The early signing period was shaping up to be a major win for Iowa State - until the coaching carousel spun into motion. What was once one of the most promising recruiting classes of the Matt Campbell era has taken a sharp turn following his departure. With new head coach Jimmy Rogers stepping in, the Cyclones are now navigating a rapidly shifting recruiting landscape, with several key players backing out and reopening their recruitment.
Let’s break down where things currently stand for Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class - who’s staying committed, and who’s decided to look elsewhere.
Who’s Still Locked In: Iowa State’s Remaining 2026 Commits
Despite the shakeup, a solid core of players remains committed to the Cyclones - a mix of scholarship signees and preferred walk-ons who still see opportunity in Ames under Coach Rogers.
- Ajibola Afuye (DL) - Out of Stillwater, Minnesota, Afuye brings size and upside to the defensive line, where Iowa State has traditionally developed talent well.
- Mason Bandhauer (OL) - The Fort Collins native projects as a steady presence on the offensive line, a group that will need depth as the new regime takes over.
- Drake DeBaun (TE) - A versatile tight end from Kansas, DeBaun fits the mold of Iowa State’s hybrid offensive weapons in recent years.
- Tayten Duncan (DB) - Coming from Mustang, Oklahoma, Duncan adds length and range to the secondary.
- Carson Edney (TE/DE) - A preferred walk-on from Logan, Iowa, Edney’s two-way versatility makes him an intriguing development piece.
- Zach Eskildsen (WR) - Another preferred walk-on, Eskildsen hails from Frisco, Texas, and brings speed to the wide receiver room.
- Caleb Francois (RB) - A back from Minnetonka, Minnesota, Francois has the vision and burst to potentially carve out a role in a crowded backfield.
- Brady Harr (TE/OL) - From Hampton, Iowa, Harr is listed as a tight end/offensive lineman hybrid and joins as a preferred walk-on.
- Daniel Howard (DL) - A Chicago product, Howard adds more muscle to the defensive front.
- Jeremy Lewis Jr. (DL) - A JUCO transfer from Iowa Western, Lewis could be one of the more college-ready defenders in the class.
- Keaton Mennen (DL) - Another in-state preferred walk-on, Mennen comes from Van Meter, Iowa.
- Elijah Reeder (DL) - From Bayville, New Jersey, Reeder is part of a defensive line group that’s still holding strong despite the turnover.
- Jeffrey Roberts (WR) - A local standout from Ames (via Dowling Catholic), Roberts stays committed to the hometown program.
- Josiah Zayas (DB) - Hailing from Piscataway, New Jersey, Zayas remains in the fold as a defensive back.
Who’s Out: The Decommitments from Iowa State’s 2026 Class
The coaching change has led to a wave of decommitments - some players have reopened their recruitment, while others have already found new homes. A few are even following Campbell to his next stop.
- Ethan Beckman (OL) - The Prior Lake, Minnesota product was granted his release on Dec. 12. A key piece on the O-line, Beckman will now explore other opportunities.
- Kash Brock (WR) - Originally a Colorado State commit, Brock flipped to Iowa State after a coaching change in Fort Collins. Now, with another coaching shift in Ames, the Chandler, Arizona wideout has reopened his recruitment.
- Tyrell Chatman (S) - The No. 3-ranked prospect in Nebraska, Chatman was a big get for Iowa State. On Dec. 11, he was released from his letter of intent - and just three days later, he announced he’ll be joining Campbell at Penn State.
- Pete Eglitis (OT) - A key piece from Bishop Watterson in Columbus, Ohio, Eglitis helped his team to back-to-back state titles before decommitting on Dec. 10.
- Kase Evans (QB) - The quarterback from Lexington, Texas, originally committed to Oklahoma State before flipping to Iowa State after Mike Gundy’s firing. Following Campbell’s exit, Evans decommitted on Dec. 11 - and like Chatman, he’ll now be heading to Penn State.
- Barry Fries (LB) - Another top Nebraska prospect, Fries was tied for No. 6 in the state and received his release on Dec. 13.
- Amarion Jackson (WR) - The Omaha native was the No. 5-ranked player in Nebraska. He reopened his recruitment on Dec. 10.
- Keian Kaiser (LB) - The No. 10-ranked player in Nebraska, Kaiser announced his decommitment on Dec. 15.
- Arley Morrell (TE) - Originally a Colorado State commit, Morrell flipped to Iowa State in November. But after the coaching change, he’s back on the market as of Dec. 12.
- Lucas Tenbrock (P) - One of the top punters in the country, Tenbrock was ranked No. 1 at his position by Chris Sailer Kicking. He decommitted on Dec. 11 and, like several others, announced on Dec. 14 that he’ll follow Campbell to Penn State.
- Bryson Williams (S) - Another top-10 Nebraska prospect, Williams decommitted on Dec. 9.
After weighing his options, he too committed to Penn State on Dec. 13.
- Owen Winder (OT) - The offensive tackle from Dexter, Michigan, announced on Dec. 13 that he was reopening his recruitment.
What’s Next for Iowa State?
This kind of roster churn is never easy, especially when it involves a recruiting class that had the potential to be a cornerstone for the program. But this is the reality of college football in 2025 - coaching changes bring movement, and the transfer portal and NIL era only amplify the ripple effects.
For Jimmy Rogers and his staff, the focus now shifts to re-recruiting the players still committed, while hitting the trail hard to fill the gaps left by the decommitments. There’s still time before National Signing Day, and the Cyclones have a chance to reshape this class into one that reflects the new staff’s vision.
The foundation may have cracked, but the rebuild is already underway.