Iowa State Football Class of 2027 Sees Surge in Commitments

Between May 30 and June 6, the Iowa State Cyclones significantly expanded their recruiting class for 2027, doubling their commitments from seven to 14. This uptick in prospects highlights the program's growing appeal among high school athletes.

Drew Aagesen, a multi-talented player from Goodrich, Michigan, was the first to commit during this period on May 30. Although he excelled on both sides of the ball in high school, Iowa State intends to use him as an offensive lineman. In his junior season, Aagesen recorded an impressive 11 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, while also contributing as a tight end. The No. 21 prospect in Michigan, he chose Iowa State over other prominent offers, including Michigan State and Wisconsin, after receiving his first power-conference offer in March.

Jordan Crider, a safety from Middletown, Ohio, followed suit by announcing his commitment on May 31. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Crider is ranked as the nation’s No. 114 safety for the 2027 class. Despite limitations due to transfer rules that kept him to just five games last season, he managed to secure four interceptions and 18 tackles, along with three receiving touchdowns. He selected Iowa State over offers from schools like Kentucky and Temple.

Jason Wooden, an athlete from Frisco, Texas, joined the Cyclones after an official visit in early June. Previously a wide receiver with 25 catches and two touchdowns last season, Wooden is now set to transition to defense for Iowa State, a shift that played a significant role in his commitment amidst interest from other programs that wanted him to continue as a receiver.

Cash Hollingshead, a quarterback from Salem Hills, Utah, also committed after impressing at a camp in Ames. The 6-foot-3 player threw for over 1,000 yards last season and had a stellar 15-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Hollingshead believes his skills align well with the offensive strategy employed by coordinator Tyler Roehl.

On June 5, tight end Joey Massey from Green Bay, Wisconsin, switched his commitment from Central Michigan to Iowa State. The 233-pound athlete is recognized for his versatility, amassing 352 receiving yards and three touchdowns in addition to his defensive contributions of 48 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

Linebacker Josh McCarthy from Farmington, Missouri, accepted an offer on June 5 after pursuing a Power-4 opportunity for several months. Last season, McCarthy notched 119 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks while also being a significant offensive threat with nine touchdown receptions and 507 receiving yards.

Finally, on June 6, three-star quarterback Blake Moser from Lake Stevens, Washington, became the latest recruit for the 2027 class. Moser tallied over 3,400 total yards and 55 touchdowns last season, and Iowa State plans to transition him to wide receiver, leveraging his exceptional speed.