A surprising shift in the Cyclones' roster
Jackson Kiss, a four‑star forward from New Zealand, announced his de‑commitment from Iowa State University and pledged to join the UNLV Rebels. The 6‑foot‑7, 230‑pound prospect had been ranked No. 116 in the Class of 2026 and posted 9.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists while competing in the Nike EYBL Scholastic League.
Kiss’s decision comes despite a strong frontcourt core that includes transfers such as Tre Singleton and Taj Manning, as well as returning standouts Joshua Jefferson, Christian Wiggins, Yusef Gray Jr., Dorian Rinaldo‑Komlan, Blake Buchanan and Dominykas Pleta. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger said the team will integrate all newcomers into the rotation, emphasizing depth over reliance on any single recruit.
The Cyclones may look to add another player to the Class of 2026 or shift focus to the Class of 2027 to fill the void left by Kiss. In the meantime, Utah Prep, a developmental program that has helped launch several of the roster’s recent signees, remains a potential pipeline for future talent.
What this means for Iowa State
While the loss of a highly rated prospect is notable, the program’s recruiting strategy and existing depth are expected to mitigate any immediate impact. The coaching staff continues to explore options in the transfer portal and on the high school circuit, ensuring that the frontcourt remains competitive in upcoming seasons.