The Iowa State Cyclones are entering the 2026 college football season with weird expectations.

Of course, they are a solid Big 12 program, one that has been elite over the last few seasons. But with tons of change in the locker room, Iowa State is expected to be much worse next season.

Regardless, there are certainly a few players who will shine next season. And there are also position groups that could help the Cyclones increase their ceiling.

Here are three key position groups for Iowa State football next season.

Defensive Line

Iowa State defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs talks to media during the football defensive coaches media opportunity at the university’s Stark Performance Center on Feb. 13, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cyclones will definitely rely on their defensive line in 2026.…