Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones had high hopes heading into 2021 but finished with a disappointing 7-6 record. With only eight starters returning, it’s fair to question if the Cyclones can remain in the upper tier of the Big 12.
Four-year starter Brock Purdy departs, leaving left-hander Hunter Dekkers with a big hole to fill at the quarterback position. The defense returns just three starters, but Campbell has been adamant that they’ll be better on that side of the ball than the pundits are anticipating. Iowa State has performed best when expectations are low, so perhaps things are set up perfectly for them in 2022.