Locked On Cyclones - Daily Podcast on Iowa State Cyclones Football & Basketball

The devastating college football injury news regarding the ISU football secondary has rightly shocked the Cyclones fanbase. Losing star cornerbacks Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper, both All-Big 12 honorees with a combined 55 career starts, to season-ending ACL tears is an immense blow. This double loss represents a vacuum of experience, coverage skill, and tackling prowess that few programs co...

Iowa State’s quest for a Big 12 championship faces its most pivotal test yet this weekend against the Cincinnati Bearcats. While a conference title requires defeating many quality opponents, this particular road matchup carries unexpected weight, turning it into one of the Cyclones’ biggest challenges of the season. Cincinnati is proving to be much more than a new league addition; they are a formi...

The Heisman Trophy is inherently a storytelling award, one often skewed by the narrative power of college football's traditional blue-blood programs. This pervasive institutional bias explains why Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht is being unfairly disregarded as a top candidate. His statistical production and clutch playmaking ability are on par with those leading the current discussions, yet hi...

The Iowa State Cyclones’ decisive 39-14 victory over the previously undefeated Arizona Wildcats provides compelling evidence of the team’s current promise. Securing a 5-0 start to the 2025 season marks a significant achievement and signals the program’s upward trajectory. The manner of the win—a dominant performance against a quality opponent—demonstrates that Iowa State possesses the firepower re...

The Iowa State Cyclones’ decisive victory over Arizona presents an intriguing duality for the program: a clear sign of progress alongside looming concerns. On the promising side, the offense demonstrated a newfound efficiency and dynamism, perfectly showcased by quarterback Rocco Becht’s three rushing touchdowns and effective passing, which included a highlight 146-yard receiving night for Chase S...

Iowa State’s pursuit of success across its major programs has frequently been undermined by ill-timed injuries, a pattern that unfortunately manifested during the previous season and highlights the inherent fragility of competitive depth. Last year, the men's basketball team saw its potential March Madness run severely hampered when key guard Keshon Gilbert was ruled out for the NCAA tournament wi...

Last week was an absolute chaotic carnival in Big 12 football, delivering a series of shocking results, major upsets, and significant shifts in the conference hierarchy. If you thought the league was wide open before, Week 4 blew the doors off the competition.   Here is a breakdown of how wild the week was:   1. The Preseason Favorite Crumbles The biggest story of the weekend was the complete dism...

Entering Big 12 play, Iowa State faces a significant challenge in Arizona, a team with a deceptive record. While the Wildcats finished last season 4-8, their early-season play in 2024 has been much improved. However, their 3-0 record is misleading, as demonstrated by their narrow loss to Kansas State. A closer look at that game reveals a contest the Wildcats could have, and perhaps should have, wo...

In the highly competitive landscape of college football, information is power. The Big 12 Conference's new mandatory injury availability report, designed to promote transparency and protect the integrity of the game, has introduced a new layer of complexity. The hypothetical case of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham not listing quarterback Devon Dampier on the report ahead of a crucial game against Texa...

The potential absence of kicker Kyle Konrardy presents a fascinating challenge for the Iowa State football offense, one that demands a fundamental shift in strategy. While a kicker’s injury doesn't change the offensive playbook, it directly impacts the team's risk tolerance and late-game decision-making. Konrardy has proven to be a reliable and clutch weapon, consistently converting from long rang...

The Big 12 Conference's decision to provide a live look into its officiating replay center during games marks a pivotal moment for college football. This move toward radical transparency is a significant step forward for the sport, fostering trust and accountability by pulling back the curtain on a process long shrouded in mystery. For fans, it's an opportunity to better understand the complexitie...

Week 3 was  a wild ride for the Big 12 and Week 4 is also going to be one to watch. The Utah Utes vs the Texas Tech Red Raiders leads the slate, the future of Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State is unclear, Drake Toll made a brave TCU Horned Frogs bet and much more!   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNQsWmyf0LCFUKr01QZ2LQ     Locked On College Football Podcast https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/lock...

In a conference celebrated for its dynamic quarterback play, Iowa State's Rocco Becht has emerged as one of the Big 12's most compelling talents. His impressive debut season as a redshirt freshman was defined not just by his statistical achievements, which included breaking program records for passing yards and touchdowns, but by his remarkable poise and leadership. Becht's journey has been marked...

Iowa State is in a prime position to compete for a Big 12 title and make a push for the College Football Playoff, a remarkable feat for a program that has seen unprecedented success under head coach Matt Campbell. Led by a veteran quarterback in Rocco Becht, the Cyclones have a strong foundation built on a sound running game and a stout, disciplined defense. Becht has shown he can be a top-tier si...

Iowa State's recent rise to #12 in the AP poll is a testament to their strong start, but it's an undeniable snub that they aren't in the top 10. While they are now the highest-ranked Big 12 team, a higher placement is justified when you compare them to teams like Texas and LSU, who are ranked above them. Iowa State's 4-0 record, including two wins over ranked rivals, is far more impressive than th...

While Iowa State’s 24-16 victory over Arkansas State may not have been a dominating performance, it was a a testament to the Cyclones’ resilience and ability to win in different ways. A close game on the road can be a valuable learning experience, and it shouldn't overshadow the team's promising 4-0 start. Iowa State has already shown bright flashes on both sides of the ball, demonstrating their p...

The Iowa State Cyclones secured a pivotal victory on the road against Arkansas State, a testament to their resilience and growing maturity as a team. Stepping into a hostile environment, the Cyclones faced a formidable challenge, but their composure under pressure proved to be the defining factor. While the Red Wolves fought valiantly, even briefly taking a lead, Iowa State's offense, led by key p...

Iowa State's current ranking at No. 14 is a glaring misstep by the pollsters. While it acknowledges their strong start, it fails to recognize the quality and difficulty of their victories. The Cyclones have assembled a resume that is not just good, but elite, proving they belong firmly in the top 10. Their three wins to open the season—against South Dakota, a rival Iowa team, and a ranked Kansas S...

Week 2 had some major ramifications for the Big 12. Oregon dominated Oklahoma State, Arizona State fell to Mississippi State, Baylor picked up a major win over SMU and so much more!    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Iowa State Cyclones have established the most impressive football resume in the Big 12 this season, and their path to a conference title appears set. At 3-0, the Cyclones have navigated a challenging early schedule with a combination of grit and skill, positioning themselves as a dominant force. Their success is a clear signal that the program is primed to dominate the Big 12 this year. The Cy...

The Associated Press college football poll, while a beloved tradition, is fundamentally flawed by its subjective and often uncritical voting process. The poll, comprised of sportswriters and broadcasters, is supposed to reflect a national consensus on the top teams, but it frequently falls victim to voter bias, regionalism, and a lack of in-depth game film study. This systemic problem creates a se...

It's easy to look at Iowa State's early schedule and dismiss their success. After all, the wins have come against teams that aren't exactly setting the world on fire. Critics might point to a low-scoring victory over a struggling Iowa team, a close contest with a Kansas State squad that hasn't found its rhythm, or a win over an FCS opponent in South Dakota that lost to Lamar. This perspective, how...

The Cyclones’ thrilling 16-13 victory over the Hawkeyes in the Cy-Hawk rivalry game was a testament to their resilience and Matt Campbell’s program-building. Despite securing their second consecutive win in the series, the Cyclones' performance revealed several areas for improvement. While the offense ultimately made the plays to set up the game-winning field goal, the decision to temporarily pull...

The sun set on a perfect day for Iowa State football, as the Cyclones triumphed over the Hawkeyes in a hard-fought Cy-Hawk rivalry game. The victory was a testament to a complete team effort, showcasing a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The Iowa State offense was relentless, moving the ball with precision and balance. The offensive line created massive running lanes, and the quarte...

The bitter rivalry between Iowa State and Iowa is often a battle of wills, but in this clash, the Cyclones are poised to seize control from the first snap. While the Hawkeye defense is perennially praised, it's the unyielding Iowa State defense that will be the true difference-maker, suffocating Iowa’s anemic offense. The Cyclone defensive line, a relentless force in the trenches, will apply const...