No. 16: Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has become a recent thorn in the side of the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2019 they came within two points of upsetting OU, they finally broke through in 2020 in Ames, Iowa. With Brock Purdy and Breece Hall returning, the Cyclones could be a huge challenger for the Sooners in 2021.
Future Quarterback Ranking: No. 10
Future Offensive Ranking: Unranked
ISU certainly would rank higher in a one-year projection, as it enters the fall as a legitimate CFP contender. Quarterback Brock Purdy, left tackle Sean Foster, tight ends Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen, and other key players return for their final seasons in Ames. But there’s reason for optimism beyond 2021, too. Running back Breece Hall, who last fall led the nation with 1,572 rush yards and earned first-team All-America honors, has three years of eligibility left and will play at least one more.
The key will be developing other backs to succeed Hall. Iowa State has recruited well behind Purdy, adding ESPN 300 recruits Hunter Dekkers and Aidan Bouman in the 2020 class. Leading wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson could play two more years, as could Sean Shaw Jr., who started eight games last season. Second-year wideout Daniel Jackson could be a key player to watch beyond 2021.