Following what the university described as a “robust discussion” between players, administrators, and former coaches, Iowa State’s football program made an unexpected decision on Sunday by formally declining its bowl invitation. Less than twelve hours after Jimmy Rogers, the new head coach, arrived in Ames late on Saturday night amid a snowstorm, the decision was made. The team eventually decided it didn’t have enough healthy players to practice or compete safely, according to a university release. The administration did not oppose it, and it was not a light decision.
Jamie Pollard, the athletic director at Iowa State, stated, “We respect and support the players’ decision.” “We appreciate their leadership today, and these student-athletes have had an amazing season.” However, the action had immediate repercussions. The Big 12 declared that Iowa State and Kansas State would each be fined $500,000 for choosing not to participate in the league’s bowl pool. Kansas State also declined a bowl as it transitions under new coach Collin Klein. The conference pointed out that it still has contractual obligations to its bowl partners in spite of coaching changes.
Two days prior, Pollard expressed his complete expectation that the Cyclones would participate in a bowl game after Matt Campbell left for Penn State. Following Sunday’s internal meeting, that perspective swiftly changed, particularly in light of the impending significant roster turnover that is a common occurrence during any coaching transition. Pollard cited Rogers’ recent tenure at Washington State as evidence that the new head coach is accustomed to making last-minute adjustments. There were 69 players in the transfer portal when Rogers took over, so he had to add 70 new players. The Cougars finished 6-6 and are on their way to a bowl despite that chaos.
Pollard stated on Friday, “The players are going to have to decide what they want to do.” “And I am aware that we will have more than 100 players on our roster the following season. We will succeed because Jimmy Rogers is a fireball. Rogers is scheduled to meet with players on Sunday night. On Monday morning, Iowa State will formally introduce him at a press conference that will be streamed on ESPN+ at 10 a.m. For now, however, the Cyclones move on from a season that ended in a team meeting room rather than on the field, serving as a reminder of how quickly college football can change in the modern era.
