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

The annual clash between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones is always a monumental event in the state of Iowa, a true battle that divides families and friends along black and gold or cardinal and gold lines. This fierce in-state rivalry, often dubbed the Cy-Hawk Series, transcends mere football; it's a battle for bragging rights that lasts an entire year. Even in a "normal" year, the ga...

In the tumultuous landscape of modern college football, coaching stability is a relic. The carousel spins faster than ever, with coaches often jumping ship for perceived greener pastures or being jettisoned after a few middling seasons. This makes the tenures of Iowa State's Matt Campbell and Kansas State's Chris Klieman incredibly rare and valuable. Campbell, entering his tenth season in Ames, an...

Big 12 football is at a crossroads. With SEC politics heating up and the Big 12's competitive edge in question, what does the future hold for college football? Dive into the latest controversies surrounding BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff's legal issues and Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell's financial influence. Hosts Drake Toll, Jake Catch, and others dissect Greg Sankey's SEC maneuvers, the implic...

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the Big 12 is demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that positions it favorably against the SEC. The recent revelation that the SEC is even considering a College Football Playoff format proposed by the Big 12 speaks volumes. It suggests a clear acknowledgment of the Big 12's innovative vision for the sport's premier postseason. While the SEC...

The ongoing SEC League meetings, currently underway, hold the potential to profoundly reshape the landscape of college athletics, particularly football. As the most dominant conference in the sport, the decisions made by SEC leadership regarding critical issues like the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion and the transfer portal will send ripples across the entire collegiate ecosystem. Discus...

Rece Davis's recent assertion on the College Gameday podcast, suggesting the college football playoff will "never be right," carries a subtle yet significant implication for the sport's landscape. While seemingly a pragmatic acknowledgment of inherent imperfections, this sentiment can inadvertently serve as a convenient justification for maintaining the status quo, particularly benefiting power co...

Iowa State faces a significant challenge in retaining four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla following his recent scholarship offer from Alabama. However, the Cyclones possess distinct advantages that could keep the talented signal-caller in Ames. First, Iowa State's established culture under Coach Matt Campbell offers a compelling alternative to the traditional powerhouse allure of Alabama. Campbell...

The recent College Football Playoff committee decision to award first-round byes to the top four ranked teams, rather than exclusively conference champions, presents a significant boon for a team like Iowa State. In the previous 12-team format (used for the 2024-25 season), winning a conference championship was the only path to a bye, which could lead to lower-ranked conference champions getting p...

Is a 16-team college football playoff the game-changer the Big 12 needs? Dive into the buzz as the Big 12 Squad tackles this hot topic, exploring the potential impact on the Florida Gators and other powerhouse teams. With Chris Level and Drake leading the charge, the conversation heats up around the playoff proposal, beer sales at college stadiums, and Texas A&M's challenging year. Drake's new per...

Jamie Pollard's tenure as Iowa State's Director of Athletics has been nothing short of transformative, establishing the university as a legitimate force in collegiate sports. His astute leadership and, critically, his visionary coaching hires have been the bedrock of this remarkable ascent. The appointments of Matt Campbell for football and T.J. Otzelberger for men's basketball stand as testaments...

Kansas State's revamped offense poses a significant threat to Iowa State in their Week 0 "Farmageddon" matchup in Dublin, Ireland. The Wildcats have aggressively utilized the transfer portal, bringing in seven new offensive players, including wide receivers Jerand Bradley and Jaron Tibbs, and bruising running back Gabe Ervin Jr. These additions, coupled with the continued development of promising...

Iowa State is positioning itself to be a strong contender in the Big 12. The Cyclones have strategically utilized the transfer portal to address key needs on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they've brought in new talent to bolster the receiving corps and offensive line, which should complement the returning quarterback. This infusion of new players aims to provide more weapons and protection,...

Rocco Becht enters the season with the potential to be one of the Big 12's standout quarterbacks. While some may consider him underrated, several factors point to a season where he exceeds expectations. One reason for any perceived undervaluation could be the departure of key receivers like Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. These losses undoubtedly present a challenge, as they were significant contr...

Donald Trump's proposed college football commission, co-chaired by Nick Saban, presents a potential avenue for Iowa State Athletics to address the growing disparity in competitive advantages among states. Saban's vocal concerns regarding the uneven playing field created by varying state legislation, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and transfer portal rules, align directly w...

Can the Big 12's quarterback talent redefine college football's competitive landscape? With standout players like Sam Levitt and Sawyer Robertson leading the charge, the Big 12 is poised to challenge the dominance of other conferences. Dive into the dynamics of Utah's passionate fan base and its pivotal role in the Big 12, drawing parallels to Texas's historical influence. The episode also explore...

Hunter Dekkers, a former quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones, has recently signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following a rookie minicamp tryout. This signing comes on the heels of the unexpected retirement of veteran Saints quarterback Derek Carr due to a shoulder injury. While Dekkers faces an uphill battle as an undrafted rookie, his addition to the Saints' quarte...

The recent successes of the Big 12 Conference in bowl game matchups and the notable talent it has produced in the NFL Draft are undeniably shifting the prevailing narrative surrounding the league. This podcast episode delves into the critical question of whether this newfound momentum can propel the conference to a level where it consistently competes with the traditionally dominant SEC and Big Te...

The potential move by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to a nine-game conference schedule could have significant implications for college football scheduling, including the future of the Cy-Hawk game between Iowa and Iowa State. Currently, the SEC plays eight conference games, which allows for four non-conference matchups. A shift to nine conference games would reduce that number to three. The Cy...

The sting of being left out of the Women's College World Series can be a harsh blow, especially when a team feels they've earned a spot. For Iowa State softball, a perceived snub could ignite a powerful fire within the program. While the immediate disappointment is undeniable, the long-term impact on a young team can be transformative. Iowa State's roster is likely filled with players who haven't...

Is the ACC's potential division restructuring a game-changer or a misstep? As the Big 12 Squad dives into the latest college football buzz, they explore the implications of North Carolina's rumored Big Ten move and the ripple effects on the college sports landscape. With insights from Drake, Cameron, and other panelists, the discussion covers player transfers, tampering allegations, and the impact...

Iowa State University has been a program on the rise in recent years, demonstrating consistent improvement and challenging traditional powerhouses. However, breaking into the current College Football Playoff (CFP) system has proven difficult, largely due to playing in the Big 12, which doesn't have the same perceived power as the SEC or Big Ten. If the Big Ten and SEC were to expand the CFP and im...

The evolving landscape of college athletics, marked by the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the fluidity of the transfer portal, necessitates a more structured regulatory framework. President Trump's reported initiative to establish a commission on college athletics, potentially including the expertise of figures like Nick Saban, holds promising implications for Iowa State...

Iowa State football, under head coach Matt Campbell, has shown consistent improvement, and the 2024 season holds considerable promise. The Cyclones are aiming for another strong showing in the Big 12, with aspirations of reaching the title game and securing a 10-win season. A key factor in Iowa State's potential success is the return of starting quarterback Rocco Becht, who has shown promise. The...

Daniel Howard's potential arrival at Iowa State would inject a significant boost into the defensive line, an area where consistent pressure and depth are always coveted. His size and reported athleticism suggest a disruptive force capable of collapsing the pocket and setting the edge against Big 12 offenses. Adding a talent like Howard would not only bolster the immediate rotation but also provide...

The Iowa State Women's Basketball team is poised for a significantly improved season, largely due to the addition of Evangelia Paulk. Paulk, a transfer from Wofford College, brings a dynamic skill set that addresses key areas for the Cyclones. Her impact will be felt on both ends of the court. Offensively, Paulk adds scoring punch and versatility. At Wofford, she averaged 12.8 points per game, dem...