Carson Hansen is on the move.
The Iowa State running back announced on Dec. 23 that he’ll be entering the transfer portal, looking for a new opportunity with one year of eligibility remaining. It’s the latest domino to fall in what’s become a significant roster shake-up in Ames following head coach Matt Campbell’s departure for Penn State.
Hansen’s exit is part of a growing list of key Cyclones heading elsewhere. Quarterback Rocco Becht and defensive backs Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams have already signaled their intentions to transfer. Now, the Cyclones will also have to replace their top back from the past two seasons.
Hansen, a Lakeville, Minnesota native, was a steady force in Iowa State’s backfield. In 2024 and 2025, he led the team in rushing, piling up 952 yards on 188 carries this past season alone.
Over his three years in Ames, he totaled 1,771 rushing yards and found the end zone 19 times. He wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable - the kind of back who could wear down a defense over four quarters and keep the offense on schedule.
In his farewell message, Hansen took time to thank the Iowa State community, writing, “My three years here at Iowa State have been a life changing experience because of the people who make up Ames … Thank you to the fans that shook Jack Trice every Saturday and for your belief in this football team.”
It’s a heartfelt goodbye from a player who gave the Cyclones everything he had - and one that underscores just how much change is sweeping through the program.
Matt Campbell’s departure on Dec. 5 marked the end of a decade-long run that brought stability and success to Iowa State football. But with Campbell now at Penn State, the ripple effects are being felt across the roster.
New head coach Jimmy Rogers, coming over from Washington State, steps into a tough situation. He’s not just tasked with building a new culture - he’s got to do it while replacing some of the program’s most productive players.
Hansen’s decision is a reminder of how quickly things can shift in the modern college football landscape. The Cyclones are entering a new era, and one of their most consistent offensive weapons is moving on.