• Joel Lanning
• Quarterback

Lanning pioneered the 24-0 shutout of Texas for the Cyclones in 2015.  The junior has stepped up his game after a slow 0-3 start for Iowa State. In his last three contests, Lanning has thrown six touchdowns and zero interceptions, completing 65.1 percent of his passes during the span.

Lanning, who rushed for 64 yards against the Longhorns last October, is coming off of a season high 67 rushing yards in a tough loss to Oklahoma State.

The quarterback’s improved play has worked wonders for the Cyclone offense, averaging 39 points per game in their last three matchups.

• Mike Warren
• Running back

The No. 2 jersey in cardinal and gold may be a familiar sight for the Texas Longhorns. Warren caused nightmares for the Texas defense last Halloween, rushing for 157 yards and a touchdown in the win for Iowa State.

The sophomore halfback has eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice this season, against San Jose State and Baylor. Warren displayed his ability to serve as a workhorse in the Baylor game, earning 30 total carries and converting them into 130 yards and a score.

He is one of 30 running backs in the nation to receive 100 carries, so his presence on the field should be felt this Saturday.

• Trever Ryen
• Wide receiver/Punt returner

Ryen featured in the backfield for most of last season but now focuses on starting at the wide receiver position.

He ranks second on the team in receptions with 24 and receiving yards with 288. But his impact goes beyond the offense.

Ryen has assumed punt return duties this season for the Cyclones, currently 13th in the nation with 147 punt return yards. He averages 14.7 yards per return, for fifth-best in the FBS.

The Texas passing defense allowed 196 receiving yards to Chad Hansen and 232 yards to Dede Westbrook, so Ryen and the receiving corps could be in for a breakout day in Austin.

• Brian Peavy
• Cornerback

Peavy is emerging as one of the leaders of the Iowa State defense. Through six games, Peavy has recorded 30 tackles from the cornerback position. He led the Cyclone defense in multiple statistical categories in 2015 with 57 tackles and two interceptions.

Peavy also specializes in forcing turnovers, earning an interception and a forced fumble on the season. His secondary held Baylor to 178 passing yards and Oklahoma State to 283, challenging quarterbacks Seth Russell and Mason Rudolph.

Peavy and the defensive backs will head to Austin with their sights set on contesting a true freshman quarterback in Shane Buechele in week seven.