The Cyclone Backfield Just Got a Whole Lot Emptier
Iowa State is watching one of its most productive offensive weapons walk out the door. All-Big 12 running back Carson Hansen is entering the NCAA transfer portal, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, marking yet another departure from a program in transition after Matt Campbell bolted for Penn State.
Hansen wasn’t some five-star recruit who showed up with a parade of hype. The Lakeville, Minnesota native came to Ames as a three-star prospect ranked No. 945 nationally in the 2023 class. But what he lacked in recruiting stars, he made up for with production that would make any program jealous.
From Under-the-Radar to All-Conference Performer
Over the past two seasons, Hansen piled up 1,926 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns. Those are numbers that scream “next level.” His career totals at Iowa State tell the story of consistency: 38 games, 360 carries, 1,769 rushing yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns. Add in his receiving work—337 yards and two more scores—and you’ve got yourself a versatile back who can hurt defenses multiple ways.
This past season saw Hansen just miss the 1,000-yard mark, finishing with a career-best 950 yards on the ground. The touchdown total dipped from 13 the year before to six, but that speaks more to offensive scheme changes and opportunity than any decline in talent.
The Campbell Effect Comes Full Circle
Hansen represents exactly what Campbell built at Iowa State: finding undervalued talent and developing it into conference-level studs. These are the kinds of players who made the Cyclones relevant in the Big 12. Now, with Campbell gone and a new coaching staff taking over, Hansen’s heading for the exit too.
It’s not just Hansen leaving, either. Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock announced his retirement after 43 years of coaching, choosing not to follow Campbell to Penn State. The entire foundation that Iowa State built is crumbling in real time.
Hansen has one year of eligibility remaining, and whoever lands him is getting a proven Big 12 back who knows how to produce at the power conference level. For Iowa State, it’s another reminder that rebuilding a program after a coaching change means watching your best players explore their options. And Hansen just became one of the hottest running backs available in the portal.
