Iowa State Cyclones have quietly moved on from a much‑heralded quarterback prospect, ending a pursuit that had seemed all but certain just weeks ago. The decision to abandon the official visit for DJ Hunter reflects a broader strategic shift as the program recalibrates its recruiting pipeline.
Hunter, a standout signal‑caller from Buford High School in Georgia, had been courting the Cyclones aggressively after decommitting from the Kentucky Wildcats. His junior season was marred by an injury, and he entered his senior year as the backup to Dayton Raiola, who ultimately chose Oregon for his freshman campaign.
With Hunter's commitment now in doubt, the Cyclones are turning their attention to another Georgia product, Brodie Campbell. Campbell’s skill set has drawn interest from several power programs, including the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Arkansas Razorbacks and Maryland Terrapins, who are all weighing his decision.
Quarterback depth chart takes shape
Jaylen Raynor is slated to be Iowa State’s quarterback for the 2026 season, and the program is already mapping out a backup plan. Zane Flores and Connor Moberly are locked in a competition for the second‑string role, while Hudson Kurland stands as the sole quarterback commit from the Class of 2026.
The reshuffling underscores how quickly recruiting landscapes can change. While the Cyclones remain linked to other prospects such as Dayton Raiola’s brother Dylan Raiola, the current focus is on building a cohesive unit around Raynor and ensuring depth through internal development and targeted additions.