Iowa State Football Offense Preview 2025: Rocco Becht Takes Over the Cyclones

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2025 Iowa State Preview 
Iowa State Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season 

- The offense was almost like a goldfish - it grew to the size of the bowl. It played up or down to the competition, kept a few games closer than it should’ve, and overall, it got the job done. It controlled the clock, was solid in the red zone, and now it has to replace two superstar receivers.

- It seemed to catch everyone by surprise on NFL Draft weekend that Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, both now with the Houston Texans, were good at playing football. The two combined for 167 catches 2,377 and 17 touchdowns last season, and you don’t just easily replace that talent and production.

Chase Sowell is fantastic when healthy. He averaged close to 20 yards per catch last season for East Carolina, but he missed a few games. Xavier Townsend out of UCF is even more dynamic, especially when used as a runner.

The tight end situation is terrific. Despite getting hurt and playing in just eight games, Benjamin Brahmer was fourth on the team with 179 yards on his ten catches, and Gabe Burke stepped up with 26 grabs for 296 yards.

- Rocco Becht isn’t Brock Purdy, but he’s putting up the numbers. Going into his third season as the main man, he threw for over 6,600 yards with 48 touchdown passes and 11 rushing scores over the last two seasons. Connor Moberly is a good-looking backup who got in a little work last season.

- There isn’t a problem on the line, but three starters have to be replaced. Tyler Miller is back at left tackle, and veteran Brendan Black could work at guard or center. Again, there’s no real concern, but the configuration likely won’t be settled until the end of fall camp.

Somewhat quietly, Carson Hansen ran for 13 touchdowns and a team-high 752 yards. He and junior Abu Sama should combine for at least 1,500 yards.

Iowa State Defense Breakdown
2025 Iowa State Preview 
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season