Iowa State Cyclones are making a concerted effort to add Dontrell Young to their 2027 recruiting class, targeting the three‑star safety who has also drawn the eye of the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Coaching Strategy and Roster Dynamics
Coach Jimmy Rogers has been in close contact with the prospect, emphasizing the program’s vision and the opportunity to be part of a rebuilding cycle that includes a significant influx of transfers in the 2026 roster.
Young, a standout in the 100‑meter dash and 200‑meter dash with personal bests of 10.46 and 21.16 seconds, has logged five scholarship offers, one of which comes from Northern Illinois, while the Cyclones and the Fighting Illini represent the first Power‑Five programs to express serious interest.
The bulk of the current dialogue surrounding Young’s future comes from Group of Five and FCS institutions, but the emergence of Iowa State and Illinois marks a shift that could elevate his recruitment trajectory.
Young is slated to attend the North Central Mega Camp on June 1, after which he will embark on official visits to Miami (OH), Central Michigan, and North Dakota State throughout June, a schedule that will likely shape his final decision.
Despite being behind in the traditional high‑school recruiting rankings, Iowa State is leveraging its recent transfer activity and the coaching staff’s outreach to position itself as a viable destination for the talented safety.