The Iowa State Cyclones won 10 games last season and came close to making it to the College Football Playoff. Despite missing out on all of the glory in 2024, they are returning many key players from that season.
Iowa State Bringing Back Key Names
It is time to examine which Cyclones players will return to the gridiron in Ames, Iowa, this Fall. These are the top 10 names returning to play for head coach Matt Campbell:
10. TE Tyler Moore
Moore won’t wow fans with his numbers and ability, but he is a consistent blocker and doesn’t drop passes when quarterback Rocco Becht calls upon him. Look for him to take the next step in the passing game this year.
9. WR Isaiah Alston
Alston only caught two passes last season before going down with an injury.
He is one of the x-factors on this Cyclone offense, which is why his return is huge for a team that needs more speed on the outside.
8. DL Domonique Orange
The Cyclones have a reason to be excited about their defensive line in 2025, and that is partially because Orange is returning.
He has the right IQ and strength to get after the quarterback and wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
7. S Jeremiah Cooper
Cooper is one of the true ballhawks on this team, especially considering his ability to play sideline-to-sideline. He recorded 48 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 2024 for Campbell and Co.
6. TE Andrew Keller
If you are looking for a player on offense who can impact the game outside of statistics, that player would be tight end Andrew Keller.
His ability to set blocks in the run game and be a leader in the huddle will be important once again this year.
5. RB Carson Hansen
Hansen has the opportunity to be a superstar in the backfield this year.
He recorded over 750 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, and he was only a sophomore.
Look for him to be the bellcow this season.
4. TE Gabe Burkle
Burkle led all tight ends at Iowa State in receiving last year with 26 catches for 296 yards and a touchdown.
Look for him to continue to be the same type of athlete this year, especially in the red zone.
3. WR Carson Brown
Brown caught just 11 passes a season ago but will be asked to do more with both Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins heading to the NFL.
Cyclone fans should also keep an eye on his talented footwork as he looks to get open.
2. K Kyle Konrardy
Konrardy was solid as a freshman kicker last season, as he went 21-of-28 on field goal attempts. He also missed just two extra points.
If he can fix a few of those misses, the Cyclones will be in a better position or points down the road.
KEEP READING: Iowa State 2025 Football Schedule: HC Matt Campbell, QB Rocco Becht Lead the Way
1. QB Rocco Becht
Becht is the leader of this team. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards each of the last two seasons and recorded nearly 60 total touchdowns in that same span.
Without Becht, it is hard to say if Iowa State would be in as good a spot as they are as a program.
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