Iowa State Lands Talented WR Malcolm Watkins: A Versatile, No-Nonsense Playmaker from California
AMES - Iowa State’s new head coach Jimmy Rogers is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Cyclones' future. The program just landed a commitment from Malcolm Watkins, a dynamic wide receiver out of Bakersfield, California - and make no mistake, this is a big-time get.
Watkins had previously committed to both Oregon State and Washington State, where Rogers had been expected to coach before taking the reins in Ames. But with Rogers now leading the Cyclones, Watkins is following him to the Big 12, and that connection could pay dividends for Iowa State.
To get a better sense of what kind of player and person Iowa State is getting, we turn to someone who knows Watkins best on the football field: his high school coach, Chris Bandy of Frontier High School.
A Big Win for Frontier - and for Iowa State
For Bandy, Watkins’ commitment to a Power Four program like Iowa State isn’t just a personal milestone - it’s a program-defining moment.
“It’s huge,” Bandy said. “We’ve had success the last few years, and the goal is always to help kids reach their dreams.
I always knew Malcolm was a Division I, Power Four type of kid. But in Bakersfield, sometimes guys get overlooked.”
Watkins helped lead Frontier to a state championship last season, a run that elevated his profile beyond just West Coast circles. That title - and his role in it - put him on the national radar.
It’s also a sign of resurgence for Frontier, a program that had seen some lean years when it came to producing D-I talent. But with players like Watkins making the leap, the tide is turning.
“It’s been a while,” Bandy said. “But now we’ve had a few guys go D-I, and it’s good to see the program rolling again. Kids at Frontier are starting to believe they’ve got a real shot to play college football.”
Built for the Big 12
So what makes Watkins a fit for the Big 12? According to Bandy, it starts with his work ethic - and it doesn’t stop there.
“He’s a super hardworking kid,” Bandy said. “Naturally gifted, sure - but he’s also the first one in the weight room, last one to leave. He’s the kind of guy asking to get the JUGS machine out after practice to catch extra balls.”
Watkins was recruited by some schools as a defensive back and by others as a receiver, but his heart was always on offense. He’s a “ball-in-his-hands” type of player - and he doesn’t need to be loud to lead.
“He’s calm, cool, collected,” Bandy said. “Not a big talker, not a rah-rah guy.
He leads by example. He rallies guys around him.
He’s all business.”
That mindset, paired with his raw ability, gives Watkins a real shot to make an early impact in Ames.
“He’s one of those kids you dream about coaching,” Bandy added. “When your most talented players are also your hardest workers, they’ve got a chance to be really successful. That’s Malcolm.”
A Swiss Army Knife on Offense
Watkins doesn’t just bring effort - he brings versatility. He’s lined up all over the field for Frontier: slot receiver, outside receiver, running back, and even wildcat quarterback. Wherever the team needed him, he delivered.
“He’s an elite athlete,” Bandy said. “He’s physical, strong after the catch, breaks tackles. He’s got that thick lower body you want in a receiver who can make plays after contact.”
That kind of multi-positional ability is a dream for offensive coordinators - especially in a conference like the Big 12, where creativity and speed are at a premium. Whether he’s stretching the field, taking handoffs, or working underneath routes, Watkins brings a full toolkit to Iowa State’s offense.
The Bottom Line
Malcolm Watkins isn’t just another name in the recruiting class - he’s a potential difference-maker. With his blend of athleticism, toughness, and relentless work ethic, he’s exactly the kind of player Jimmy Rogers wants to build around in Ames.
And for a Frontier program that’s been clawing its way back into the spotlight, Watkins’ rise is a sign that things are trending in the right direction - both in Bakersfield and now, in Ames.