Randy Peterson
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July 21, 2025
We’re pretty sure Rocco Becht will have a big season. At least we figure he will, because we’ve seen Iowa State’s quarterback have big seasons, and we’ve seen him make big plays – especially when outcomes are on the line. We’ve also seen running backs Abu Sama and Carson Hansen have great moments. Ditto defensive stars like lineman Dom Orange. Cornerback Jontez Williams and linebacker Kooper Ebel, as well. And safety Jeremiah Cooper, too.
They’ve had their big moments. There’s no reason to believe that won’t continue, but others must make significant contributions, too, for Matt Campbell’s 10th Iowa State team to at least come close to matching the record 11 wins of 2024. So-called experts predict the Cyclones to win 7-to-8 games. I wrote a column a while back with the over-under of 10, which includes many variables.
That starts and ends with Becht immediately (and I define immediate as Aug. 23 against Kansas State) connecting with newcomer receivers, somewhere close to how he clicked with now-pros Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins.
We figure they’ll have big seasons. Let’s look at other players from whom big plays and games are important for the Cyclones to contend for a second Big 12 Conference championship game in a row.
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ABU SAMA, running back, 5-11, 210, junior
Let’s assume Carsen Hansen can match his 1,022 total yards rushing and receiving versatility of last season. Let’s assume he’s a threat to do something each time crafty offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser calls on him. And with that, let’s all agree defenses will emphasize at least trying to slow the junior.
That’s where the Sama enters the picture. Is the former Southeast Polk High School star the running back who put on a thrilling 276-yard rushing snow show at Kansas State in 2023, or is he the Sama that had eight games of 35 rushing yards or fewer during the 11-win season?
He’s fast enough to outrun almost anyone in college football. The problem is at the line of scrimmage, where he sometimes zigged when zagging might have been a better alternative.
Regardless, the Cyclones have two high-end running backs, both of whom are capable of sudden bursts of greatness.
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CHASE SOWELL, receiver, 6-4, 195, junior
Talk about having a big role to fill . . .
The situation this East Carolina transfer inherits is being the heir to Jayden Higgins, who in two seasons, became one of the top receivers in Cyclones history.
An outside receiver (Higgins’ spot), Sowell caught 81 passes for 1,300 yards the past two seasons. That’s an impressive 16.0 yards a catch (Higgins averaged 15.5 yards each reception.)
He doesn’t need to be the “second-coming.” He just needs to consistently make plays when called on.
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XAVIER TOWNSEND, receiver, 5-11, 185, junior
Becht’s pal from back home in the Tampa area, here’s another catch-and-sprint threat the offense needs, as it replaces two receivers now wearing Houston Texans uniforms. Townsend’s athleticism and speed also could be beneficial in the return game.
The UCF transfer had 1,625 all-purpose yards before arriving in Ames, and that statistic includes a 24-yard kickoff return average.
“Electric,” Iowa State receivers coach Noah Pauley told reporters in the spring.
Iowa State needs as many “electric” receivers it can find.
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BEN BRAHMER, tight end, 6-7, 250, junior
Remember Ben, the tight end with the breakout rookie season on his resume – the one that earned freshman All-American after catching 28 passes for 352 yards during a 13-game rookie year in 2023?
He’s healthy again, after limping through what became just an eight-game 2024.
As a freshman, the Nebraskan was compared to past Cyclone tight end greats like Charlie Kolar. In Brahmer, the Cyclones need to see that player again, at what continues to be a significant position.
With Brahmer healthy, for example, don’t be surprised to see more three tight end formations. That’s become a calling card for Campbell teams – as long as they’ve got the personnel to do it. That continues, with a healthy Brahmer.
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TYLER MILLER, right tackle, 6-9, 330, senior
Maybe it was just me, but it seems Iowa State ran left more than right. That’s the side Miller anchors, along with veteran right guard Brendan Black.
During the last two games, against Arizona State and Miami of Florida, for example, the Cyclones rushed a combined 57 times – of which just nine went to the right side. That’s according to the official play-by-play statistics. Even if the count is off a play or two, it still shows a left-side trend.
Whether that was the game plan – we don’t know. What’s evident, however, is that more right-side running – Miller’s side -- could keep defenses guessing just where the Cyclones are striking next.
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CALEB BACON, middle linebacker, 6-4, 245, senior
For Iowa State’s impressive middle linebacker tradition to continue, Bacon must be healthy. He’s that good. A year ago, he suffered a season-ending lower body injury in the first game. A season earlier, in 2023, Bacon was second on the team with 60 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. He had eight quarterback hurries, and finished the season with three consecutive seven-tackle games.
He got better as 2023 played out. That continued improvement is what the Cyclones need in the middle of the defense.
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VONTROY MALONE, defensive end, 6-3, 240, junior
We make a big deal about Iowa State’s low sack totals. Last in the Big 12 in 2024, 11th in 2023, 10th two seasons prior – you get the point. How big a thing that is can be debatable, but a statistic is a statistic, and so is this:
Defensive end Tyler Onyedim’s portal loss opened a spot for Malone, who comes to the Cyclones with a combined five sacks the past two seasons.
The former Tulsa starter doesn’t have to be great; he just has to occasionally make quarterbacks uncomfortable. That’s as big an overall part of Jon Heacock’s defense as sacks.
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JAMISON PATTON, DB, 6-2, 210, junior
Malik Verdon: Gone. Beau Freyler: Gone. Darien Porter: Gone. Myles Purchase: Gone.
So many open jobs in Iowa State’s secondary, provide players like Patton an opportunity to show their stuff. We’ve seen flashes when given a chance – like interceptions last season against West Virginia, and at BYU in 2023.
Patton has shown he can play. Now, it’s about playing consistently well, in what will be a quarterback’s league.
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BEAU GOODWIN, linebacker, 6-3, 225, sophomore
After not playing the first two games last season, the Kingsley native’s strong finish included starting against Kansas and Cincinnati, and an eight-tackle game against Texas Tech. Playing so much during his freshman season, Goodwin is a reason this is the deepest, and best, position on the defense.
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IKENNA EZEOGU, defensive end, 6-5, 270, junior
Arguably, the most under-underpublicized player on the team, Ezeogu is primed for a breakout, after playing 27 games as a freshman and sophomore. Here’s what Campbell said on Ezeogu’s signing day:
“One of the most dynamic athletes of our recruiting class. I vividly remember watching Will McDonald play basketball and sitting in the gym watching practice. Elite burst. Elite athleticism. Unique and powerful ability to change directions. Ezeogu certainly has every one of those tools."
Comparison to a New York Jets star defensive end? Ezeogu seems primed for a breakout.
(Columnist Randy Peterson, a multiple State of Iowa Sportswriter of the Year winner, can be reached at randypete4846@gmail.com or at any Okoboji-area beverage/food establishment between the hours of open and close.)