AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell has preached the importance of identifying players who will have success transitioning into its established “five-star culture.”

Campbell is certain he found the right fit of players to continue the favorable upward trend of Cyclone football with the announcement of the early signees of the 2021 class today.

“Our program is thrilled to welcome the 2021 recruiting class to Cyclone football,” Campbell said. “This is a group that number one, fits the culture we have created inside of our walls. We truly believe you win with people, and this is a group that embodies the characteristics which have allowed us to find success at Iowa State. In addition to the character of this recruiting class, I couldn’t be more proud of how this group has approached academic success, as they have collectively shown a commitment to reaching their full potential in the classroom.”

Since Campbell took over the reins of the program prior to the 2016 season, Iowa State has dramatically improved its recruiting. The 2021 recruiting class is ranked 45th nationally by Rivals and No. 51 by 247Sports. Iowa State’s composite ranking by 247Sports is 84.79, one of the highest totals in school history.

Big out-of-state pickups in this class are DB Malik Verdon (Hamilton, Ohio) and WR Jaylin Noel (Kansas City, Mo.), who both had a number of “power five” offers. Noel tallied over 1,000 yards receiving on 68 receptions while earning all-state accolades. Verdon, who played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back, was rated as the 12th-best athlete nationally by Rivals.

Campbell signed five Iowans in this class in OL Jim Bonifas (Dubuque), OL Tyler Maro (Davenport), TE Tyler Moore (Johnston), Joey Petersen (Long Grove) and Dodge Sauser (Grinnell).

Bonifas and Maro were both Des Moines Register Elite Team All-State members and top-75 offensive tackles nationally by 247Sports. Moore is a four-star recruit and the No. 13 tight end nationally according to 247Sports.

“This is an extremely talented group, who will help fill needs across every position group both in the immediate as well as the future,” Campbell added. “Lastly, this is a group that has had great competitive success, on the football field as well as in other sports. As a whole, I am proud of the group we have put together, and truly grateful for their belief in Iowa State football.”

Signed National Letters of Intent

Name                                 Ht.             Wt.      Yr.        Pos.                                          Hometown

Jim Bonifas                        6-5             267     Fr.        OL             Dubuque, Iowa (Senior)

    Des Moines Register Elite Team member and first-team all-state selection in 2020; a top-70 OT nationally by 247Sports/Rivals.

*Howard Brown                 6-2             305     Fr.        DL             Kansas City, Mo. (Lincoln College Prep)

    Considered a top-30 DT nationally by 247Sports; played QB in H.S., accumulating over 7,000 yards of total offense.

Beau Freyler                      6-2             205     Fr.        DB             Colorado Springs, Colo. (Pine Creek)

    Two-time all-state pick; 53rd-best safety nationally by 247Sports; led team to 2019 state title with 73 tackles and three picks.

Jayden Gray                      6-3             235     Fr.        DE             Haslet, Texas (V. R. Eaton)

    Two-time all-district pick and Dallas Morning News top-100 member; posted over 100 tackles in his final two seasons.

*Ben Langston                    6-2             195      So.       DB             The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands/Blinn JC)

    No. 1 safety and 33rd-best JC player nationally according to 247Sports; all-conference in 2019 with 52 tackles & four picks.

Tyler Maro                         6-7             260     Fr.        OL                                          Davenport, Iowa (Assumption)

    Top-50 OT nationally and top-10 player in Iowa by Rivals; Des Moines Register Elite Team member in 2020; had 38 offers. 

Carston Marshall               6-3             205     Fr.        LB                                          Wadsworth, Ohio (Wadsworth)

    Two-time All-Suburban League pick; recorded 133 tackles, 16.0 TFL and seven sacks in last two seasons as a prep.

Myles Mendeszoon           6-4             200     Fr.        LB             Chardon, Ohio (Chardon)

    Three-star recruit by 247Sports; a top-60 WDE nationally by 247Sports; had 60 tackles to lead team to state title (12-0).

*Tristan Michaud               6-6             200     Fr.        WR            Quebec City, Quebec (Courvilloise)

    Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals; a top-150 WR nationally by 247Sports.

*Tyler Moore                      6-5             243     Fr.        TE             Des Moines, Iowa (Johnston)

    Four-star recruit by 247Sports; No. 6 player in Iowa and No. 13 tight end nationally by 247Sports; first-team all-state in 2020.

*Jaylin Noel                       5-10           175     Fr.        WR            Kansas City, Mo. (Park Hill)

    No. 8 player in Missouri and 87th-best WR nationally by 247Sports; all-stater in 2020 with 68 catches, 1,005 yards and 10 TDs.

Tyler Onyedim                   6-4             280     Fr.        DT                                          Richmond, Texas (Foster)

    Three-star recruit and ranked as the 74th-best DT nationally by 247Sports; tallied 63 tackles and 21.0 TFL as a senior.

Joey Petersen                   6-4             210     Fr.        DE             Long Grove, Iowa (North Scott)

    First-team all-state selection by the Des Moines Register and IPSWA; led team to state title in 2020 with 47.5 tackles & 13.0 TFL.

Myles Purchase                 5-11           180     Fr.        DB             Denver, Colo. (Cherry Creek)

    Three-time all-state selection; led team to state titles in 2019 & 2020; Colorado Class 5A Player of the Year in 2020.

Aidan Ralph                       6-3             215     Fr.        LB             Chicago, Ill. (De La Salle)

    Named to the All-Chicago Catholic League as a junior, posting 84 tackles and 14.0 TFL; top-120 LB nationally by 247Sports.

*Dodge Sauser                  6-5             280     Fr.        OL             Grinnell, Iowa (Grinnell)

    First-team all-state by the Des Moines Register and IPSWA in 2020; two-time all-district pick; top-20 player in Iowa.

*Deon Silas                       5-8             175     Fr.        RB             Lutz, Fla. (Steinbrenner)

    Set career school records in all-purpose and return yards; recorded 55 touchdowns in his career; three-time all-county selection.

*Malik Verdon                    6-4             205     Fr.        DB             Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton)

    Rated as the 12th-best athlete nationally and player in Ohio by Rivals; all-city and all-conference selection.

The Iowa Hawkeye football program signed 17 recruits for the class of 2021 on National Signing Day on Wednesday. Here is the list of signees for the Hawkeyes.

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown High School Pronunciation
Jeff Bowie DL 6-5 245 Fr. West Branch, Iowa West Branch BO-ee
Brody Brecht WR 6-4 205 Fr. Ankeny, Iowa Ankeny BRECK-t
Arland Bruce IV WR 5-10 195 Fr. Olathe, Kan. Ankeny/Olathe North
Connor Colby OL 6-6 295 Fr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa Kennedy
David Davidkov OL 6-6 295 Fr. Glenview, Ill. New Trier David-cough
Cooper DeJean DB 6-1 205 Fr. Odebolt, Iowa OA-BCIG DEE-jean
Gennings Dunker OL 6-5 290 Fr. Lena, Ill. Lena-Winslow Jennings
Jaden Harrell LB 6-2 230 Fr. Urbandale, Iowa Urbandale (HAIR-uhl)
Keagan Johnson WR 6-1 190 Fr. Bellevue, Neb. Bellevue West
Joey Labas QB 6-4 200 Fr. Brecksville, Ohio Brecksville-Broadview Hts. LAY-bus
Griffin Liddle DL 6-3 275 Fr. Bettendorf, Iowa Bettendorf little
Max Llewellyn DL 6-5 245 Fr. Urbandale, Iowa Urbandale lou-WELL-un
Jeremiah Pittman DL 6-3 265 Fr. Palatine, Ill. St. Viator
Karson Sharar LB 6-2 200 Fr. Iowa Falls, Iowa Iowa Falls-Alden SHIRE
Beau Stephens OL 6-6 300 Fr. Blue Springs, Mo. Blue Springs
Justice Sullivan LB 6-2 225 Fr. Eden Prairie, Minn. Eden Prairie
Zach Twedt LB 6-3 220 Fr. Story City, Iowa Roland-Story tweet

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa junior defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon has been named the Big Ten Conference Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year. The announcement was made by the Big Ten Conference on Wednesday.

Special teams honors will be announced Thursday.

Nixon becomes the first ever Hawkeye to earn defensive player of the year and defensive lineman of the year in the Big Ten in the same season. Iowa’s last Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was Josey Jewell in 2017. Mitch King (2008) was the last Hawkeye to win Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Nixon and senior defensive end Chauncey Golston garnered first-team All-Big Ten honors by league coaches and media.

Senior defensive lineman Zach VanValkenburg (coaches & media) and junior defensive back Jack Koerner (media) were second-team All-Big Ten selections.

Koerner was named third-team All-Big Ten by league coaches, along with senior linebacker Nick Niemann. Niemann was also an honorable mention selection by media.

Four additional Hawkeyes earned honorable mention on defense: sophomore defensive back Dane Belton (coaches & media), junior defensive back Riley Moss (coaches & media), sophomore linebacker Seth Benson (media), and senior Matt Hankins (media).

Iowa’s nine All-Big Ten defensive honorees helped lead a defense that ranked second in the conference in total defense (313.8), third in scoring defense (16.0) and rushing defense (107.6), and fourth in pass defense (206.1).

Nixon, a Kenosha, Wisconsin, native earns his first career postseason honors. Nixon is tied with Golston for the Big Ten lead with 5.5 sacks, and Nixon leads the conference with 13.5 tackles for loss. Nixon is a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy and Bednarik Award.

Golston, a Detroit, Michigan, native, earns his second career postseason nod after being an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection by league coaches and media last season. Golston’s 8.5 tackles for loss is tied for sixth in the conference with VanValkenburg. Golston is one of 24 semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Nixon and Golston led an Iowa defense that ranks second in the Big Ten in sacks (22.0) and tackles for loss (52.0). The two each have 45 tackles and an interception to their name this season.

VanValkenburg, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following his three-sack performance in Iowa’s win over Minnesota, earns his first career postseason nod. A Zeeland, Michigan, native, VanValkenburg’s 3.5 sacks is third on the team and his 8.5 TFLs are tied for sixth-best in the Big Ten. VanValkenburg shares the national lead with four fumble recoveries.

Koerner, a Des Moines, Iowa, native, earns his first career postseason honor. In his second year starting at free safety, Koerner racked up the third-most tackles (45) on the team, including 13 tackles in Week 1 to tie a career high. Koerner’s three interceptions tie for the fifth most in the conference.

Niemann, a native of Sycamore, Illinois, earns his first career postseason honor. Niemann recorded a team-high 77 tackles – second most in the Big Ten. Niemann racked up a career-high 17 tackles in Iowa’s win at Penn State.

Iowa’s final four honorable mentions – Belton, Moss, Benson, Hankins – all earned their first career postseason recognition from the conference.

Belton, a Tampa, Florida, native, tallied 33 tackles in eight starts. His five pass break-ups tied for the team high this season.

Moss, from Ankeny, Iowa, recorded two interceptions, including an interception returned 54 yards for a touchdown against Michigan State. His 43 tackles ranked sixth on the team.

In seven starts, Benson, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native, ranked second on the team with 47 tackles. Benson led the team in tackles in three games this season.

Hankins, a Lewisville, Texas, native tied for the team lead with five pass break ups this season. He recorded 41 tackles and one interception.

Iowa’s game against Michigan on Saturday has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Michigan football program. The Hawkeyes will learn their postseason bowl destination on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The 7:20-a.m. Sportscast with Jim Field.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (7.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

(By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer) – The game of the weekend in the Big Ten, and nation, pits No. 3 Iowa against top-ranked Gonzaga of the West Coast Conference. The game is set for Saturday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Iowa and Gonzaga are the top two teams in the Kenpom.com offensive rankings. Iowa’s Luka Garza will go against Drew Timme in a matchup of the nation’s top two big men. The Zags haven’t played since Dec. 2 because of COVID-19 issues.

Iowa center Luka Garza reacts after making a 3-point basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 105-77. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — The game of the weekend in the Big Ten, and nation, pits No. 3 Iowa against top-ranked Gonzaga of the West Coast Conference. The game is set for Saturday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Iowa and Gonzaga are the top two teams in the Kenpom.com offensive rankings. Iowa’s Luka Garza will go against Drew Timme in a matchup of the nation’s top two big men. The Zags haven’t played since Dec. 2 because of COVID-19 issues.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — McKinley Wright IV had 17 points and eight assists and Colorado never trailed in its 91-49 win over Omaha. Wright made 6 of 8 from the field, grabbed five rebounds and did not commit a turnover. Freshman Jabari Walker had season highs with 15 points and nine rebounds, Dallas Walton scored 14 points and D’Shawn Schwartz added 11 for Colorado (4-1). The Buffaloes made six of their first seven shots to take a 15-4 lead when Wright hit a 3-pointer less than four minutes into the game and a 14-0 run made it 32-9 with 8:48 left in the first half. La’Mel Robinson led Omaha (2-6) with 11 points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The full value of Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu isn’t realized until you see him interacting with teammates in the locker room, on the practice field and during pre-game stretching. It’s at that point you notice his upbeat personality, his never-good-enough attitude and his raw desire to be the best at his position, which seems to spread like a contagion to everybody else on the team. That said, he’s fairly good at intercepting passes and sacking the quarterback, too.

UNDATED (AP) — The Buffalo Bills can clinch the AFC East for the first time since 1995 with a win on Saturday or a loss by the Dolphins on Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers can wrap up the AFC North with a victory on Monday night or a loss by Cleveland on Sunday night. And the New Orleans can clinch the NFC South with a victory against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs or a Tampa Bay loss at Atlanta.

The 7:20-a.m. Sportscast with Jim Field.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (8.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season. “Many of us can’t wait to get out on the ice each winter,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity for anglers of all ages to get outdoors and avoid cabin fever.” The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.

“Check ice thickness as you make your way to your favorite fishing spot,” Larscheid said. “Ice conditions change constantly and its thickness can vary across the lake. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.” Early ice offers an excellent chance for success.  If fish are finicky, cut a series of holes and spend 15 minutes at each hole. Use small baits and light line.

Safety tips on the ice

• No ice is 100 percent safe.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
• Don’t go out alone – if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
• Check ice thickness as you go out – there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed.
• Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
• Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

AMES, Iowa (AP) — DaJuan Gordon scored 15 points, making all 11 free throws, Kansas State made seven of eight from the line in the last 41 seconds, turning aside a late Iowa State surge 74-65 in a Big 12 Conference opener. Gordon also grabbed 11 rebounds for his first career double-double. Kansas State started three true freshman in a Big 12 game for the first time and the trio came through. Davion Bradford scored 14 points, Nijel Pack and Selton Miguel each added eight points with three steals. Rasir Bolton paced the Cyclones with 19 points. Tyler Harris added 10.

UNDATED (AP) — Two of the seven Big Ten Champions Week games have been canceled because of COVID-19 outbreaks. The Old Oaken Bucket game between Indiana and Purdue set for Friday was canceled for the second time in two weeks and the third time this season. Michigan’s game at No. 18 Iowa on Saturday also was canceled. That’s the third straight Wolverines game called off. Athletic director Warde Manuel says more than 50 players are unavailable because of positive tests and contact tracing requirements.

UNDATED (AP) — Iowa State football fans are celebrating an unprecedented season. The eighth-ranked Cyclones finished first in the Big 12 regular season and will play No. 12 Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game on Saturday. Fifth-year coach Matt Campbell is considered nothing short of a miracle worker for turning around a program that once was a consistent loser. The 41-year-old Campbell played and coached at Division III powerhouse Mount Union College in Ohio. He and his staff have excelled at developing under-recruited players with potential.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are still on top in the latest AP Pro32 poll. The Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills each moved up two spots to No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. And the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers each slipped two places No. 4 and No. 5 after losses on Sunday. The Saints host the Chiefs this Sunday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller has announced his retirement from football after a spinal injury ended his season last month. Miller said a neurologist who works with the Cornhuskers recommended he give up the game for health reasons. The senior from Fishers, Indiana, appeared in 40 games and started his final 16. He made 27 tackles in four games this season. Miller suffered a spinal concussion making a tackle against Illinois on Nov. 21. The condition is characterized by a temporary sensory impairment and motor weakness and typically resolves in one to three days.

@ GLENWOOD

Creston/O-M 64, Glenwood 12
Creston/O-M 63, Treynor 9
Creston/O-M 58, Abraham Lincoln 15
Glenwood 48, Abraham Lincoln 30
Glenwood 46, Treynor 30
Treynor 36, Abraham Lincoln 36

@ LOGAN-MAGNOLIA

Logan-Magnolia 70, Red Oak 6
Logan-Magnolia 48, Riverside 24
Logan-Magnolia 58, St. Albert 24
Riverside 63, Red Oak 18
Riverside 58, St. Albert 18
Red Oak 42, St. Albert 36

@ SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON

Sergeant Bluff-Luton 60, Denison-Schleswig 13
Sheldon/South O’Brien 51, Denison-Schleswig 18
Westwood 59, Denison-Schleswig 24

@ MILLARD SOUTH

Millard South 68, Lewis Central 5

@ ACGC

East Mills 36, ACGC 33
Pleasantville 42, East Mills 27

@ NODAWAY VALLEY

Missouri Valley 42, Underwood 37
Missouri Valley 81, Griswold 0
Missouri Valley 68, Nodaway Valley 9
Nodaway Valley 54, Griswold 18
Underwood 43, Nodaway Valley 24

@ EAST SAC COUNTY

East Sac County 36, Audubon 27
East Sac County 48, Woodbine 34
South Central Calhoun 60, Audubon 24
South Central Calhoun 65, Woodbine 15
Audubon 36, Woodbine 36

@ BELLEVUE WEST

Bellevue West 74, Thomas Jefferson 0