A wave of former Iowa State Cyclones is set to carry the program’s recent surge into the National Football League, with roughly two dozen alumni poised to sign contracts and report to training camps this summer. The influx comes as the NFL’s preseason training period is slated to open in mid‑July, a timeline that will test the readiness of players who have spent the last few years honing their craft in Ames.
Among the names making the transition, several have already secured spots on active rosters or practice squads, while others are awaiting the final word after the recent draft. The list reads like a who’s‑who of recent Cyclone standouts, each bringing a distinct skill set that NFL teams hope will translate into immediate contributions.
Draft destinies and contract milestones
Domonique Orange, who earned a third‑round selection, will join the Minnesota Vikings after a collegiate career that featured a standout performance against Iowa. Dylan Barrett, a transfer from Wisconsin, is slated to report to the Green Bay Packers, while Jim Bonifas has reached an agreement with the Miami Dolphins following the NFL Draft. Tamatoa McDonough, remembered for his clutch display versus the Hawkeyes, now wears a Denver Broncos uniform, and Tyler Miller’s All‑Big 12 third‑team accolade has opened doors with several franchises.
Other Cyclone alumni who have inked deals include Tyler Moore, a Des Moines native heading to the Carolina Panthers, and James Neal III, who made 32 starts at left tackle for Iowa State before signing with the same Panthers roster. Malik Verdon, an undrafted free agent, will attempt to make the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 squad, while Jake Hummel finds a home with the Houston Texans. Charlie Kolar’s new contract with the San Diego Chargers marks a significant payday for the tight end, and T.J. Tampa, a fourth‑round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2024, continues his ascent.
The financial landscape for former Cyclones is also noteworthy. Running back Breece Hall, now in his second season with the New York Jets, recently signed a deal that could reach $47.5 million over three years, a contract that could set a benchmark for other emerging backs. Meanwhile, Enyi Uwazurike prepares for his fourth year with the Denver Broncos, and David Montgomery, who returned to the Texans after a stint in Houston, looks to solidify his role in the backfield.
Looking ahead
Quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ starter for the fourth consecutive season, will continue to lead a San Francisco offense that has become synonymous with efficiency, while Allen Lazard, a former Packers standout, remains a free agent seeking his next opportunity. The breadth of contracts underscores a growing pipeline of talent from Ames to the professional ranks. As the Cyclones prepare for another competitive season, the NFL aspirations of these former players reflect a program that has increasingly attracted top‑tier coaching and recruiting. The upcoming training camps will not only determine which athletes make final rosters but also signal how Iowa State’s developmental model continues to produce NFL‑ready talent. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the first preseason games unfold, eager to see whether the Cyclone legacy can sustain its upward trajectory in the league.