Iowa State declines bowl bid to conclude 2025 season
Iowa State (8-4) has declined a bowl bid to conclude the 2025 season, On3’s Brett McMurphy has learned. This comes on the heels of Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell departing for the Penn State head coaching gig. Iowa State hired Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers as his replacement.
According to McMurphy, Iowa State could be subject to a fine. Although, that remains to be seen as the postseason begins. Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard released a statement on the decision.
“The administrative staff & coaches respect & support the players decision,” Pollard said. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season & we are grateful for their leadership as we worked through this process w/them today.”
The Cyclones got off to a 5-0 start to the season, but were plagued by a four-game losing streak in the middle of the year. However, they rebounded with wins over TCU, Kansas and Oklahoma State to conclude the year.
Going into October, Campbell led Iowa State to a No. 14 ranking the AP Poll and Cyclone fans were thinking Big 12 crowns and a potential run in the College Football Playoff. Instead, Campbell has left after 10 years and the Cyclones will pivot towards 2026.
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Campbell went 72-55 during his time in Ames. He led Iowa State to the Big 12 Championship Game in 2020 and ’24, finishing No. 9 in the former and No. 15 in the latter.
Now under Rogers, Iowa State will look to continue the groundwork laid by Campbell. Rogers went 6-6 in his lone season with Washington State and was 27-3 with South Dakota in the two years prior, including winning the FCS National Championship in 2023.
“My family and I are excited to be joining the Iowa State University community and the Cyclone football program,” Rogers said. “Iowa State has been one of the nation’s top programs for the last decade and we look forward to building upon its upward trajectory. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Jamie Pollard has given me to lead the Cyclones.
“From the administration, to the alumni and current student-athletes, this University has everything needed to compete at the highest level in college football,” he added. “I am honored to be given this opportunity and responsibility and cannot wait to get started!.”