2026 OT Mason Bandhauer commits to Iowa State

Fort Collins (Colo.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Bandhauer, class of 2026, has committed to Iowa State, he announced on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder was in Aimes over the weekend and is now the first junior prospect to commit to Matt Campbell and the Cyclones. Bandhauer also held offers from the likes of Nebraska, Kansas State and Mississippi State, among others.

He is the No. 464 overall prospect and No. 28 OT in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 player in Colorado.

1000% committed!! @CycloneFB @RyanClanton @T_Mouser @DerekHoodjer @TrentSlattenow @CoachJSB_74 @ISUMattCampbell pic.twitter.com/PzawzRGHbp

— Mason Bandhauer (@MasonBandhauer) October 20, 2024

Iowa State is amidst a historic 7-0 start this season following a 38-35 win over UCF on Saturday. The Cyclones are in the thick of a Big 12 title race and College Football Playoff berth, and are now looking for some momentum on the recruiting trail as a result.

Bandhauer is now one of just four offensive tackles that rank inside the top 30 at the position to commit early on. Four-star Kodi Greene (Oregon), four-star Carson Nielsen (Iowa) and four-star Andrew Trout (Minnesota) are other big junior tackles off the board thus far.

More on Iowa State Recruiting

With the Cyclones now on the board in 2026, Campbell and Co. are also looking to flesh out the 2025 class. With the Early Signing Period looming, ISU currently has just 15 commits in its senior class — which ranks No. 59 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Algona (Iowa) four-star quarterback Alex Manske is the jewel of the class, checking in as On3’s No. 133 overall prospect, No. 12 QB and top-ranked player in the state of Iowa. He’s currently the lone blue-chipper in the class, as of Oct. 20.

Algona three-star EDGE Jack Limbaugh is one of nine commits in the mix on the defensive side of the ball. He’s flanked by the likes of Jacksonville Edward H. White three-star safety Joshua Patterson, Gilbert (Iowa) three-star linebacker Will Hawthorne and Glen Ellyn (Ill.) three-star safety Mason Ellens.

Other top commits in the class include: Cedar Falls (Iowa) three-star offensive tackle Will Tompkins, West Des Moines Valley three-star wide receiver Xzavion Robinson, Independence (Mo.) Fort Osage three-star running back Ryver Peppers and Spirit Lake (Ill.) three-star safety Ethan Stecker.