Cyclones in USA Today’s first 2018 Top 25

Oct 7, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell speaks to the media after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State shocked the college football world in 2017, but days of flying under the radar may be coming to an end. The Cyclones are ranked No. 24 in USA Today‘s initial 2018 Top 25 released Tuesday morning.

“This is the next step for Matt Campbell and the Cyclones,” Paul Meyerberg wrote. “After breaking through in a big way this past fall, Campbell has Iowa State destined to become an even bigger thorn in the sides of the established programs in the Big 12. The way Campbell is building ISU is through a culture, and every passing season finds that foundation taking an even more solid hold.”

Iowa State is one of five Big 12 teams featured in Meyerberg’s poll. The Cyclones nearly completed the 2017 season within the polls after receiving 36 points in the final Associated Press Poll and finishing third in the receiving votes category.

There may be eight months before college football Saturday is back, but Iowa State is already pushing its way into the national conversation for 2018.