AMES – One of the things that the transfer portal and NIL money have scrambled is team and roster building. 

There used to be a relatively standard way for coaches to try to create the best team possible. They recruited the best high school players they could, and then they tried to develop them into the best collegiate players possible. 

Simpler times, I suppose. 

Now, with rosters flipping constantly and immediate financial remuneration possible, the old way isn’t really the new way. Or at least what’s viewed as the cutting-edge way to build a roster. 

But what it has done is make the process of roster building more variable. Programs are having to find different ways to build and compete. 

Ohio State and Alabama can spend tens of millions of dollars on a roster if they want. LSU and Penn State can pony up extra dollars to keep their own players from becoming someone else’s. 

That’s not really the case at Iowa State. 

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The Cyclones, though, are trying to make their shortcoming – or at least what looks like one at this point in time – a strength. 

“We have a relationship and a bond that is bigger and stronger than ever,” quarterback Rocco Becht said. “It’s fun out there now. It’s not just we’re out there with a teammate going through the motions. We’re out there with our friends.  

“Not just our teammates, but our friends and playing the game that we love and playing it as a team.” 

Maybe sounds a little corny, sure, but there is something to be said for a college football team to be playing for the people they care about rather than with their co-workers. 

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“That emphasis on team is what we’ve always sold here,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “We haven’t wavered from that. It’s not like we’re out there able to sell much more than that, to be honest with you. The hope that we can develop you to be your best if you come be a part of our team. 

“There’s a multitude of guys who certainly financially had the chance to enhance themselves, but maybe the lessons learned will set them up to be the best humans they possibly can be. 

“We don’t take their loyalty to us for granted, for sure.” 

Something to think about as we prepare for the College Football Playoff rankings to be released on Tuesday, where the best rosters money can buy and Iowa State will be on display. 

When you talk to Cyclones players and coaches, do you detect any pressure building from being undefeated? 

One of my biggest questions about this team coming into the year was its maturity and poise. I thought the talent would be enough to compete, but I wasn’t sure this group had enough of the other stuff to be consistent over the course of three-plus months. 

They’ve obviously shown that they do – or at least enough for two months – and dealing with being 7-0 has been no exception. 

“It’s something we worked for,” senior right tackle Tyler Miller said. “We wanted it. We expected it. It’s really big for us with the history of this university and it’s something that’s very cool.  

“Our team does a great job of staying grounded, focusing on the next game and not worrying about what’s to come or anything like that.” 

It’s an easy thing to say that, especially to a reporter, but I think Iowa State’s performances over these last seven games backs up the sentiment. 

Nothing has seemed to really rattle these guys. Least of all success. 

Why is it that Iowa State football can keep throwing linebackers in and don’t miss a beat? I know we finally have depth but the talent they have is unreal. 

Certainly I think the credit here has to go to the players and the coaching staff for making it possible. The coaches had to identify players who don’t immediately project as Big 12 contributors who could step in. And those players had to prepare and make the most of the moment. 

It is really a tribute to Campbell and Co.’s system, from start to finish. 

But I also think it’s worth taking this time to engage in a little bit of bygone romanticism. 

The guys who are stepping up and in, like Kooper Ebel, Rylan Barnes and Beau Goodwin are all small-town Iowa kids. Ebel and Goodwin had scholarship opportunities elsewhere while Barnes is a walk-on. 

When the name on the front of the jersey means something to the name on the back, I do think there’s an added component there. 

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I don’t even know that I could totally put my finger on it, but defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has thought a lot about this over his four-decade career. 

“I think anytime you have players on your team from your home state, it means more,” he said earlier in October. “When this is your home state and your name is on the university, I think it’s really a critical factor in guys wanting to do well.  

“It’s all really, really important to them.” 

If you’re Barnes, maybe it makes the everyday walk-on grind a little more palatable even though your chance is likely far off, if it ever comes at all. If you’re Ebel or Goodwin, maybe knowing you’re representing the place and people you’re from gives you a little extra. 

I don’t know exactly, but I’m with Heacock. I think, whatever it is, it makes a difference, and it matters. 

Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has covered the Cyclones for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune since 2012. Contact him at thines@amestrib.com or (515) 284-8000. Follow him on X at @TravisHines21.