Iowa State football posts first official depth chart for 2026 opener, elevating Jaylen Raynor at quarterback

Iowa State football has released its first official depth chart for the 2026 season, setting the stage for Saturday’s opener against Southeast Missouri State. The release clarifies the top end of the depth chart at several positions, with the quarterback situation standing out as the central question the Cyclones needed to answer heading into Game 1.

The most prominent decision in the first depth chart is the starting quarterback role for senior Jaylen Raynor. According to the team’s depth chart as reported by Yahoo Sports, Raynor is listed at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds and is slated as the starter for the season opener. For a program in the middle of building consistency from week to week, establishing The report-caller is often the baseline requirement for game-planning and timing, particularly early in a season.

Behind Raynor, the depth chart identifies two redshirt sophomores as the primary backup group: Connor Moberly and Zane (last name not fully shown in the reported summary). That grouping suggests Iowa State is looking for continuity in development rather than an abrupt change of personnel, with the coaching staff leaning on players who have already spent time in the program’s system.

The opening depth chart also functions as a snapshot of how the Cyclones are organizing their rotation and roles for the start of the year. Even when the quarterback is the most scrutinized position, the first depth chart typically influences how the team designs its first-week practice emphasis, particularly for pass protection, receiver routes, and situational packages that hinge on who is taking first-team reps.

While the first depth chart provides the best available look at Iowa State’s early plans, it is only an opening reference point. Depth charts in college football can change in-season based on performance in practice, tactical matchups, and player availability, so the starting lineup should be treated as a projection until the game itself confirms it.

For fans and opponents, the story to watch next is how the offense operates with Raynor leading from the start, and whether Moberly and the other listed backups are positioned for meaningful reps early if the game’s flow calls for it. Iowa State’s early decision-making at quarterback, reflected in the first official depth chart, will set the tone for how the Cyclones try to manage the remainder of the nonconference stretch and beyond.