Impact Freshman | Sleeper Players | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #75

Impact Freshman | Sleeper Players | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #75

Episode Notes: Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #75 – Impact Freshmen & Sleeper Players Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Podcast: IowaStateVOCFB (Voice of College Football) OVERVIEW The episode focuses on the 2026 Iowa State Cyclones roster under the new coaching staff. The hosts break down impact freshmen (true and redshirt) who could contribute early, followed by sleeper players who may be under-the-radar but poised to rise on the depth chart. They also touch on running back room depth, potential AD candidates, throwback uniforms, and other fan questions. IMPACT FRESHMEN DISCUSSED * Benjamin Makalela (OT): Late commit from Washington State. Big frame (6'7", 280+ lbs). Provides offensive line depth and could earn spot starts or late-season reps, similar to Vaya Ikakula’s trajectory. * Caleb Francois (RB): Versatile all-purpose back from Minnesota. Strong fall camp could earn garbage-time and situational carries, especially with questions around River Peppers’ health (Achilles recovery). * Azubola Fouier (DL): Athletic, versatile defensive lineman from Minnesota. D-line is one of the more open groups; high chance for early reps in a rotation that could go 8–10 deep. * Tate Duncan (Safety): Could earn two-deep reps and special teams work due to injury to Braden Halls and solid front-seven depth. * Others mentioned: * Drake DeBond (TE) – Size and blocking potential. * Willie Breland (JUCO) & Blake Hawkins (JUCO) – Likely immediate contributors. * Redshirt freshmen: Tyrone Cotton, Trillian Sorrell (corners – rotation candidates), Kamari Moore, etc. * Gurney (punter) – Realistic shot to win the job. Overall Take: Many freshmen will benefit from redshirting or limited early reps behind transfers/upperclassmen. Depth allows development without forcing playing time. SLEEPER PLAYERS * Blake Hawkins (DL): JUCO standout with strong pass-rush film. High upside in a D-line needing depth. * Jack Limbaugh (DE): Former high recruit now in a scheme that fits him better as a pass rusher. Could climb the two-deep. * Seth Johnson (CB): FCS talent (Montana State) with playmaking ability. Strong candidate for the open corner spot opposite David Coffey. * Bo Goodwin (LB/Star): Former tweener now fits the new defense perfectly at ~220 lbs. Poised for a bigger role. * Jordan Vaborney (TE): Redshirt freshman from Oklahoma State with impressive HS offers. High upside in a wide-open tight end room; potential double-TE sets with Fortenberry. * Brandon Gallner (WR): Track athlete (high jumper, 6'5", ~200 lbs) added from the roster. Intriguing athleticism and YAC ability; wildcard with room for targets. General Theme: Several position groups (especially DL, secondary, TE, OL) are wide open, creating opportunities for sleepers to emerge during fall camp and early season. OTHER TOPICS * Running Back Room: Unproven but with high ceiling (Aiden Flora, Cam Pettaway). Not the “worst” historically—compared favorably to past uncertain rooms that produced stars like Montgomery/Hall. * AD Search: Skepticism about hiring Ward Manuel (Michigan). Preference for candidates from similar “do more with less” schools (e.g., Drake, NDSU, SDSU). * Uniforms: Jack Trice legacy uniforms highly desired; also old Jim Walden gold helmets/red jerseys. * Fun/Other: Hypothetical 5th-string kicker (Makalela – soccer background?); college football video game review (~7.5–8/10); transferred-out players to watch (Abu Sama especially). * Position Coach Outlook: Optimism for Jake Thornton (OL growth), Ross Watson (DBs/safeties), and linebacker development. CLOSING Positive outlook on roster integration and depth. Hosts emphasize that limited early freshman playing time is a good thing for long-term development. Standard sign-off with “Go Clones!” Key Quote: “Most of these freshmen will have the luxury of sitting back and not playing early… that’s valuable.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jamie Pollard Retires | Reaction and What's Next | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #74

Episode Notes: Jamie Pollard Retires | Reaction and What's Next | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #74 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Podcast: Iowa State Cyclones LIVE (Voice of College Football Network) Length: ~1 hour 16 minutes (based on transcript timestamps) Date/Context: Recorded shortly after Jamie Pollard’s retirement announcement (effective no later than June 2026, with potential earlier transition). EPISODE SUMMARY The episode focuses on Jamie Pollard’s retirement as Iowa State’s longtime Athletic Director after 21 years. Hosts reflect on his legacy, major accomplishments, notable hires (good and bad), facilities impact, and fan base transformation. They discuss what’s next for the program, potential successors, and transition into early 2026 football season preview questions. Light-hearted banter, listener questions (e.g., from Donnie, Redbird), and Cyclone nostalgia round it out. KEY SECTIONS & HIGHLIGHTS 1. Introduction & Initial Reactions (0:00 – ~10:00) * Welcome and quick personal check-ins. * Pollard’s announcement came as a surprise but was expected in the near term (he’s in his 60s). * Carter: Pollard had “a couple more years” left but deserves retirement; lasting impact on the university. * Levi: Mixed feelings—strong accomplishments tempered by recent NIL-era PR missteps (e.g., “slobs” comment). Overall remarkable tenure. 2. Pollard’s Legacy & “Mount Rushmore” of Achievements * Hiring Matt Campbell: Transformative; turned Iowa State football from perennial bottom-feeder to consistent Big 12 contender (top-4/5 ceiling). * Facilities Boom: Stark Performance Center, Jacobson Building, Sukup basketball, wrestling/golf upgrades, etc. Iowa State was behind when Pollard started; now competitive nationally (especially football and golf). * Fan Base & Fundraising Growth: Built nationwide donor base, season ticket surge, loyal attendance even in down years. Compared favorably to struggling programs like USC/UCLA. * Basketball Hires: Fred Hoiberg (pioneered transfer portal use), TJ Otzelberger (knowing when not to hire early, then bringing him back), Kevin Dresser (revived wrestling). Mixed on others (Greg McDermott, Steve Prohm). * Listener question: Most important decision? Hiring Campbell tops the list. 3. Challenges & “Bad Moves” Mount Rushmore * Steve Prohm: Heavily discussed. Early success riding Hoiberg’s roster, good recruiting (Tyrese Halliburton diamond), but poor leadership/chemistry issues led to collapse (e.g., 2-22 season). Hosts debate his record vs. potential under better coaching. * Kevin Jackson: “Murdered” the wrestling program. * Gene Chizik: Not a total failure (talent infusion helped Paul Rhodes); bold hire at the time. * Other notes: Slobs comment, NIL/transfer portal handling, gymnastics program cut (offset by women’s wrestling). 4. What’s Next? Succession & Transition * Pollard retiring by June 2026; possible immediate transition if strong candidate found in Nov/Dec. * No “clubhouse favorite” yet; speculation on internal/external candidates with Iowa/Midwest ties, fundraising prowess, and Power 4 experience. * Candidates mentioned/discussed: Justin Sills (South Dakota State), David Cook (North Dakota State ties), others with regional connections. * Emphasis on finding someone who prioritizes football while supporting basketball’s Final Four potential. 5. Quick 2026 Football Season Preview Questions (~47:00 – end) * Who emerges at receiver? (Omari Hayes, Evan Boyd, Cody Jackson, Carter Paps, Dom Overby, etc.) * Offensive/defensive chemistry with new staff/QB/RBs. * Return game (Cam Petaway, Aiden Flora). * Entrance song speculation (Jimmy Rogers era). * Starting corner opposite David Coffey. * How will Jimmy Rogers/Ross Watson’s success at lower levels translate to Power 4/Big 12? Notable Banter & Nostalgia * Deep dives into past players/coaches (Ryan Cook, Bo Freeler, Chantele Johnson, etc.). * Listener interactions on Prohm, Dylan Lee, running back depth. * Humorous asides on music, soft spots for certain coaches/players, and Cyclone history. OVERALL TONE & TAKEAWAYS Balanced, fan-focused discussion: celebratory of Pollard’s successes while honest about shortcomings. Optimistic about the future with strong basketball momentum and football continuity under new staff. Emphasizes Iowa State’s unique fan loyalty and facilities as major assets. Recommended Clips/Quotes: * Pollard’s facilities and Campbell hire impact. * Prohm debate (recruiting wins vs. coaching shortcomings). * Fan base transformation comparison to USC/UCLA. Great episode for Cyclone fans processing the end of an era while looking ahead to fall camp and the 2026 season. Go Cyclones! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big 12 Media Days Roundup & Reaction | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #73

Episode Notes: Big 12 Media Days Roundup & Reaction | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #73 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Platform: IowaStateVOCFB Date/Context: Post-Big 12 Media Days episode (summer 2026 cycle, around EA Sports College Football 26 launch) EPISODE SUMMARY Casual, enthusiastic Iowa State fan podcast reacting to Big 12 Media Days. The show opens with a strong focus on a major recruiting win (Chuck Alexander flip), then shifts to broader conference media days coverage, standout moments (especially drama from Texas Tech/Brett Yormark), and light reactions to the new Monster Energy sponsorship. Hosts praise the new coaching staff's recruiting momentum while keeping expectations grounded. KEY SEGMENTS & TIMESTAMPS (APPROXIMATE, BASED ON TRANSCRIPT) * 0:00 - Intro: Hosts jump straight in (forgot intro video). Mention Big 12 Media Days as unofficial start to CFB season + CFB 26 game launch. * ~1:40 - Chuck Alexander Recruiting Spotlight (major focus, ~15-20+ mins): * Iowa State flips 4-star WR Chuck Alexander (6'0", 190 lbs) from Louisville. * Strong offer list (Louisville, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Northwestern, etc.). * Film breakdown: Smooth strider, excellent YAC vision, elusive, good hands/routes, high-pointing ability. Hosts compare his style to CeeDee Lamb. * Context: Second recent Power 4 WR flip; positive sign for new staff (Jimmy Rogers) recruiting on "hopes and dreams" with no on-field results yet. Class currently ~40th nationally, ahead of typical Iowa State finishes. * Broader recruiting talk: In-state 2028 class talent, staff connections in Iowa radius. * Media Days Iowa State Coverage: * Players featured: Jalen Rayner (confirmed starter at QB), Kyle Konradi, Isaac Thompson/Terrell?, David Coffey, Aiden Flora (fun offside interview about adding size for RB workload). * Jimmy Rogers' presser/ESPN desk appearance: Standard answers on family ties to Iowa, tough/hard-nosed team identity. No major fireworks from ISU side. * Broader Big 12 Highlights/Drama: * Deion Sanders/Colorado: Julian Lewis comments on starting to watch film (vs. prior "high school ball" approach); Lewis not in CFB 27 game (business reasons). * Texas Tech/Brett Yormark fireworks (biggest talking point): Reporter asks provocative question tying tortilla ban, OSU paddles, Cincinnati/Sorsby situation, and conference credibility. Yormark pushes back strongly ("16 strong"). Hosts call question absurd/stupid but note Yormark's handling/dodging of Sorsby issue wasn't ideal. Texas Tech's summer of bad press discussed. * New Monster Energy Big 12 title sponsorship (football/basketball): Schools net ~$885k each. Mixed reactions (jersey patches, field/court logos). Hosts pragmatic—money helps competitiveness; better than some alternatives (e.g., crypto). Speculation on Iowa State sponsor fits (Casey's, Pioneer, Sukup, etc.). * Wrap-up: Positive outlook on recruiting floor under new staff; upcoming season previews/depth charts teased for future episodes. NOTABLE THEMES & TAKEAWAYS * Recruiting Optimism: New staff (esp. Jimmy Rogers) exceeding expectations in Year 1 despite limited resources/proof. Developmental focus emphasized over pure portal reliance. * Conference Vibes: Big 12 Media Days relatively quiet for ISU; league drama and sponsorships signal evolving (and commercializing) landscape. * Tone: Fan-oriented, analytical but fun/humorous. Strong film talk on recruits; candid on conference politics. Overall: Solid mid-summer episode blending timely recruiting hype with conference news. Great for Iowa State fans wanting unfiltered reactions. Runtime appears ~45-50+ minutes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Five in Five Eligibility | Biggest Upset and Trap Games | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #72

Episode Notes: Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #72 – "Five in Five Eligibility | Biggest Upset and Trap Games" Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Date/Context: June 30,2026 episode, one week before Big 12 Media Days and EA College Football 27 release. Light off-season show focusing on new NCAA eligibility rules and 2026 season outlook for Iowa State. OVERALL SUMMARY The episode discusses the newly passed NCAA "5-in-5" eligibility rule (5 years to play 5 seasons, no redshirts/medical waivers) and its implications for Iowa State football/basketball. Hosts then break down potential trap games (where ISU could unexpectedly struggle) and biggest upset opportunities for the 2026 season. Tone is optimistic about roster continuity from the new rule, with candid analysis of rivals like Iowa and Kansas State. Show is shorter and lighter due to off-season timing. Ends with injury news, fun player discussions, and schedule notes. KEY TIMESTAMPS & SEGMENTS 00:00 – 00:30: Intro & Show Overview * Welcome and banter. * One week until Big 12 Media Days and College Football 27. True start of CFB season. * Topics: 5-in-5 eligibility rule (passed last Wednesday) + ISU’s biggest trap games and upset opportunities. 00:34 – ~00:13:00: 5-in-5 Eligibility Rule Deep Dive * Rule basics: 5 years/5 seasons eligibility. Starts after 19th birthday or first college enrollment (whichever first). Ends loopholes for older international/G-League players. * Transition period: Athletes choose old or new rules (redshirts/medical redshirts generally stick with old rules). * Hosts’ take: Both like it — cleans up blurred lines, prevents long-term roster bloat, straightforward. Needs more pro contract guidelines. * Iowa State Basketball impact: Blake Buchanan and Jaquan Johnson gain extra year (no redshirt). Leon Bond possibly affected. Good for interior depth. * Iowa State Football impact: * Jalen Rainer (QB) and Bobby Terrell (top player) likely return for 5th year. * Tristan Exline (transfer LB) gets valuable extra year in Power 5 system. * Braden Alls (injured senior) limited — medical or new rules still ends after 2027. * Others (true sophomores/juniors) gain extra year for future planning. * Broader effects: More continuity for ISU (esp. under new staff/Tyler Rol). Roster crunch → smaller HS classes, talent cascade to FCS/D2/D3/NAIA. Good for lower levels long-term but squeezes spots. * Levi: “Cleans everything up… very straightforward.” Carter agrees. ~13:00 – 23:00: Trap Games for Iowa State * Early games (SEMO, etc.) discounted. * West Virginia (home, post-Utah): WVU picked last in Big 12 but historically competitive vs. ISU. * Main pick: UCF (road, Friday night, Thanksgiving week): Long trip, short week, Scott Frost motivation, potential desperation for bowl eligibility. ISU likely favorite but trap potential due to environment/timing. * Cincinnati (home) dismissed as low threat. 23:00 – End of Main Discussion: Biggest Upset Opportunities * Kansas State (home, Senior Day/Farmageddon): New coach, Avery Johnson hype vs. reality, potentially weak defense. ISU continuity + home crowd = strong shot. * Iowa (at Kinnick, night game): Detailed optimism — Iowa losing defensive talent, no trusted QB, weak WRs (Reese Vander Zee highlighted), special teams hits, tough schedule history. ISU’s growth + new schemes could exploit. Low-scoring but winnable (17-14 vibe). Hosts skeptical of Iowa’s “points now” narrative under Tim Lester. * Honorable mentions: Utah (first Big 12 home game, new coach issues), possibly Arizona/BYU (road concerns). * Levi/Carter bullish on late-season ISU improvement under new staff. Later Segments (~37:00+) * Injury: Christian Wiggins (Achilles) out for season — guard depth still decent. * Fun debate: Players whose stats didn’t tell the full story (Football: Sam B. Richardson; Basketball: Nate Heisey strong pick, others like Bob Jones, Colin Franklin, EJ Bibbs). * New WR Brandon Gold (6'5" track/high jumper) — high-upside, low-risk pickup. * Gadget player shoutout: Josh Lenz. * Roster scholarship note: Save last spot for mid-year transfer or blow-up prospect. * Schedule note: ISU Media Days on Wednesday, Aug 8. Next show moves to Wednesday for coverage. STANDOUT QUOTES * On 5-in-5: “This is the first thing the NCAA has done… that seems like a very clear cut. This is a good thing.” — Levi * On Jalen Rainer: “Having Jalen Rainer for two seasons instead of one is fantastic… continuity.” * On Iowa: “How is Iowa winning football games? They have no quarterback… no receivers.” — Discussion highlights. * On K-State upset: “Farmageddon at home… That’s got upset city written all over it.” KEY TAKEAWAYS / ARTICLE ANGLES * Positive for ISU: Extra years for Rainer, Terrell, Exline = major continuity boost under new regime. * Roster management: Smaller classes, transfer/HS recruiting shifts. * Season outlook: Traps on road (UCF), upsets possible vs. rivals (K-State, Iowa) due to opponent weaknesses + ISU growth. * Vibes: Optimistic, fun rivalry talk, realistic about challenges. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recruiting Updates | Alcohol Sales | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #71

Episode Notes: Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #71 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Date: June 23, 2026 (deep offseason) Topics: Recruiting flip (Braylon Lane), alcohol sales at Jack Trice Stadium & Hilton Coliseum, and top impact players for the upcoming season. 1. RECRUITING UPDATE: FLIPPING BRAYLON LANE (WR, 2027 CLASS) * Iowa State successfully flipped Braylon Lane from Houston. He is a high-upside Texas prospect with a strong offer list (Houston, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, TCU, Baylor, SMU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and most Big 12/SEC non-blue bloods). * Physical profile: ~6'0", 185 lbs. Dynamic playmaker, track athlete (hurdles), good size/frame, strong YAC ability, intelligent route-runner who finds space in short/intermediate areas. * Fit: Aligns perfectly with the expected Iowa State offense (short/intermediate passes, finding windows, YAC emphasis). Compared favorably to Xavier Hutchinson’s development path — not a burner but a reliable, all-around WR. * Context: Significant win against a Houston program with strong recent recruiting momentum. Likely one of the last major additions to the 2027 class (could end ~top 50 nationally, which is solid by recent Iowa State standards under the new staff). Early class completion allows focus on 2028. Hosts’ Take: Big recruiting momentum signal. Shows the new staff can compete for higher-end prospects that fit the program. 2. UNIVERSITY NEWS: ALCOHOL SALES AT JACK TRICE STADIUM & HILTON COLISEUM * Beer (plus wine and pre-packaged cocktails) will be sold starting this upcoming season. * Locations: Beer garden on the north side + sales at corners/ends of concourses (away from regular concessions to reduce crowding). * Restrictions: No re-entry; 21+; max 2 drinks per transaction; no sales on grass hillsides or by vendors in seating areas; cutoff times (no sales late in 4th quarter); existing policies for clubs/suites unchanged. * Additional changes: No more halftime re-entry to tailgates. * Revenue: Expected to net ~$1M, with portion funding alcohol education, student wellness, and public safety. * Hosts’ reaction: Long-awaited positive development (“finally got what we’ve been asking for”). Conservative rollout praised. Anticipation for beer cup snakes; better crowd control and self-regulation vs. heavy pre-gaming or sneaking shots. Concerns about concourse crowding noted, with future renovations possibly needed. Broader Context: Shift from past “moral high ground” stance; driven by revenue needs. Seen as a win for fans and the athletic department. 3. TOP IMPACT PLAYERS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON The hosts discuss key players expected to have the biggest impact (many transfers due to heavy portal activity). They highlight several standouts rather than a strict top 10. Offense Highlights: * Cam Petaway (RB, transfer): Elite speed (potentially the fastest on team since Kene Nwangwu); redshirt sophomore with high ceiling; explosive playmaker. Paired with Aiden Flora for dynamic backfield. * Aiden Flora (RB): Punt return hero last season; opportunity to prove himself as a lead back. Dual-threat potential (run + receive). * Evan Boyd (WR, Michigan State transfer): Big-bodied, reliable hands, strong blocker. Valuable in run-heavy offense for third-down conversions and perimeter blocking to spring speed backs. * Omari Hayes (WR, Tulane transfer): Experienced, speed, good YAC; projected starter and chain-mover (Amon-Ra St. Brown comp in this scheme). * Messiah King (OL, transfer): Experienced, big, mobile; potential Day 1 starter and seamless fit in new system. Defense Highlights: * Sullivan Schlimgen (LB, Washington State transfer): Knows the new defensive scheme; athletic, sideline-to-sideline, coverage + run support. Calming veteran presence and “AJ Klein” type leader. * Micah Harper (S, Montana transfer): Veteran experience (since 2020); increased role with injuries elsewhere; calming presence and leader in secondary. * Willie Breland (LB/S hybrid, transfer): Versatile “star”/nickel type; explosive playmaker potential (gap-shooter, route-jumper, turnover creator). Darrell Givens-like havoc creator comp. * DT Rotation (e.g., Bryson Lamb or Zemir Hawk alongside Bobby Terrell): Plug-and-play experience from Wazzu system. Team Theme: Heavy emphasis on speed across roster (offense and defense) — a clear philosophical shift from prior eras. New staff prioritizing athleticism, experience via portal, and scheme fits. Many transfers expected to start/contribute immediately. ADDITIONAL SEGMENTS * Fun banter about worst players who received too much playing time in Iowa State history (basketball: Merle Holden / Corey Johnson; football: Datron Young). * Light NBA draft talk (Joshua Jefferson fit). * Offseason context: Quiet period post-recruiting; excitement for fall and evaluating the new staff’s vision on-field. Overall Tone: Optimistic and engaging. Hosts emphasize program momentum in recruiting, facility/fan experience upgrades (alcohol policy), and roster rebuild via speed/experience. Strong focus on schematic and cultural shifts under the new coaching staff. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.