The Iowa State Cyclones are entering a pivotal 2026 season.

With a new head coach and virtually an entire new roster, the upcoming year marks the first step in a rebuild. There are weird projections. Some think they can be as good as an 8-4 team, while others can see as low as 3-9. Regardless, it’s going to be an immensely fun season in Ames, IA.

Going into the year, the talent of the roster certainly isn’t up to standard, creating a few position groups that certainly need some work. Let’s take a look at three position groups that need lots of work in 2026.

Offensive Line

Iowa State offensive line coach Jake Thornton talks to media during a media opportunity at Stark Performance center on Feb. 11, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The offensive line has a lot of issues going into next season.…