Iowa State Lands TCU Receiver as New Coach Makes Bold First Move

Iowa State continues to reshape its roster under new leadership, adding versatile TCU wide receiver Jordyn Bailey ahead of the 2026 season.

AMES - Iowa State is still working the transfer portal, and on Wednesday, the Cyclones landed another piece with Big 12 experience. TCU wide receiver Jordyn Bailey is heading to Ames, giving new head coach Jimmy Rogers another versatile weapon as he continues to shape the roster heading into 2026.

Bailey arrives with two years of eligibility remaining and a résumé that shows flashes of big-play potential. He just wrapped up his redshirt sophomore season at TCU, where he saw action in six games and hauled in three receptions. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, a deeper look into his earlier seasons gives a better picture of what Bailey can bring to the table.

His redshirt freshman campaign in 2024 was far more productive. Bailey caught nine passes and added 73 rushing yards, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple phases of the offense. He also handled kick return duties for the Horned Frogs, averaging a solid 21.3 yards per return on 11 attempts - a sign of the kind of speed and field vision that can flip field position in a heartbeat.

Bailey’s first taste of college football came in 2023, when he played in four games to preserve his redshirt. Even in limited action, he made his presence felt - averaging 20.6 yards per catch on five receptions, including a 34-yard touchdown grab against Nicholls that gave a glimpse of his downfield ability.

Now, heading into his redshirt junior season, Bailey joins a Cyclones team that’s quietly building momentum in the portal. His commitment comes just a day after Iowa State added Arizona defensive lineman Kaleb Bilal-Jones, marking back-to-back pickups from Power Five programs.

For Iowa State, this isn’t just about filling out the depth chart - it’s about adding players who’ve already competed at a high level and can step in with confidence. Bailey brings experience, versatility, and a skill set that could help stretch defenses and add a spark to the return game.

With the roster nearly set, the Cyclones are rounding into form. And with Bailey now in the fold, Jimmy Rogers has another playmaker who knows what it takes to compete in the Big 12.