Iowa State fans are likely ready for 2025 to be over and move on to 2026 after new transfer portal news hit the Cyclones on New Year’s Eve. Starting running back Abu Sama announced on social media on Wednesday he would be hitting the transfer portal, sharing on his post, “I want to thank all of Cyclone Nation for all the love and support over the years. Your support has meant more to me than you know… After much consideration, I have decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility.”
Sama finished this season with 730 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His best game of the season came in a loss at Colorado where he rushed for 177 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. Sama had Iowa State roots, as his brother, Amara, ran track at Iowa State from 2009 to 2011.
Then, it was Iowa State linebacker Will Hawthorne announcing on social media he would be leaving the Cyclones following his freshman season.
Hawthorne is a former four-star prospect by 247Sports and was ranked the No. 2 player in the state of Iowa by 247Sports and a top-70 inside linebacker nationally by ESPN. He was named the 2024 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year.
Hawthorne shared two broken heart emojis when it was announced that Matt Campbell was leaving for Penn State.
Iowa State has lost more than 40 players to the transfer portal which has led prominent politicians like Ted Cruz and Ron DeSantis to comment on the Cyclones’ situation as an example of serious change needed in college football.
