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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Iowa State Names Steele Jantz Starting Quarterback

Steele Jantz has been named the starting quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones, re-taking the job from Jared Barnett.

Jul 23, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Paul Rhoads speaks to reporters during Big 12 Media Day at the Westin Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE
Jul 23, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Paul Rhoads speaks to reporters during Big 12 Media Day at the Westin Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE
Jul 23, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Paul Rhoads speaks to reporters during Big 12 Media Day at the Westin Galleria. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

Steele Jantz started the majority of the games for the Iowa State Cyclones last season. After a brief quarterback competition, he'll start this season in the same capacity. Jared Barnett will begin the season as the No. 2 quarterback after taking over for Jantz midway through last season.

Jantz started Iowa State’s first seven games last season, but was replaced by Barnett -- then a freshman -- for the rest of the football season. Head coach Paul Rhoads decided over the weekend that Jantz would be given the nod to start this season.

“Steele has demonstrated the skill set that I think is ideal for our offense,” Rhoads said. “The main point is that we have depth at the quarterback position with two men who led us to a second bowl game appearance in three years.”

Iowa State begins its football season on Sept. 1 at home against Tulsa.

For more college football coverage, be sure to visit SB Nation’s NCAA Football hub.

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