Iowa State wide receiver Daniel Jackson is heading to the transfer portal after spending four seasons in Ames. It’s not a major shakeup for the Cyclones, but it’s one more veteran piece out the door at a position that’s already gone through some turnover.
Jackson leaves with 25 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns in his career. Most of that came in 2023 when he had 16 grabs and showed up as a rotational guy when Iowa State was figuring things out offensively. He’s not a headline player, but he’s been around long enough to know the system and do his job without creating problems. Every team needs a few of those. He’s been that kind of player for Iowa State.
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Jackson gave the offense some length on the outside and helped fill in when younger guys were still developing. He wasn’t a regular starter and wasn’t going to be a feature guy this fall, but losing him thins out the depth behind the top options.
This move probably makes sense for both sides. Jackson gets one more year and might find a landing spot where he can see the field more consistently. Whether that’s at the Group of Five level or at another Power Four program looking for maturity in the room, he’ll have options. He’s not a project. He’s a plug-and-play depth piece who’s already spent years in a Big 12 offense. That has value somewhere.
For Iowa State, this is just part of the deal now. Portal departures in December aren’t a surprise, especially for guys who see the writing on the wall before spring ball. Still, with the loss of Rocco Becht to the portal, the offense in Ames is complicated, to say the least.
Jackson didn’t have a massive role in Ames, but he stuck it out and gave the program four years. Now he’s taking his shot somewhere else.
