Jeremiah Cooper’s departure from Iowa State is making waves - and not just because he’s one of the better defensive backs to come through Ames in recent years. The junior DB, who recently entered the transfer portal, took to social media with a message that’s stirred up plenty of conversation around the Cyclones fanbase and beyond.
“The fans love us… then hate us. Hope my guys ball out wherever they go,” Cooper posted on X.
At first glance, it reads like a heartfelt sendoff. But the reaction? Let’s just say it didn’t exactly land the way he might’ve hoped.
A Leader on the Field, a Lightning Rod Online
Cooper’s resume speaks for itself. Over his time at Iowa State, he racked up more than 130 tackles and eight interceptions - the kind of production that turns heads and earns respect in any locker room. He was a tone-setter on defense, a guy who made plays in big moments and helped anchor the Cyclones’ secondary.
So when a player of that caliber speaks out, people listen.
But this wasn’t just about stats or leadership. This was about the growing tension between players navigating the transfer portal and the fans who are trying to keep up with the ever-changing college football landscape.
The Portal Era: Loyalty, Business, and Backlash
Let’s be real - the transfer portal has completely reshaped college football. Players have more freedom and mobility than ever before, and that’s a good thing. They should be able to chase opportunities, whether that’s a better fit, more playing time, or yes, a bigger NIL deal.
But here’s where things get messy. Fans aren’t upset because players leave.
They’re frustrated when it feels like loyalty is talked about one day and tossed aside the next. And while that’s not always fair, it’s the reality of being emotionally invested in a program.
When a fanbase supports a player through the ups and downs, they feel like they’re part of the journey - so when that journey ends abruptly, there’s going to be some backlash.
That’s not hate. That’s passion. That’s fandom.
One Cyclones fan summed it up on X: “This ain’t it, Coop. You traded in love for a bag. That was the deal you made.”
Harsh? Maybe. But it reflects a broader sentiment among college football fans in 2025: they’re trying to stay loyal to teams in a system that makes it harder every year.
No Villains, Just a Shifting Landscape
It’s important to remember that Cooper didn’t do anything wrong. He’s making a decision that’s best for him, and he’s earned the right to do so. He’s a talented player who will no doubt land at a program that values what he brings to the table.
But framing fans as the ones turning on players? That’s where things get dicey.
Fans are still showing up, still buying tickets, still wearing the jerseys - even when their favorite players are gone before the next season starts. That kind of loyalty is rare in any sport, and it deserves a little more credit.
In the end, Cooper’s message is a reminder of just how complicated the player-fan relationship has become in the portal era. There’s no easy fix. But if both sides can bring a little more understanding to the table, maybe we can all navigate this new normal together - without losing what makes college football so special in the first place.