Fifteen Former Cyclones Land on NFL Rosters Ahead of 2025 Season
Fifteen former Iowa State football players have earned spots on active 53-man rosters as the NFL season kicks off this week, giving the Cyclones the third-most representation in the Big 12.
Only TCU (20) and Utah (17) have more active players in the league. In all, 20 Cyclones are affiliated with NFL organizations, including five on practice squads or reserve lists, spanning 11 teams.
The group is headlined by San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, who signed a five-year, $265 million extension in the offseason after guiding the 49ers to an NFC Championship appearance and Super Bowl trip in his first two seasons as starter. Purdy and the 49ers open the season Sunday at Seattle.
New York features the heaviest Cyclone influence, with four former standouts suiting up for the Jets. Running back Breece Hall, who owns two of the top single-game rushing performances in Iowa State history at the pro level, is joined by veteran wideout Allen Lazard, edge rusher Will McDonald IV, and return specialist Kene Nwangwu.
Houston’s receiver room also boasts a Cyclone trio. Rookie Jayden Higgins, a second-round pick, joins Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel as the Texans prepare for their season opener at the Los Angeles Rams. Iowa State is the only program in the country with three wide receivers on a single NFL roster.
Other notable veterans include Detroit running back David Montgomery, who has scored more touchdowns (57) than any other Cyclone in NFL history, and Denver defensive lineman Enyi Uwazurike, entering his fourth season.
Baltimore’s roster features three former Cyclones as well — tight end Charlie Kolar, linebacker Jake Hummel and cornerback T.J. Tampa. Darien Porter, a third-round pick in April, is set to play a role in the Las Vegas Raiders’ secondary.
Five additional players will begin the season on practice squads or reserve lists, including defensive backs Myles Purchase (Chargers) and J.R. Singleton (Seahawks), lineman Ben Nikkel (Colts), linebacker Malik Verdon (Falcons, reserve/NFI), and safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (Giants, PUP).
The NFL season opens Thursday night when the Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions.
Cyclones in the NFL, 2025 Season
Atlanta Falcons
- Malik Verdon, LB (reserve/non-football injury)
Baltimore Ravens
- Jake Hummel, LB
- Charlie Kolar, TE
- T.J. Tampa, CB
Denver Broncos
- Enyi Uwazurike, DL
Detroit Lions
- David Montgomery, RB
Houston Texans
- Jayden Higgins, WR
- Xavier Hutchinson, WR
- Jaylin Noel, WR
Indianapolis Colts
- Ben Nikkel, DB (practice squad)
- Jalen Travis, OL
Los Angeles Chargers
- Myles Purchase, DB (practice squad)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Darien Porter, DB
New York Giants
- Anthony Johnson Jr., DB (PUP)
New York Jets
- Breece Hall, RB
- Allen Lazard, WR
- Will McDonald IV, EDGE
- Kene Nwangwu, RB
Seattle Seahawks
- J.R. Singleton, DL (practice squad)
San Francisco 49ers
- Brock Purdy, QB
SEE ALSO:
