Iowa State Cyclones Face Injury Challenges Before Cincinnati Showdown

Ames, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclones are preparing for their first true conference road game this season against the Cincinnati Bearcats. After a strong win against the Arizona Wildcats, the Cyclones are showing signs of fatigue and injuries as the college football season progresses.

Currently holding a record of 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference, Iowa State enters the match as slight underdogs. Despite their recent success, the team’s physical condition is a concern, especially with key players sidelined by injuries.

Head coach Matt Campbell noted that the injury report reveals significant absences, particularly in the secondary. Defensive backs Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams will be out for the remainder of the season, which could challenge the Cyclones’ defense. Williams was instrumental in the Wildcats game but suffered an injury that has ended his season.

“Coop, obviously, we lost for the year,” Campbell said after the Wildcats game. “He’s going to have surgery on Monday. A knee ligament. Stinks for Coop.” Cooper will benefit from a redshirt, allowing him the opportunity to return for a fifth season in 2026.

With Cooper’s departure, young safeties like Khijohn Cummings-Coleman are poised to see more playing time. However, Cummings-Coleman was also injured during the Arizona game and was seen with his arm in a sling. Campbell stated they will assess his situation more closely in the coming days.

The Cyclones’ roster is further depleted, as other players have been evaluated for various injuries during the recent victory against Arizona. Campbell expressed optimism, saying, “I think the rest of those guys tonight, it looked like everybody was just dinged up. I think everybody could have gone back into the game if we needed to.”

Meanwhile, the Bearcats are dealing with their own injury woes, notably with defensive lineman Dontay Corleone, who is listed as questionable after missing the last two games. His status could significantly impact the matchup.

Starting in Week 6, Iowa State will look to secure another victory to position themselves favorably for the College Football Playoff. With the stakes high and injuries mounting, the Cyclones must rally to overcome the challenges they face.