Photo: Jacqueline Cordova

True or false?

Iowa State has one of those quarterback conundrums that some people prefer calling a quarterback controversy, or a quarterback dilemma, or a situation, or a quandary.

False.

Probably false.

Although coach Jimmy Rogers said zero depth chart spots were determined after Saturday’s spring showcase at Jack Trice Stadium, he sure sounded like transfer quarterback Jaylen Raynor has an edge over transfer Zane Flores and redshirt sophomore Connor Moberly.

“The separation between (Moberly) and (Flores) has really closed,” Rogers said during a postworkout gaggle on the field. “Mobes has talent.”

So, the battle is for QB2 — sorting out just who becomes Raynor’s backup?

Sounds like it, but you never know.

So, who starts on Sept. 5 against Southeast Missouri at Jack Trice Stadium — Arkansas State transfer Raynor, or Oklahoma State transfer Flores?

Hmm.

Whether it’s Raynor or Flores or even Moberly, it’s been a while since there’s been Cyclones QB1 competition. Rocco Becht was entrenched as starter from 2023-25. Brock Purdy was No. 1 from 2018-21.

Combined, they started 86 of 98 games, and for those keeping score, Hunter Dekkers started the other 12.

Even if the decision leans Raynor’s way, there’s still time for Flores (a seven-game starter last season before leaving Oklahoma State) and Moberly (who had a strong spring) to maybe make the No. 1 decision at least interesting. It’s a long summer, you know. A lot can happen between May and August.

“Raynor has a grip on the team as far as the leadership standpoint,” Rogers told reporters Saturday. “He’s got moxie; he’s got charisma in how he leads the locker room.

“He’s had a really good spring.”

Rotating players at the team’s most important position?

No need, especially if Raynor progresses during the summer like he has during his first Iowa State spring. You’d rather know who’s starting than go into fall ball with a quandary.

With around 60 new players, there’s already enough indecision without worrying about who goes into the opener as the starting quarterback.

Which brings up the question: Just when was the last time Iowa State went into a summer with an uncertain starting quarterback situation? Here are some of the past offseason battles for Cy QB1:

Austen Arnaud and Jerome Tiller (2009)
Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett (2011)
Grant Rohach and Sam Richardson (2013)
Richardson and Lanning (2015)
Jacob Park and Joel Lanning (2016)

And now Raynor and Flores and Moberly?

Nah.

Bottom line: The competition for backup might be more interesting than watching if anyone can knock Raynor off the top depth chart rung.

Prediction: Iowa State has had 13 different season-opening starting quarterbacks during the 2000s. Raynor will be the 14th.

(Columnist Randy Peterson, a past Iowa Sportswriter of the Year winner, can be reached at randypete4846@gmail.com or at any Okoboji-area beverage/food establishment between the hours of open and close.)

The post PETERSON: Iowa State’s QB dilemma is who backs up Jaylen Raynor appeared first on Cyclone Fanatic.