Key Topics Covered in the Episode

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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