Iowa State players vote to decline bowl bid due to injury toll. Cyclones also in coaching transition

By Canadian Press on December 7, 2025.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State players voted to not play in a bowl game because the team doesn’t have healthy players to safety practice and play, the school announced Sunday.

The Cyclones also are making a coaching transition from Matt Campbell, who was hired by Penn State on Friday, to Jimmy Rogers, who comes from Washington State. Iowa State finished the season 8-4.

The Cyclones sustained numerous injuries this season, and members of the athletics administration and the previous coaching staff met Sunday with the players to gauge their interest in a bowl.

“The administrative staff and coaches respect and support the players decision,” athletic director Jamie Pollard said. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season and we are grateful for their leadership as we worked through this process with them today.”

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The Associated Press