• First "true off-season" episode with minimal recent news (team in winter workouts).
• Focus: Setting 2026 season goals for Iowa State Cyclones under new head coach Jimmy Rogers after major roster reset/transfer portal rebuild.
• Goals divided into three tiers: Minimum (direction positive even with disappointments), Realistic (fair expectations given raised standard + rebuild nature), Stretch (big year with bounces, quick cohesion, exceeding expectations).

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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