The most in-depth Iowa State themed podcast on the Internet. Chris Williams and his cast of characters with cutting edge analysis of the Cyclones with featured interviews and more. A must-have for diehard fans of the Iowa State Cyclones.
Listeners of Cyclone Fanatic that love the show mention: iowa state, isu, blum, state athletics, go cyclones, best iowa, awesome coverage, never miss one, cf, fanatic, charter, state sports, cw, seniors, great coverage, gray, seinfeld, recruiting, williams, journalistic.
The Cyclone Fanatic podcast is a must-listen for any Iowa State fan. As a loyal listener for years, I can confidently say that this podcast is my go-to source for all things Iowa State. It provides comprehensive coverage, fascinating history, and insightful analysis of the culture surrounding Iowa State football. Whether it's the pre and post-game discussions with Williams and Blum or John Walters' commentary during the game, this podcast truly completes my gameday experience.
One of the best aspects of The Cyclone Fanatic podcast is the variety it offers to fans. With multiple hosts and shows, there's something for everyone. Each host brings their own unique personality to the table, making for an entertaining and engaging listening experience. The recent addition of podcasts like "The Meyer and Blythe" and "Transfer U" have only added to the already impressive lineup of content. Additionally, the recent interview with McCarney stands out as a highlight, providing both laughter and tears.
While overall a fantastic podcast, one possible drawback is that it mainly focuses on football and men's basketball. While they do touch on other sports occasionally, it would be great to see more coverage across all Iowa State sports. However, considering the breadth and depth of their coverage within football and men's basketball alone, this is a minor issue.
In conclusion, The Cyclone Fanatic podcast is an essential listen for any Iowa State fan. The passion that Williams and Blum bring to their coverage is palpable, making me feel like I'm right at home even though I've moved away from my home state. The engaging hosts, great content variety, and consistent delivery make this podcast a standout in its field. Whether you're a recent alum or a die-hard fan living out of state like me, this podcast will keep you connected to everything happening at Iowa State.

Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens, and Rob Gray react to Iowa State's football schedule changes, including the Cy-Hawk game being extended through 2031. Jamie Pollard opened up about logos. What should Iowa State's primary be? Touching on hoops, "Seneca Was In," and more, courtesy of Kelderman Manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regardless of what Iowa fans say, extending the Cy-Hawk game is great for both parties. Jake Brend makes the case to take some notes from Kirk Ferentz. Presented by Wyffles Hyrbids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the MVC Defensive Player of the Year comes to Ames, T.J. Otzelberger explains why Jaquan Johnson is a great fit at Iowa State and what will allow him to play well alongside Killyan Toure. Jake Brend has it on the Daily Clone presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Brent Blum discuss the latest Cy-Hawk future rumblings. What does the future of the non-conference schedule look like? Diving into Phil Steele's preseason rankings. Summer hoops update, Big 12 Monster deal looks worse, and more. Presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Iowa State tries to replace a legend in Tamin Lipsey, T.J. Otzelberger has pretty high hopes for sophomore guard Killyan Toure. Otzelberger explains how he can be the best on-ball defender in America and take his game to another level this upcoming season. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend takes a deep dive into what the 4-2-5 defense is based off what defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit and passing game coordinator Ross Watson told Cyclone Fanatic last week. What's the emphasis? Where does the pressure come from? Why will it work? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent Blum is joined by Jake Brend filling in for Chris Williams to recap Thursday's interviews with Jimmy Rogers and Ross Watson. Brend and Blum have a nuanced conversation about the Iowa State and Penn State relationship and what feelings fans might have this fall. The guys continue to share their excitement for this upcoming season and some of the advantages Iowa State might have early in the year as an unknown team. Plus, they react to Jamie Pollard announcing he won't be around for basketball season and why that timing is important for the athletic department. Finally, they close by expressing why the T.J. Otzelberger era is just getting started. Presented by Mechdyne in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend explains some of the tweaks he's made to the Daily Clone and how that relates to what Jimmy Rogers hiring Offensive Coordinator Tyler Roehl and SAM/Nickels/Passing Game Coordinator Ross Watson. Plus, Watson explains a story from the legendary Dick Lebeau that's helped shape him as a coach. Presented by Whyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Cyclone fans ready for some football?! Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson host a Cyclone Fanatic///CF After Dark collab at the Cyclone Football Gridiron Golf Outing. Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers joins the program to share his football philosophies, why he picked Iowa State to win the Big 12, how he adapts year-by-year, how his staff handled their first recruiting cycle and a lot more. Iowa State SAM/Nickels/Passing Game Coordinator Ross Watson joins in on the fun to explain what his job is, why he loves coaching, the dynamic as an "outsider" on the defensive staff, relives his Mt Union days and a lot more. Gridiron Club president Jay Chapman sits down to share their mission, how the club has changed in his time and what the current needs of the organization are. Enjoy over two hours of Cyclone football sicko content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens and Rob Gray react to Jamie Pollard's busy week in the news cycle. The guys react to Pollard's opinions on retirement, state funding from the government, Texas Tech's handling of Brendan Sorsby and Jimmy Rogers' expectations. Plus, the beat reporters have a nuanced conversation about Matt Campbell's latest comments about Taylor Mouser and play the what-if game on Pollard's decision. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend explains that Iowa State fans are sensitive for good reason but that's it's also important to give national media credit when it's due. His reasoning? T.J. Otzelberger has earned a level of national respect that's mostly unheard of at Iowa State. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iowa State's new Offensive Coordinator, Tyler Roehl, sits down with Chris Williams to explain how his time in the NFL with Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions is shaping the Cyclones' brand-new offensive identity. Coming off an intense offseason, Coach Roehl discusses how he's modeling Iowa State's structure off of the NFL.He also breaks down the quarterback room, praising key leaders like Jaylen Raynor and Connor Moberly for stepping up during roster transitions. Roehl explains his core philosophy: "Time of Physicality" (TOP) over possession time. Presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just because Matt Campbell is the most successful coach in Iowa State football's history, it doesn't mean that he's the only coach who can win in Ames. Jake Brend explains why based off of the recent Jimmy Rogers story. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a sit-down interview with Chris Williams, Iowa State defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit outlines the aggressive identity he and Head Coach Jimmy Rogers are bringing to Ames. Reflecting on his transition from interim head coach at Washington State to Iowa State, Bobbit highlights a recruiting strategy built around culture fit and long-term development over quick fixes. Bobbit and Williams discuss what the new four-down base defense will look like and why he rejects the "bend but don't break" philosophy. Presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Pollard announces on the 365 Sports' "Smoak Show" that he plans to retire before basketball season. What does that mean for Iowa State? Plus, Jake Brend previews offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl and defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit's interview with Chris Williams that will air Wednesday. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams & Brent Blum take questions from subscribers about the upcoming Iowa State football season. Which Cyclones do the guys think have an NFL future? More analysis on President David Cook's search for a new athletics director. Post Malone wore an Iowa shirt in Jack Trice Stadium on Friday night. How does that happen? All this and more, courtesy of our friends at Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are realistic expectations for Blake Buchanan in the 2026-27 season and what could Iowa State look like if he takes a big jump? Jake Brend explains. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend explains why lower expectations for Iowa State football in 2026 can be good for the fanbase and the atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium. Presented by Wyffels Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Hutchens, Rob Gray, and Jake Brend discuss the similarities and differences between Tre Singleton and Joshua Jefferson and the importance of Singleton becoming his own player. Plus, the guys break down the non-conference basketball schedule, Kyle Konrardy's importance, and relive the infamous Aaron Craft shot. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Brent Blum are joined by Chris Williams to discuss the balance of fewer expectations with excitement for year one of the Jimmy Rogers era. Brend and Blum then break down the 2026-27 men's basketball schedule and discuss the latest drama with Cody Campbell. Courtesy of Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams reacts to the latest update Jamie Pollard provided on CyTown before diving into why it will still work, what happens after Pollard retires, and more. Presented by Whiskey River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams breaks down his top five most interesting games of the 2026 season for the Cyclones. Who does he find the most intriguing? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Pollard's retirement announcement came as a surprise to many last Friday. On today's show, Chris Williams and Brent Blum look forward to the next 20 years. What kind of a replacement will David Cook hire? The guys weigh the pros and the cons of all the options today, all courtesy of Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson react to the news of Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard announcing his retirement for June 30, 2027. Brend and Stevenson are then joined by Chris Williams and Rob Gray to discuss Pollard's legacy and what he'll be remembered for at Iowa State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams and Brent Blum recap everything they learned from Big 12 Media Days in Frisco. Was it a bad look for Brett Yormark? Diving into what Iowa State players and Jimmy Rogers had to say. All this and more presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Ben Hutchens sit down after Big 12 Media Days to discuss their biggest takeaways. What to make of Jaylen Raynor as QB1? Jimmy Rogers shares his thoughts on the future of the Cy-Hawk game, his strength & conditioning philosophy, and more. Brend and Hutchens share all of their impressions from Frisco! Courtesy of Kelderman Manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Rogers explains his philosophy of pursuing speed over size and why Bobby Terrell is such a perfect fit into his system at defensive end. Jake Brend reports from Big 12 Media Days in Frisco. Presented by Wyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Rogers doesn't hold back when talking about USA Today picking Iowa State to finish dead last in the Big 12. He shares how the team will use it as motivation and why he believes the team can win now. Jake Brend reports from Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Chris Williams recap day one of Big 12 Football Media Days. What to make of Brett Yormark's interaction with a Texas Tech reporter? Plus, reactions to Monster's sponsorship of the conference and Deion Sanders' press conference. All of that and more presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams and Brent Blum preview Big 12 Media Days for the Cyclones and the rest of the Big 12. What could they learn about Iowa State? Expectations, recruiting news, and remembering a legend. All this and more courtesy of Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend shares his biggest storylines ahead of the 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indiana Pacers guard Tamin Lipsey joins Jake Brend to talk about signing with the Pacers, preparing for the Summer League, how he plans to carve out a role, what he's seen from the 2026-27 Cyclones in practice and a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend, Rob Gray, and Ben Hutchens discuss what Christian Wiggins' injury means for Iowa State, the type of depth that T.J. Otzelberger has in the front court, and more hoops topics. Plus, Hutchens dives into his profile on Alli St. John, and the fellas spin the wheel. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend takes a deep dive into Iowa State's frontcourt depth for the 2026-27 season. What roles with Blake Buchanan, Dominykas Pleta, Tre Singleton and Taj Manning play? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams, Brent Blum, and Jake Brend rank their top ten favorite Iowa State basketball players of all time. Who makes the cut? The guys discuss from Northwest Bank in Ames on a special remote edition of Williams & Blum, presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T.J. Otzelberger announces that freshman guard Christian Wiggins will miss the 2026-27 season with an achilles injury. Otzelberger explains why it's a big blow and how the team will overcome the injury. Jake Brend reports. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend of Cyclone Fanatic sits down 1-on-1 with the 2026-27 Iowa State Men's Basketball team. Watch what the returners said about their offseason emphasis' and why all of the newcomers chose Iowa State. The following players sat down at the Talons of Tuscany, with timestamps attached: •Killyan Toure (00:54) •Jamarion Batemon (11:27) •Blake Buchanan (17:45) •Dominykas Pleta (28:28) •Leon Bond III (37:33) •Tre Singleton (43:27) •Jaquan Johnson (54:41) •Ryan Prather Jr. (1:02:35) •Taj Manning (1:10:49) •Xzavion Mitchell (1:17:28) •Christian Wiggins (1:24:58) •Yusef Gray Jr. (1:29:59) •Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan (1:36:15) •Anthony Rise (1:45:02) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon and Jaquan Johnson all express how they find confidence in the Iowa State backcourt heading into the 2026-27 season on the Daily Clone with Jake Brend. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson fill in for Chris Williams and Brent Blum to discuss the impact that the new NCAA "five-in-five" rule can have on Iowa State Football. They also breakdown portions of Brend's interviews with the 2026-27 men's basketball team to see what we've learned about the squad. They close by arguing why the CyHawk football series should continue in the future. Presented by Mechdyne in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Chris Williams make the case why Georges Niang is the greatest Cyclone of all time in any sport. Presented by Wyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Gray sits in for Brent Blum. Chris Williams and Rob talk Joshua Jefferson to the Brooklyn Nets, the layoffs at KXNO and what to make of Iowa State football's preseason expectations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Chris Williams discuss how T.J. Otzelberger's love of UFC helped form Iowa State basketball as we know it today. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days of Mike Leach and Dan McCarney are long gone. What happened to the old school college football coach and how can we get them back? Jake Brend and Chris Williams discuss. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend and Chris Williams discuss the craziest coaching search in Iowa State history. How did Jamie Pollard decide between Gene Chizik, Gary Patterson, Art Briles, Brian Kelly and Jim Harbaugh? Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens, and Rob Gray spin the wheel to take a look back at some iconic moments in Iowa State history. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Blowouts, bad kicks, bugels, and more. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams, Brent Blum, and Jake Brend dive into their top ten favorite Iowa State football players of all time. Who makes the cut? The guys discuss from Northwest Bank in Ames on a special remote edition of Williams & Blum, presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend reflects on what he's learned and experienced in his one year at Cyclone Fanatic. Presented by Wyffles Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens and Rob Gray put a bow on the Brendan Sorsby saga and what it means for the future of college athletics. The fellas get into some hoops, previewing the NBA Draft for Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson before spinning the wheel and landing on Lafester Rhodes. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams and Brent Blum discuss Brendan Sorsby parting ways with Texas Tech. What does that mean for the rest of the Big 12? Preseason magazines are a thing of the past. Touching on offseason men's hoops, football, and more. Presented by Mechdyne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a hot June on the 2027 recruiting trail for Jimmy Rogers and his staff. Jake Brend and Jackson Pence analyze the five commitments of D.J. Williams, Leslie Woodson, Ke'Sean Williams, Shahariam Thurston and William Bowers in the last week. Presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Kohnen's commitment over the weekend gives Iowa State the No. 1 recruiting class in the country as of June 16. Jake Brend scouts the third commit of T.J. Otzelberger's 2027 class and how he fits at Iowa State. Presented by Whiskey River in the Northwest Bank Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices