Iowa State Cyclones secure Matt Campbell with an extended lucrative deal
The Iowa State Cyclones are poised to build on their historic 2024 season, aiming for Big 12 glory in 2025 under the guidance of head coach Matt Campbell.
Last year, the Cyclones shattered records, securing their first-ever 10-win season and breaking the 11-win barrier for the first time in program history. Campbell's impressive performance earned him a well-deserved contract extension, keeping him at the helm until the end of the 2032 season.
Campbell, entering his 10th year as head coach, has solidified his place in Cyclones' history. He currently holds program records for most wins and highest winning percentage, and has been named Big 12 Coach of the Year an impressive three times. His latest contract extension includes a salary raise to $5 million annually, a testament to his success. However, Campbell took a personal pay cut to enhance staff salaries and player revenue-sharing, demonstrating his commitment to program stability.
Expectations for the 2025 season are high, with the Cyclones aiming to maintain their upward trajectory. They return several key veterans, including starting quarterback Rocco Becht and leading rusher Carson Hanson, both crucial to maintaining offensive stability. Defensively, standout players like Domonique Orange, Jeremiah Cooper, and Jontez Williams, all preseason all-conference honorees, will anchor the team. The team's unity and chemistry are emphasized, with many top players reportedly taking pay cuts to remain with Iowa State rather than pursuing higher-paying offers elsewhere, reflecting a strong culture established by Campbell.
From a performance projection standpoint, Iowa State is ranked around 32nd nationally in SP+ rankings for 2025, expected to average about 7.8 wins including roughly 5.5 in Big 12 play. Their history of close-game swings suggests that the season could hinge on a handful of key matchups. Durability across their challenging schedule remains a concern—injuries could impact how far the Cyclones can go.
The Cyclones will kick off the 2025 season against Kansas State on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. ET. As they prepare for this exciting new chapter, Cyclones fans can look forward to another season of competitive football under the leadership of Matt Campbell.
Sources:
[1] ESPN
[2] Sports Illustrated
[3] The Des Moines Register
[4] CBS Sports
The Cyclones' impressive performance in the 2024 season, culminating in their first-ever 10-win season and breaking program records, positions them to compete in the American football championship, aiming for the NCAA Football glory in 2025. With head coach Matt Campbell's exceptional leadership and the team's strong camaraderie, 2025 promises to be another year of competitive sports for the Cyclones, including the Big 12 championship and beyond.
