
Oct 29, 2026 · 1h 27m
Iowa State’s quarterback choice exposes a season at risk
How does Iowa State turn the season around? | The Night Cap
The Oklahoma State matchup becomes a test of whether Iowa State can stabilize its offense and reverse a slide shaped by injuries, uncertainty, and fading expectations.
- 1Jalen Raynor offers safer decisions, but the hosts question whether his conservative play can generate enough offense.
- 2Connor Moberly’s running ability could change Iowa State’s attack, though his health and the team’s injury list complicate the choice.
- 3The Oklahoma State preview widens into questions about recruiting, roster depth, special teams, and the program’s longer-term direction.
Don't miss
The hosts’ wildly divergent Oklahoma State predictions, ranging from a 35–32 Iowa State win to a 6–3 game, crystallize their uncertainty about the matchup.
The brief
Levi Stevenson and Matias Schwarzkopf spend the opening half debating barbecue, regional food, drinks, and which restaurants could improve Ames before returning to football.
The Oklahoma State preview centers on Iowa State’s quarterback decision: Jalen Raynor brings lower-risk play, while Connor Moberly offers more running ability but faces uncertainty of his own.
The hosts connect the offense’s limitations to injuries, receiver availability, poor rushing defense, sack production, and the challenge of sustaining drives against Oklahoma State.
The discussion expands beyond one game into recruiting, transfer-portal needs, quarterback development, special teams, and whether Iowa State can build upward after Arizona.
Predictions range from a 35–32 Iowa State win to a 6–3 defensive slog, capturing how little confidence remains in the game’s offensive outlook.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.