If 2020 was a historic year for Iowa state football, 2021 could be even better. Following a 9-3 season culminating in a Fiesta Bowl win over Oregon, the Cyclones have many reasons to be excited about what is coming back – starting with coach Matt Campbell.
Campbell appeared to confirm that he would return to Ames in a tweet sent on Sunday. Campbell was on the New York Jets’ wish list, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. However, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic later tweeted on Saturday that Campbell was no longer going to interview with the Jets.
“Very grateful for the commitment of so many to continue building our program together”, Campbell tweeted. “Our base was built on Loyalty and Loyalty and will continue to be our guiding light. Humble and Grateful to continue to lead to be different.”
Campbell is 35-28 years old in five seasons in Iowa, with four consecutive winning seasons. He led the Cyclones in their first Big 12 Championship Game last year and has been one of the most coveted coaches on the carousel market in recent years.
Campbell’s statement is not the only good news that the state of Iowa is receiving. A large number of impact players from 2020 will take advantage of the extra year of eligibility provided by the NCAA and / or avoiding the NFL Draft. Among them are quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker and 12 greatest defense player of the year Mike Rose, tight ends Chase Allen and Charlie Kolar and, of course, the All-America Breece Hall running back, which is only a second year .
Kolar, a two-time All-America team, announced his intention to return on Sunday morning, just before Campbell’s tweet.
Iowa State, which drilled overweight in Campbell’s early years, now returns a team loaded for 2021 with real expectations. This could very well be a team in the top 10 of the pre-season, with legitimate hopes for a championship of the big 12. While this is not something that the state of Iowa has normally enjoyed, it does show the culture and development that Campbell installed in this program.