As the 2025 college football season approaches, optimism abounds in Ames, Iowa, and much of that hope rests squarely on the shoulders of the Iowa State Cyclones' formidable linebacker corps. This unit, poised to be one of the nation's elite, will undoubtedly be the driving force behind a highly successful campaign, culminating in a pivotal victory over rival Kansas State.

The strength of Iowa State's defense has long been its ability to stifle opposing offenses, and in 2025, the linebackers are set to elevate that tradition. With a blend of returning experience, explosive athleticism, and proven playmaking ability, this group possesses the versatility to excel against both the run and the pass. Their collective football IQ and relentless pursuit will allow them to diagnose plays quickly, fill gaps with authority, and pressure quarterbacks effectively.

This defensive prowess will be particularly evident in crucial matchups, none more so than against Kansas State. The Wildcats, known for their physical ground game and disciplined attack, will find their offensive rhythm disrupted by Iowa State's linebackers. Their ability to shed blocks, make open-field tackles, and force turnovers will dictate the tempo of the game, frustrating Kansas State's efforts to move the ball. By controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting big plays, the linebackers will empower the entire defense, creating opportunities for the offense and ultimately securing a decisive win. Their leadership and performance will be the bedrock of Iowa State's 2025 success.

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SEC's fear of Big 12 dominance? Conference rivalries heat up as scheduling debates intensify. Is the SEC's late-season "cupcake" strategy a sign of weakness?

Jake Hatch and the Big 12 Squad dissect the growing tension between conferences, analyzing Brett Yormark's playoff model impact and Greg Sankey's response. The hosts explore how NIL deals are reshaping recruiting landscapes and team rankings. BYU's innovative tourism initiative for visiting fans takes center stage, sparking discussions on enhancing the college football experience.

From comparing Big 12 powerhouses to SEC and Big Ten titans, to debating the merits of various college towns, this episode offers insider perspectives on the evolving dynamics of college football. Tune in for a deep dive into the strategies shaping the future of the sport and the conferences vying for supremacy.

The 12-team College Football Playoff format presents a mixed bag for Iowa State football, offering both advantages and disadvantages, largely due to ongoing disagreements among conference leaders.

A stable 12-team playoff provides Iowa State a more achievable path to the postseason. The expanded field means a strong 9-3 or 10-2 season, particularly within the competitive Big 12, could realistically lead to a playoff berth. This rewards consistent performance and fosters underdog narratives, aligning with Iowa State's program identity. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark champions a "5+11" model, emphasizing merit-based entry over guaranteed conference allocations, which could benefit the Cyclones' pursuit of playoff spots.

However, this unchanging structure also has drawbacks. While more accessible than four teams, it still favors traditional powerhouses with greater resources and larger recruiting bases. Iowa State, despite its recent successes, operates with less depth, and the increased number of playoff games could strain its roster. The format's stagnation stems from a significant philosophical divide, notably between the Big 12 and SEC. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has suggested the current 12-team format could remain if no agreement is reached on a new one. The SEC and Big Ten have pushed for models with more guaranteed spots for their leagues, such as the Big Ten's "4+4+2+2+1" proposal. This contrasts sharply with Yormark's "earn it on the field" philosophy, creating an impasse that hinders further expansion or significant format changes.

Ultimately, while the 12-team playoff offers Iowa State a tangible route to national relevance, the persistent disagreements between commissioners like Yormark and Sankey mean that inherent disparities in college football will likely endure, shaping Iowa State's path forward.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)