Iowa State has generally had the luxury of getting above-average play out of their special teams units. Replacing a kicker like Cole Netten and a kick returner like Kene Nwangwu, however, may prove to be a very tall task.
Talent
Moving into 2017, the special teams unit does have a decent amount of talent remaining on the roster. Colin Downing returns at the punter position after a solid 2016 campaign, where he finished 8th in the Big 12 in average yards per punt (41.1). That number is a bit misleading, however, as he was 0.6 yards per punt away from 4th place.