revolutionize Big 12 Football (main discussion ~9:00–23:00)
   • Idea 1: Spring exhibition games with revenue-sharing
     • Organize conference spring games (TV broadcast).
     • Revenue-sharing opportunity for players.
     • Options: individual matchups, or multi-game events (e.g., several games at Jerry World over a weekend).
     • Shorter format (e.g., 10-minute quarters), limited/no contact rules.
     • Puts Big 12 football on TV in spring → more exposure.
   • Idea 2: Replace the 12th regular-season game with a curated / seeded matchup (the big revolutionary idea)
     • Keep the non-con / OOC 12th game as originally scheduled.
     • Seed the entire 16-team conference 1–16 after the regular season (using existing tiebreakers).
     • Top 4 seeds play seeded on-campus "semifinal" games (still count as regular-season games) → winners advance to the conference championship in Arlington.
     • Teams 5–16 play the team seeded immediately adjacent (5 vs 6, 7 vs 8, etc.) → creates competitive, rivalry, or rematch games instead of blowouts.
     • Examples from recent seasons:
       • Holy War (Utah-BYU), Farmageddon rematch (ISU-KSU), Arizona-Arizona State, Colorado-Oklahoma State, etc.
       • Creates late-season playoff atmosphere, better TV matchups, more meaningful games, extra résumé-building opportunities for bubble teams.
     • Can be revenue-sharing opportunity (especially if neutral-site semifinals at Jerry World / Vegas / etc.).
     • Avoids over-relying on complex tiebreakers; lets teams play into the title game.
5. Other Ideas & Critiques (23:00–end of football talk)
   • Incentivize strong non-con scheduling — reward Power 5 wins (tiebreaker points? player revenue pool?) to improve Big 12 vs. P5 record narrative.
   • Skeptical of random overseas neutral-site games (logistics, jet lag, fan travel issues); prefers existing series like Nutri-Grain / Aer Lingus games (ISU-KSU in Ireland).
   • Big 12 already had strong non-con P5 record last year — build on that.
6. Basketball Quick Hits & Closing (final ~10–15 minutes)
   • Men's game at TCU that night: not "easy" (TCU solid, good wins/bad losses); last "breather" before brutal stretch (Kansas, Houston, @BYU , @Utah , Texas Tech, Arizona).
   • Realistic ceiling: 1-seed possible with strong finish (protect home court + 1–2 road wins); safe 2-seed very likely.
   • Women's game at BYU: on 5-game win streak after earlier skid; back in NCAA Tournament conversation; chance to climb to top-4 seed (host early rounds in Hilton).
   • Brief Q&A on ISU football transfers/recruits (e.g., Cameron Padaway's speed, linebacker rotation questions with Tristan Exline, Sullivan Schleiming, Carson Willich).

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1. 4-8 record + trending up in November
   • Win G5 games + a couple lesser Big 12/home games.
   • Play competitive football late season (echoing Matt Campbell's 2016: 3-9 but momentum built).
   • Avoid full reset; focus shifts to normal recruiting/development.
2. Top-50 defense (analytics/EPA/PFF-based, not just yards)
   • Achievable with current personnel (Bobby Terrell, Braden Alls, Tristan x-line, Zamir Hawk, etc.) + strong staff.
   • Last year's ~41st ranked defense as benchmark; top-50 is considered a floor.
3. No blowouts (avoid losses by 3+ scores / 17+ points routinely)
   • Maintain Matt Campbell-era standard of staying in games.
   • Top-50 defense should prevent true blowouts in most matchups.

1. 7-5 record + beat a rival
   • Beat either Iowa (road) or Kansas State (home, late-season).
   • Protect home field (7 home games), steal 1 road win.
2. Top-40 defense + top-50 offense (analytics/efficiency metrics)
   • Replicate last year's efficiency (~37th offense, ~41st defense).
   • Mobile QB (Jalen Rayner), emerging run game, and OL cohesion key for offense.
3. Top-60 recruiting class (high school + transfers combined)
   • Maintain Matt Campbell-era range (usually 50s–60s).
   • Leverage new staff Texas/Louisiana/Arizona connections; not a dramatic jump needed.

1. 10-2 record + Big 12 Championship Game appearance
   • No "unwinnable" game on schedule (even @BYU possible with ball control + turnovers).
   • Hypothetical path: Sweep G5s + home favorites (Utah, WVU, OSU, Cincinnati, K-State), upset road games (Iowa, BYU, Arizona), drop maybe 1–2 tough ones.
2. Jalen Rayner wins Big 12 Newcomer of the Year
   • Huge season with reduced turnovers + big mobility impact.
   • Would signal offense humming → supports 10-2 ceiling.
3. Jimmy Rogers wins Big 12 Coach of the Year
   • Likely if 8-4 or better; almost certain at 10-2/title game.
   • Competes with potential big turnarounds (e.g. Oklahoma State under new staff/QB, West Virginia).

• Fan expectations: Younger fans (conditioned to winning) may overreact to 4-8; older fans more patient given rebuild context.
• Roster notes: Defense floor appears high; offense ceiling tied to OL development + Rayner decision-making.
• Coaching stability: Levi not worried about Rogers leaving soon (views Iowa State as clear step up from Washington State; family/regional ties; not a "ladder climber").
• Potential coordinator turnover if big success, but staff depth (Ross Watson, Tyler Roehl experience) provides continuity.

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1. Malcolm Jones Transfer (Safety from Jacksonville State) The host discusses Jones as the program's latest (and possibly final) notable portal addition late in the cycle.
   • Background: Originally a 3-star high school recruit who committed to Michigan State, then transferred to Jacksonville State (recruited there by Rich Rodriguez), and now to Iowa State for his final year of eligibility.
   • PFF grades highlighted: Strong overall (plus defender in run defense, pass rush, and coverage), notably ranked as the #3 blitzing safety nationally in his conference.
   • Outlook: Seen as a high-quality, experienced depth piece to pair with other safeties (e.g., potentially Braden O'Alls). The host likes the pickup for its value this late, despite limited tape from a smaller school, emphasizing how PFF-style grades can translate across levels for smart, positionally sound defenders like safeties.
2. 2026 Football Schedule First Look & Analysis The bulk of the episode is a game-by-game breakdown of the schedule (non-conference + Big 12 slate), with early win/loss projections, matchup thoughts, and commentary on the transition to the Jimmy Rogers era (new staff, new schemes, mobile QB Jalen Rayner, rebuilt roster via portal). The schedule matches the officially released 2026 Iowa State football slate:

   Date (Approximate)	Opponent	Location	Host's Quick Take / Projection Notes
   Sept 5	Southeast Missouri State (FCS)	Home (Jack Trice)	Easy opener/win; classic FCS warmup.
   Sept 12	at Iowa (Cy-Hawk rivalry)	Away (Kinnick)	Tough road environment; potential upset chance due to Iowa's QB transition (Hank Brown replacing Gronowski), limited film on new ISU defense, and Rayner's mobility (Iowa rarely sees dual-threat QBs). Host sees realistic upset potential.
   Sept 19	Bowling Green	Home	Should-win G5 game; bounce-back spot if Iowa loss occurs.
   Sept 26	Utah	Home	Tough Big 12 opener; Utah solid under new continuity, but home edge + Rayner mobility gives ISU a shot. Slight favorite to Utah depending on early season form.
   Oct 3	West Virginia	Home	Winnable; WVU overhauled offense via portal (e.g., QB Michael Hawkins from OU), but home advantage.
   Oct 10	at BYU	Away	Likely toughest game; brutal road environment, BYU strong last year. Host leans loss.
   Oct 17	Bye Week	—	Convenient rest after tough stretch.
   Oct 24	at Arizona	Away (Tucson)	Competitive; Arizona improved defense but offensive questions. Road win opportunity.
   Oct 31	Oklahoma State	Home	Should-win; OSU improved under new coach but low bar after poor prior year.
   Nov 7	at Baylor	Away (Waco)	Tricky; Baylor mediocre, Aranda possibly coaching for job → desperation factor. Doesn't love the venue.
   Nov 14	Cincinnati	Home	Revenge angle (from prior loss), but Cincinnati hit hard by portal/graduation. Should-win.
   Nov 21	at UCF	Away (Orlando)	Winnable; skeptical of UCF's hype ("overrated" venue/fanbase).
   Nov 28	Kansas State (Farmageddon)	Home	Rivalry finale (unless protected); K-State uncertain under new coach Colin Klein + Avery Johnson questions.

   • Overall Outlook: Host calls it "navigable" with many winnable games, especially protecting home field (only one early road game at Iowa). Notes ISU stays in-state for first five games.
   • Floor/Ceiling Projections: Floor ~4-8 (if things go wrong early/transition struggles); realistic 6+ wins easy (e.g., non-con + home games); ceiling 9-3 or even 10-2 with a couple upsets (e.g., at Iowa/Arizona/Baylor). Leans over/under around 7-7.5 personally (would take the over vs. Vegas ~5.5-6.5). Emphasizes no high expectations in Year 1—focus on progress, late-season improvement, and proof of concept under Rogers.
3. Men's Basketball Quick Update Brief mention at the end: Team at 18-2 (best start in program history), back on track after a mini skid, recent wins over Oklahoma State (x2) and UCF. Upcoming: Should win next four (Colorado, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU) before tougher stretch (Kansas/Houston, road BYU/Utah, etc.). Optimistic for high Big 12 seed and NCAA path.

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.