Megan: Killyan Toure is out for the season with shoulder surgery, but he’s coming back in January. That changes everything about Iowa State’s defensive identity right now. Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network.
Steve: And I’m Steve. We are looking at a roster that needs to adapt quickly without their key rim protector, while navigating a new coaching landscape after Matt Campbell left for Penn State.
Megan: Today we’re doing a mailbag episode. We’ve got your questions on Toure’s timeline, the Big 12 standings where ISU sits third, and how this team projects for 2026-27. Let’s get into it.
Steve: We’re also talking recruiting rankings, transfer portal moves, and whether Texas Tech is really the team to beat in the conference. Buckle up.
Megan: First question comes from Sarah in Ames. She asks: 'If Killyan Toure is out until January, does that mean Iowa State loses its top interior defender for half the season? How do you replace that level of rim protection?'
Steve: It’s a massive hole. Toure had surgery on his right shoulder on Friday, and the timeline is strictly January. In terms of rim protection, you don’t just plug someone in. You have to rely on help defense and switching schemes.
Megan: Right. So instead of having a anchor who can deter shots at the rim, you’re asking your bigs to be more versatile. Do you think the frontcourt has the depth to handle six weeks of heavy minutes?
Steve: That’s the concern. Without specific stats on the backup centers, we know they need to rotate more frequently. It puts pressure on the perimeter defenders to close out faster so the paint isn’t exposed.
Megan: Okay, next question from @CycloneNation88. He wants to know: 'With Matt Campbell gone, who is the team to beat in the Big 12? And is Iowa State still in the top three like we projected last week?'
Steve: Texas Tech is widely viewed as the team to beat. They have the consistency. But Iowa State is currently sitting third in the Big 12 standings. That standing reflects the talent on the floor, regardless of the coaching change.
Megan: Third place is solid. But does the departure of Campbell hurt their ceiling? Some fans think the program might slide down the ladder without his leadership.
Steve: Leadership matters, but basketball is won on execution. If the system remains stable, the players’ ability to run pick-and-rolls and space the floor keeps them in the top tier. The record doesn’t lie yet.
Megan: Let’s pivot to recruiting. A headline says Beckham Black leads the list of top 25 players regardless of class. Does Iowa State have any shot at landing elite high school talent like him?
Steve: Beckham Black is a senior. He’s likely already committed or nearing the end of his process. For Iowa State, the focus is usually on the transfer portal and mid-major recruits who fit the system.
Megan: Makes sense. You can’t always chase the five-star seniors. What about the portal? Are there any notable transfers heading to Ames that we should watch?
Steve: The portal is active. Milan Momcilovic is going to Kentucky, which shows where some of the top talent is flowing. But ISU will likely look for experienced bodies who can contribute immediately.
Megan: Alright, let’s take a quick break. We’ll be right back with more of your questions on roster battles and the season opener against Southeast Missouri State.
Megan: Welcome back. Question from Marcus in Des Moines: 'How deep is the offensive line compared to last year? And does the new five-for-five rule impact how you rotate skill positions?'
Steve: This ties back to what we discussed yesterday. The offensive line depth is crucial. With Toure out on defense, the offense needs to keep drives alive. The five-for-five rule means you can’t burn a redshirt player unless you’re in dire straits.
Megan: So you have to be careful with usage. Does that mean the starters play heavier minutes? Or do you spread it out more among the backups?
Steve: You spread it out. Fatigue is the enemy. If you overuse your core five, you risk injury. Given Toure’s situation, keeping everyone healthy is priority number one.
Megan: Next question from @ISU_Alum_99. 'Who is the starting quarterback? Is the competition settled, or are we still waiting to see who wins the job?'
Steve: The quarterback competition is the biggest storyline. We analyzed this yesterday. It’s not fully settled. The new coach has to find the right fit for the system.
Megan: Does the presence of a strong running game affect the QB decision? If the O-line is good, maybe you go with a runner-up type?
Steve: Absolutely. If the line can create holes, a dual-threat QB becomes more dangerous. It forces defenses to respect the run, opening up play-action passes.
Megan: What about the receivers? Are there any breakout candidates this year? Or is it mostly veterans returning?
Steve: Veterans are key. But look for a young receiver to step up. The new coaching staff often looks for speed and versatility in the receiving corps.
Megan: Okay, one more from Jessica in Manhattan. 'Will Iowa State comfortably defeat Southeast Missouri State in the season opener? You predicted yes, but is that too easy?'
Steve: We predicted a comfortable win. FCS teams can be tricky if the starter sits, but if the starters play, ISU should dominate. The talent gap is significant.
Megan: Agreed. Unless there’s a major upset or an early injury, it should be a routine win. Let’s move on to our final segment.
Megan: Fun hypothetical time. If Toure returns in January at 100%, does Iowa State make the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament? We said yes earlier, but now with the full roster?
Steve: With Toure back, the ceiling goes up significantly. Rim protection changes how opponents attack you in March. I’d say Round of 32 is very realistic, maybe even Sweet Sixteen if the offense clicks.
Megan: Lightning round! First question: Who is the most underrated player on the roster? Go!
Steve: A backup guard who provides steady defense. Someone who doesn’t show up in box scores but stops the other team’s best player.
Megan: Second question: Best road game atmosphere? Go!
Steve: Playing in Norman or Stillwater. The travel and noise are intense. But the home crowd in Ames is always electric.
Megan: Last question: One word to describe the 2026-27 season? Go!
Steve: Resilience. Dealing with injuries and coaching changes takes toughness.
Megan: That’s it for today’s mailbag. We covered Toure’s return, the Big 12 standings, and your predictions for the season opener.
Steve: Subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts. Share this with every Cyclone fan you know.
Megan: Go Cyclones!