Iowa State Football Maximizes Spring Practice

New roster and coaching staff aim to make the most of limited offseason reps.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:08pm

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With a new coaching staff and several roster changes, the Iowa State football team is working to make the most of their limited spring practice time. Head coach Matt Campbell and his staff are focused on using every rep to evaluate players, install new systems, and build chemistry ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 2025 season, Iowa State is looking to rebound and compete in the Big 12 this year. The spring practice period is crucial for the Cyclones to get their new-look team on the same page and establish an identity before fall camp.

The details

Iowa State has just 15 spring practices to work with before their annual spring game on April 22nd. The team is using this time to get acclimated to new offensive and defensive schemes, as well as evaluate a roster that has seen significant turnover from last season. Several key starters have graduated or entered the NFL draft, leaving opportunities for younger players to step up and claim starting jobs.

  • Iowa State's spring practice period began on March 20th and will run through April 22nd.
  • The Cyclones will hold their annual spring game on April 22nd to showcase their progress.

The players

Matt Campbell

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones football team, entering his 8th season.

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What they’re saying

“Every rep in the spring is so valuable for us. We have to maximize our time on the field to get our new players up to speed and build the foundation for the season ahead.”

— Matt Campbell, Head Coach

What’s next

The Cyclones will continue their spring practice schedule leading up to the spring game on April 22nd, where fans will get their first look at the 2026 team.

The takeaway

With a new-look roster and coaching staff, Iowa State is using every minute of spring practice to lay the groundwork for a potential bounce-back season in the Big 12. The Cyclones are focused on quickly developing chemistry and installing their systems to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.