Iowa State Football Hit by Transfer Portal as Top Receiver Brett Eskildsen Exits

Iowa State’s wide receiver room has taken another major hit. Standout pass-catcher Brett Eskildsen has entered the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement was made by the player himself on social media this week. This move follows a wave of departures from the Cyclones’ program.

The news deals a significant blow to first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers. He is tasked with rebuilding the roster after Matt Campbell’s departure to Penn State. According to reports from ESPN, Eskildsen’s exit leaves a substantial production gap.

Eskildsen’s Departure Creates Major Void in Offense

Brett Eskildsen was the Cyclones’ most productive wideout in the 2025 season. He led the team with 526 receiving yards. He also caught five touchdown passes, a key red-zone threat for the offense.

His connection to the former coaching staff is a key factor. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and receivers coach Noah Pauley also moved to Penn State. This pipeline makes the Nittany Lions a likely destination for the experienced receiver.

Eskildsen has two years of remaining eligibility. His decision underscores the challenge of retaining players after a coaching change. The transfer portal window allows immediate movement for graduate students and others.

Jimmy Rogers Faces Monumental Wide Receiver Rebuild

The loss of Eskildsen is not an isolated incident. It compounds an already critical situation at the wide receiver position. Several other receivers have also entered the portal or decommitted recently.

Redshirt-freshmen Zay Robinson and Karon Brookins are also seeking transfers. Furthermore, two high school commits from the 2026 class reopened their recruitment. Rogers did secure a commitment from recruit Malcolm Watkins, but more help is urgently needed.

The new staff must now aggressively pursue replacements via the portal and high school recruiting. The offensive identity for the upcoming season may need to be reevaluated. Finding reliable targets for a new quarterback will be a top priority.

The departure of Brett Eskildsen via the transfer portal symbolizes the roster overhaul underway at Iowa State. Head coach Jimmy Rogers has a clear and pressing challenge to restock the wide receiver corps. The success of his first season may hinge on filling this critical void quickly.

Info at your fingertips

Why is Brett Eskildsen leaving Iowa State?

Eskildsen is entering the transfer portal following the coaching change. His position coach and offensive coordinator both left for Penn State, making a follow-on move likely.

What were Eskildsen’s stats at Iowa State?

In the 2025 season, he was the team’s leading receiver with 526 yards. He also caught 30 passes and scored five touchdowns.

Who is the new head coach at Iowa State?

Jimmy Rogers was hired to replace Matt Campbell. Campbell left after ten seasons to become the head coach at Penn State.

How has the wide receiver room been impacted overall?

Beyond Eskildsen, other scholarship receivers have entered the portal. Multiple high school recruits have also decommitted, creating a depth chart crisis.

Where might Brett Eskildsen transfer to?

Penn State is considered the strong favorite. He would be reunited with his former head coach and offensive staff there.

What is the transfer portal window?

The portal has specific windows where players can enter their names. This allows them to contact other schools while maintaining eligibility.