The Jimmy Rogers Era Starts With a Bang
AMES, Iowa — Iowa State relied on a dynamic multi-touchdown performance from dual-threat quarterback Jaylen Raynor to beat Southeast Missouri State 38-10 on Saturday in the 2026 college football opener at Jack Trice Stadium.
The Cyclones kicked off the Jimmy Rogers era with a decisive victory over the Redhawks. Dominant defensive line play, explosive chunk plays, and quick scoring drives carried the afternoon for Iowa State.
Iowa State struck early on its opening drive when Raynor capped a quick sequence with a read-option keeper into the end zone, giving the Cyclones a 7-0 lead after wide receiver Dominic Overby set up the red zone appearance with a 45-yard catch downfield.
The Cyclones extended their lead late in the first quarter. Raynor connected with tight end Vince Benetti on a 24-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0. Southeast Missouri State answered early in the second quarter when backup quarterback Chance Wilson broke loose for a rushing touchdown, cutting the margin to 14-7.
Iowa State immediately responded on the next drive. Running back Aiden Flora punched in a touchdown to push the lead back to two scores. Before halftime, Raynor scrambled away from pressure and delivered a 34-yard sideline strike to Omari Hayes, setting up a 10-yard touchdown toss to Easton Miller to take a 28-7 lead into the break.
Looking at the first half of play, Iowa State’s Defense dominated on all fronts. Two turnovers, including a one-handed catch by Beni Ngoyi, and multiple sacks on the QB gave fans a lot to be hopeful. Offense simply needs help. There is no real explosiveness, but if Iowa State’s defense can continue to perform, they may end up winning some close games this season.
The third quarter turned into a defensive battle as both offenses stalled. Kicker Kyle Konrardy split the uprights for a field goal to make it 31-7 before SEMO kicker Justin Keller converted a kick of his own to answer. Once again, the defense for Iowa State was in the spotlight, and the offense was just simply consistent.
Iowa State sealed the game in the fourth quarter when Raynor punched in his second rushing touchdown of the day on another read option at the 7-yard line following a pass interference penalty.
While many questions have been answered, there are still questions when it comes to the offense. Iowa State struggles to move the ball on the ground, and the inconsistency in throwing the ball may cause issues next week in Kinnick. Iowa State has a lot to clean up on offense if it wants to take down the experienced Iowa Hawkeye Defense. Defensive end Isaac Terrell anchored the Cyclone defense with three first-half sacks, pacing an Iowa State front that recorded six total sacks. Iowa State improves to 1-0 and travels to Iowa City next week for a rivalry matchup against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Southeast Missouri State falls to 1-1.
Image Credit: ESPN
