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18. Iowa State Cyclones
2020 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cyclones: In hindsight, I was too harsh dropping ISU out of the previous rankings. The unit's trajectory throughout coordinator Jon Heacock's tenure is strong. The temptation is to overcorrect, and if this were a one-year projection, Iowa State would be in the top 10. There are some questions after 2021, but ISU's defense is a big reason the team will enter the fall as a legitimate CFP contender. The Cyclones return Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Rose, who anchors an excellent linebacking group that also features fellow seniors O'Rien Vance and Jake Hummel. Along with Rose, safety Greg Eisworth II will be a centerpiece of the 2021 defense. A three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, Eisworth leads a secondary also featuring senior cornerbacks Anthony Johnson and Datrone Young, Villanova transfer Jaquan Amos at safety and safety Isheem Young, the 2020 Big 12 co-Freshman of the Year. Isheem Young is vital for the back seven's outlook beyond this coming season, along with other non-seniors such as linebackers Gerry Vaughn (junior) and Aric Horne (sophomore). Adding to the mix are junior Tayvonn Kyle, an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, junior Kym-Mani King and T.J. Tampa, who appeared in nine games as a true freshman in 2020.
ISU's defensive line resets the most in 2021 after losing standout JaQuan Bailey and others. But the group retains junior Will McDonald, who led the team in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (13.5) last fall. The Cyclones get ends Eyioma Uwazurike (22.5 career tackles for loss) and Zach Petersen for one more year. They're a bit thin inside aside from junior Isaiah Lee. Overall, ISU will be fun to watch in 2021, but it must address questions in the years ahead.
18. Iowa State Cyclones
2020 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cyclones: In hindsight, I was too harsh dropping ISU out of the previous rankings. The unit's trajectory throughout coordinator Jon Heacock's tenure is strong. The temptation is to overcorrect, and if this were a one-year projection, Iowa State would be in the top 10. There are some questions after 2021, but ISU's defense is a big reason the team will enter the fall as a legitimate CFP contender. The Cyclones return Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Rose, who anchors an excellent linebacking group that also features fellow seniors O'Rien Vance and Jake Hummel. Along with Rose, safety Greg Eisworth II will be a centerpiece of the 2021 defense. A three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, Eisworth leads a secondary also featuring senior cornerbacks Anthony Johnson and Datrone Young, Villanova transfer Jaquan Amos at safety and safety Isheem Young, the 2020 Big 12 co-Freshman of the Year. Isheem Young is vital for the back seven's outlook beyond this coming season, along with other non-seniors such as linebackers Gerry Vaughn (junior) and Aric Horne (sophomore). Adding to the mix are junior Tayvonn Kyle, an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, junior Kym-Mani King and T.J. Tampa, who appeared in nine games as a true freshman in 2020.
ISU's defensive line resets the most in 2021 after losing standout JaQuan Bailey and others. But the group retains junior Will McDonald, who led the team in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (13.5) last fall. The Cyclones get ends Eyioma Uwazurike (22.5 career tackles for loss) and Zach Petersen for one more year. They're a bit thin inside aside from junior Isaiah Lee. Overall, ISU will be fun to watch in 2021, but it must address questions in the years ahead.