LAS VEGAS – As Iowa State football heads into the 2024-25 season, the team boasts stability at nearly every position. Head coach Matt Campbell likely has a clear idea of who will start at each of the 22 positions, with the Cyclones returning around 20 starters from last year’s roster.
However, the biggest challenge for Iowa State this fall lies in replacing the boundary corner position previously held by T.J. Tampa. Tampa, a third-team All-American and recent Baltimore Ravens draftee, has been a cornerstone of Jon Heacock’s defense for the past three seasons.
Cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat faces the daunting task of filling Tampa’s shoes. He will rely on returning starter Myles Purchase, redshirt senior Darien Porter, and true sophomore Jontez Williams, who started two games last season against Kansas and Memphis.
“We’re definitely thrilled to have the veterans,” Campbell remarked. “Darien’s potential this year as a senior is significant. He has shown consistent growth. At the top of that group, Jontez Williams has made remarkable progress since January. Myles Purchase has also been outstanding. So, we have strong talent at the top.”
To address the gap left by Tampa in the offseason, Iowa State made two key additions in the spring. JUCO product Matthew Bess joined the Cyclones, followed by LSU transfer Ryan Robinson Jr., who committed to ISU after one season with the Bayou Bengals.
In his single season at Blinn College, Bess recorded eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup in 2023. He chose to commit to Iowa State after receiving a scholarship offer from new Big 12 rival Utah, whom the Cyclones will face in the penultimate game of the season on the road.
“Matthew Bess has probably been the biggest surprise,” Campbell commented. “Bess stands at 6’1″ and is nearly 185 pounds. I expect him to reach around 188 pounds by the start of the season. He should be physically ready to compete for a spot in the two-deep roster.”
Robinson, who was ranked among the top 800 players in the 247Sports Composite, appeared in four games for LSU’s struggling defense last year. As a walk-on, he saw action at cornerback against Grambling in a nonconference game. Out of high school, Robinson had over two dozen scholarship offers.
“Ryan Robinson played at LSU last year,” Campbell noted. “He took meaningful snaps on special teams. Ryan brings veteran experience and exposure to high-stakes moments. I think he will push the envelope.”
Additionally, Iowa State welcomes two true freshmen, Quentin Taylor and David Coffey, both three-star prospects, to the roster for the 2024 season. Taylor, who enrolled in January, participated in spring practices, gaining an early understanding of Iowa State’s playbook and his responsibilities.
“He doesn’t look like a freshman right now. He weighs 192 pounds as of right before we left,” Campbell said. “He’s a physical, long, athletic corner, reminiscent of what T.J. looked like as a young player.”
Replacing Tampa is a challenging task for the Cyclones, who enter the season with high expectations after their AutoZone Liberty Bowl run and a 6-3 record in Big 12 play. Campbell emphasized the importance of several players stepping up to fill the void left by Tampa’s move to the NFL.
“Can you have a true one, two, three that can play and contribute?” Campbell asked. “If that group can help on special teams as well, it will be beneficial. We’re excited about this group and their potential for growth.”
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