Iowa State Star Named To Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watchlist includes a new Iowa State Cyclones star.

Nov 9, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Iowa State Cyclones helmets on the bench during the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Iowa State Cyclones football team has a lot of new faces on the coaching staff and roster that fans should be excited about.

On the offensive side of the ball, there is a new leader in town. After starting quarterback Rocco Becht decided to enter the transfer portal and follow Matt Campbell to the Penn State Nittany Lions, new head coach Jimmy Rogers had to find a new signal-caller.

He landed on Arkansas State Red Wolves transfer Jaylen Raynor. A three-year starter, he comes to Ames along with his offensive coordinator, Keith Heckendorf, who is the quarterbacks coach under Rogers, and tight end Tyler Fortenberry.

Locked in as the starting quarterback, Raynor’s skills and accomplishments off the field are already being recognized. He was placed on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watchlist heading into the 2026 season.

Jaylen Raynor placed on multiple award watchlists

Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor (1) warms up during the university’s football open practice at Johnny Majors practice field on August 8, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is given to the player who best combines exemplary service with leadership and achievement on and off the field. Along with the Wuerffel Trophy watchlist, the Cyclones’ quarterback is a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Despite only enrolling at Iowa State in January, Raynor has wasted no time making an impact in the Ames community. He has spent time visiting local schools and the Boys and Girls Club. While with Arkansas State, he frequently made visits to hospitals to meet with people less fortunate.

It is an incredible honor just to be placed on such watchlists, as Raynor is making an impact beyond the game on the field. He is looking to engage with the community and build a relationship with the fan base that will be cheering him on throughout the season.

Succeeding off the field with all his charity work, Raynor hopes that he can find the same level of success on the gridiron. He is learning a new system, with offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl implementing a pro-style offense that will lean heavily on the running game.

Raynor lands on the Wuerffel trophy watch list pic.twitter.com/A1jEeewDLx

— Nick Ziegler (@NickZiegler20) August 11, 2026

That means doing something Raynor hasn’t done much of in the past, which is calling plays in the huddle. It is a learning experience after playing an up-tempo offense where he got play calls from signals being given on the sidelines, but his confidence is on the rise in that regard.

Raynor is going to be key to this offense producing at the level it is capable of reaching. A true dual-threat, he is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country, ranking fourth among active players in passing yards and 22nd in passer rating.

A dynamic playmaker, he is excited to showcase his skills at the Power 4 level after starting the last three seasons in the Sun Belt with the Red Wolves.