The Iowa State coaching staff is set for a major overhaul next season following former head coach Matt Campbell’s departure to Penn State.
Keith Heckendorf, most recently the offensive coordinator at Arkansas State, is expected to be hired as the Cyclones’ next quarterbacks coach, per Pete Thamel.
Heckendorf brings prior Power Five experience to the role, having served as North Carolina’s quarterbacks coach from 2014-18.
Arkansas State faced Iowa State earlier this season, with the Cyclones winning 24-16 in a tightly contested matchup. Under Heckendorf’s direction, Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor finished 14th nationally in passing yards, throwing for 3,361 yards on the year.
Heckendorf played a key role in Raynor becoming the first true freshman quarterback since 2007 to be named Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year.
His arrival adds a steady hand to an Iowa State staff that’s expected to undergo significant changes this offseason. Quarterback Rocco Becht also entered his name in the transfer portal.
With several key roles still to be filled, this move signals the beginning of what could be a pivotal new era for Cyclones football.
Arkansas State’s offense was highly productive in 2025, scoring 30 or more points in six games. The Red Wolves capped off their season with a 34-28 win over Missouri State in the XBox Bowl, finishing with a 7-6 overall record.
