The Cyclones land in the Arkansas State KB in the transfer portal

The Iowa State Cyclones have secured an experienced quarterback down the stretch reshaping their roster under new head coach Jimmy Rodgers. Arkansas State transfer Jalen Raynor announced his commitment to the Cyclones this week, giving Iowa State a proven starter with nearly 10,000 yards of total offense entering his final season of eligibility.

The move was first reported by ESPN insider Pete Thamel, who shared Raynor decision and career continuation on X, formerly Twitter.

“Former Arkansas State quarterback Jalen Raynor has committed to Iowa State, he told ESPN. Raynor has started 36 games and has 9,877 yards of total offense and 67 touchdowns in his career,” Thamel wrote.

Raynor arrives in Ames after three productive seasons at Arkansas State, where he developed into one of the Sun Belt’s most durable quarterbacks. The 6-foot, 202-pound signal caller from Kernersville, N.C. threw for a massive 3,361 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2025 season while also adding 423 yards and seven scores on the ground.

During his college career, he totaled 8,694 passing yards and 52 touchdowns, showing both consistency and dual-threat ability. Raynor’s transfer also reunites him with a familiar voice. Former Arkansas State offensive coordinator Keith Heckendorff was recently hired as Iowa State’s quarterbacks coach, making Raynor’s transition into the Cyclones’ system seamless. That previous relationship played a key role in his decision to head to Ames.

Raynor explained his reasoning while speaking to ESPN, emphasizing trust in the direction and management of the program.

“The coaching staff is known for winning,” Raynor said, via Pete Thamel. “The head coach is a known winner and has done it on multiple levels. It’s a great opportunity and everyone is very excited about the opportunity.”

Interestingly, Raynor is already familiar with Iowa State on the opposite side. He faced Iowa State football earlier this seasoncompleting 19 of 33 passes for 222 yards in a 24-16 loss on Sept. 13, 2025. That performance gave the Iowa State staff a first-hand look at his poise and competitiveness.

With just one year of eligibility remaining, Raynor projects as a short-term stabilizer and potential cornerstone as Rodgers is leading a major roster overhaul. His experience, leadership and knowledge of the coaching staff give Iowa State a clear direction in the KB and a chance to accelerate the transition into the new season.