Don't know what the jist of this ranking is, but I came in late on an interview with some guy involved with this list on PF yesterday. Paul was really pressing him on having Iowa State that high. He said ISU returns the majority of players, including their QB, Brock Miss Purdy. Dude is pretty good.
Iowa State was 9-3 last year. They split with Oklahoma in two very close games. They beat Texas on the road and drilled Oregon (They're just so fast) in the Bowl game. I can see the pre-season hype to an extent. But top 4? It's still Iowa State no matter how you slice it.