Anonymous Big 12 coach reveals possible slip area for Iowa State in 2025

One of the more underrated head coaches in college football might reside in Ames, IA. Matt Campbell has turned Iowa State into a consistent program, quite different from what it has been throughout history. Last season was a great example as the Cyclones finished 11-3 with a Big 12 Championship game birth.

The hope is to produce another double-digit win season and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, one anonymous coach inside the Big 12 believes some defensive struggles might be on the way.

“They were really banged up at linebacker last year, and they’re turning over a lot of the secondary,” the coach said via Athlon Sports. “Defense is the area where they might slip from last season.”

Looking at the basic numbers, nothing about Iowa State’s defense screamed elite in 2024. Opponents averaged 22.9 points per game, tied for the fourth fewest in the Big 12. Nationally, the Cyclones ranked at No. 41. Still, a very good unit for Campbell and one opposing teams struggled with at times.

But in the three losses, a good chunk of points were given up. Arizona State and Kansas put up 45 points while Texas Tech got 23. Losing at home to the Red Raiders was more on the offense due to a poor performance on the ground and turning the ball over twice.

To the anonymous coach’s point, some turnover is occurring in the secondary. Darien Porter is the top defensive back name Iowa State lost in the offseason. He is now getting his professional career underway after being a third-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders. Two other DBs left the program via the NCAA transfer portal but both ended up at programs at a lower level.

Iowa State was the best pass defense in the Big 12 at 165.6 yards allowed per game. For reference, second-best BYU was at an average of 182.5 YPG and the Cyclones were just one of four conference teams to keep foes under 200 yards.

People say a good defense travels. Hopefully, it can go across the entire Atlantic Ocean as Iowa State will open the year against Kansas State in Dublin. A Week 2 matchup against in-state foe Iowa means the Cyclones will face two power conference foes in their first three games.

Eight other Big 12 opponents will get their crack at Iowa State as well. We will find out quite quickly whether or not the anonymous coach’s evaluation turns out to be correct.