AMES, Iowa - If you were among the 61,500 packed into Jack Trice Stadium on September 5, you saw something worth remembering. The Iowa State Cyclones didn't just beat Southeast Missouri State - they dismantled them, 63-7, in a season opener that felt more like a declaration than a warm-up. But forget the lopsided score for a moment. The image that defined this afternoon wasn't a deep ball or a pick-six. It was two tight ends, chest-to-chest, celebrating a touchdown like they'd just claimed a national title.
Sep 5, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Vince Benetti (37) celebrates with Iowa State Cyclones tight end Jack Bjorn (48) after the touchdown against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images. That moment - frozen in time - was pure Cyclone football. And it sent a clear message: this tight end room is ready to power an offense with serious national ambitions.
Benetti and Bjorn: The Unsung Heroes of the Cyclone Offense
Let's be honest - nobody circles a tight end on their scouting report when they think about explosive offenses. After Saturday, though, they might start. Vince Benetti (#37) starred in that electric first-half drive, hauling in a 5-yard touchdown reception that showcased exactly what Iowa State wants from its red-zone attack. Benetti finished with just two catches for 20 yards - modest numbers on paper - but that score punctuated a Cyclones offense that moved the ball at will from the opening snap. His celebration with fellow tight end Jack Bjorn (#48) became the defining image of the game, a moment of pure brotherhood that kept the Jack Trice crowd buzzing long after the final whistle.
Here's what the stat sheet won't tell you, though: Benetti and Bjorn form a perfect yin-and-yang duo. While Benetti found the end zone, Bjorn did the dirty work that never makes headlines. Bjorn didn't record a single catch against SEMO - not one - but he served as the primary blocking tight end, paving the way for a Cyclones rushing attack that carved up the Redhawks defense and gave the quarterback time to survey the field on those play-action shots. It's the kind of selfless performance coaches rave about but casual fans overlook entirely.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vince Benetti (#37) | 2 | 20 | 1 | Receiving/Red-Zone Threat |
| Jack Bjorn (#48) | 0 | 0 | 0 | Primary Blocking TE |
📊 2 catches for 20 yards and 1 TD - Benetti's numbers were quiet, but that red-zone score set the tone for a 63-point explosion.
Both players remain fully healthy heading into Week 2 - neither appeared on any injury report released by the team as of September 8. That's a critical boost as Iowa State gears up for its toughest test yet, and it means this tight end tandem will be available for whatever offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser has cooked up next.
A Sellout Crowd and a Statement to the Nation
The atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium was nothing short of electric. Every seat was filled - 61,500 strong, a complete sellout - and the Cyclones fed off that energy from the opening kickoff. This wasn't just a season opener; it was a chance for Iowa State to prove they belong in the national conversation after last year's near-misses. The 63-point outburst did exactly that. The Cyclones were so dominant that voters across the country took notice.
When the AP Top 25 poll dropped on September 8, Iowa State found itself moving up one spot to No. 17. But here's the kicker: the Cyclones received a first-place vote. That's right - someone out there thinks this team is the best in the nation. Bold claim, sure. But after a 63-7 dismantling that featured contributions from every phase of the game, it's hard to argue with the optimism. The offense was explosive. The defense was suffocating. The special teams were flawless.
📊 No. 17 in AP Poll with 1 first-place vote - The Cyclones jumped one spot after Week 1, and someone believes they're the best team in America.
