FRISCO, Texas — One of Iowa State biggest offseason additions won’t play a snap of football this season.
Tuesday, ISU coach Matt Campbell was asked about the health of his team. He said he "feels really good about that group.” The reason why is Joe Resendez, ISU's new Director of Sports Medicine for Football.
ISU hired Resendez this offseason. He spent the previous three years as the head athletic trainer for the XFL/UFL, managing daily operation of the athletic training staff. He also oversaw strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports science initiatives. Before that, Resendez worked as the head athletic trainer for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings from 2018-22.
“I think (Resendez has) really brought a maturity and probably some professionalism and I think he’s really helped our group out immensely,” Campbell said.
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Last season, injuries ravaged ISU’s defense. By November 20, key Iowa State defensive players missed a combined 64. Through 10 games, ISU averaged 6.4 key defensive players missing per game.
Campbell said he expects this fall camp to be “really physical.” Nobody can guarantee health, but preparing for injuries is possible.
Redshirt defensive back Jontez Williams said he’s noticed differences since Resendez arrived. Resendez has a big-picture view of maximizing human performance, but can also be found working individually with players and taping ankles.
“All the testing he's done, I haven't seen it, especially with our last training staff, they didn't do the things he was doing,” Williams said. “Stuff is ... new to us, a lot more different lingo, a lot more different workouts and recovery. But I feel like it's just better for us.”
Senior defensive back Jeremiah Cooper sees a difference in identifying injuries — or future injuries — and attacking them.
“Just kind of hitting that faster and before everything starts. Just so we don't hit that spot, and then have to recover from there,” Cooper said.
Campbell has seen the science of sports medicine change in the 10 years he’s coached at ISU. He said focus on nutrition and the value that that has brought into keeping players on the field is one of the biggest changes.
“I think as our world continues to grow more into the professional ranks, boy, you better have an elite athletic training room that has the ability to diagnose, understand and then help your football team be its best in some of its most critical moments,” Campbell said.
Big 12 Media Days Football
Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange, left, interviews quarterback Rocco Becht, right, as teammate offensive lineman Tyler Miller looks on during the Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. LM Otero, Associated Press
Big 12 Media Days Football
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. LM Otero, Associated Press
Ben Hutchens is an Iowa State University beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at Ben.Hutchens@lee.net.
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