Jackson Kiss, a consensus four‑star forward and the No. 127 recruit nationally, announced his decision to commit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, ending a recruitment saga that had long been tied to Iowa State.
The move follows a standout performance at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, where Kiss averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.4 blocks per game, underscoring his versatility and readiness for the next level.
Kiss honed his game at Utah Prep Academy and shared the court with A.J. Dybantsa, a consensus first‑team All‑American, while also representing New Zealand’s 2024 U‑17 national team that placed fourth at the 2024 FIBA U‑17 World Cup.
His departure leaves a noticeable gap in Iowa State’s top‑20 recruiting class, which now welcomes three freshmen: Dorian Rinaldo‑Komlan, Christian Wiggins and Yusef Gray Jr., each bringing distinct skill sets to the Cyclones’ future.
Recruiting ripple across the Midwest and beyond
The shift illustrates how quickly a single commitment can reshape rankings, especially when a player of Kiss’s caliber moves from a Big 12 contender to a Mountain West program. Analysts note that the re‑ordering could affect scholarship allocations and future matchups, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Fans and recruiting experts alike will watch closely as the new‑look Iowa State roster develops and as UNLV integrates Kiss into its lineup, a move that could elevate the Rebels’ prospects in the conference race.