Iowa State’s 2026 receiving room is set to be one of the most crowded and versatile units on the roster, featuring a total of sixteen players that combine returning Cyclones with a wave of transfers from across the country.
A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Among the veterans, Ty Claiborne arrives as a redshirt senior who has already seen action in three games for the Cyclones, though his statistical footprint remains modest, hinting at a potential role as a depth piece or special‑teams contributor.
Dominic Overby, a redshirt sophomore, brings 96 career receiving yards and the distinction of scoring his first college touchdown during a game played in Ireland, a milestone that could signal a breakout in his final year of eligibility.
Carson Robbins, another redshirt sophomore, has carved out a niche on special teams, having appeared in nine games during the 2025 season and providing reliable coverage on kick units.
Evan Boyd, a redshirt junior, made the move from Michigan State to Ames after a stint at Central Michigan, bringing a blend of Mid‑American conference experience and the prospect of immediate playing time.
Ray Coffey, the most prolific pass catcher in the group, is a redshirt senior who transferred from Olivet Nazarene and enters with 1,303 career receiving yards and fifteen touchdowns, numbers that place him among the program’s all‑time greats at the position.
Trevor Fortenberry, a redshirt junior who came from Copiah‑Lincoln Community College, logged 136 yards last season, adding depth and a reliable option in the third‑down package.
Omari Hayes, a redshirt senior from Tulane, contributed 590 yards and three touchdowns while at Florida Atlantic, and his experience in a high‑powered offense could translate into a larger role in Ames.
Cody Jackson arrives with a résumé that includes stops at Oklahoma, Houston and Tarleton State, where he amassed 1,289 receiving yards and fourteen touchdowns, giving the Cyclones a seasoned weapon with proven production.
Carter Pabst, a sophomore transfer from Washington State, posted 168 yards and a touchdown as a freshman, suggesting that his development curve could see a steep rise in his sophomore campaign.
Jordyn Bailey, a redshirt junior who previously played at TCU, recorded 191 yards and three scores, offering a modest but steady contribution that could expand with increased snaps.
Braden Goellner, known more for his track and field achievements, made the switch to football in 2026, bringing athleticism and a fresh perspective to the receiving corps.
Freshmen Arrivals
The freshman influx adds another layer of excitement: Malcolm Watkins, a three‑star recruit from Bakersfield, California, arrives with 768 high‑school receiving yards and eight touchdowns, positioning him as a potential immediate impact player.
Joining him is Jamal Polite Jr., a three‑star prospect from Beaufort, Texas, who compiled 976 yards and eleven scores in high school, bringing a blend of size and speed that could challenge for early‑season starts.
Zach Eskildsen, the younger brother of former Cyclone Brett Eskildsen, brings 623 yards and four touchdowns from his prep career, and his familial connection adds a narrative hook for fans.
Finally, Jeffrey Roberts, a four‑star recruit hailing from Ames, Iowa, arrives with 962 yards and thirteen touchdowns, making him one of the most highly touted freshmen in the state and a focal point of the offense’s future plans.