Feldman likes the Clones over 7.5 wins.
Iowa State — 7.5 wins: The Cyclones had a challenging setup for 2023, as ISU and rival
Iowa dealt with a gambling investigation. Matt Campbell’s program ended up being one of the youngest teams in Power 5 football, with freshmen playing prominent roles. After opening 1-2, which included a 10-7 loss at Ohio, the Cyclones got things together, finishing 7-6 and 6-3 in Big 12 play. Almost all the key pieces are back and have a lot more seasoning.
Rocco Becht, now a sophomore, is a budding star. He threw 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 2023. He has a terrific WR group led by
Jaylin Noel and
Jayden Higgins.
Abu Sama III, a dynamic RB, ran wild against K-State for almost 300 yards as a true freshman. The Cyclones also have five O-linemen back, each with starting experience. Middle linebacker Jack Sadowsky and safety
Beau Freyler give ISU toughness and savvy in the middle of the defense. The tough games: at Iowa, at WVU, at Kansas, at Utah and then K-State in the season finale. Don’t be surprised if Campbell has a Top 25 team this year. These guys might just be good enough to sneak into the CFP if Becht plays as well as some folks inside the program believe he can.