No. 7 — Iowa State Cyclones (5-7 overall, 3-6 in Big 12)
Iowa State was one of the big disappointments in the Big 12 last season. The Cyclones finished a disappointing fourth in the Big 12 in 2021, a year in which they were expected to challenge Oklahoma for conference superiority and had as many as nine All-Big 12 performers on their roster.
Among the key players head coach Matt Campbell has to replace this season are quarterback Brock Purdy, All-Big 12 running back Breece Hall, tight end Charlie Kolar, linebacker Mike Rose and defensive back Isheem Young. That’s a bunch of key personnel, but if anyone can refill the tank, it is Campbell, who is 42-34 in a six-year run at Iowa State.
The coming season will undoubtedly be a transition year for the Cyclones. They do get Baylor and Oklahoma at home but have to go on the road to face Texas and Oklahoma State.