The Departures
When it comes to hopes to fill, losing Darien Porter and Myles Purchase are certainly huge losses. Both will likely have NFL futures, and their departure removes a lockdown cover corner in Porter and a sure tackler in Purchase. They will certainly be missed this season.
The Starters
Jontez Williams returns to take the mantle of lockdown corner with an NFL futures, and that is where the strength of this unit lies. Williams was nasty in 2024, finishing with 46 tackles and 4 INTs while landing on the All Big 12 Second team. The R-JR has a bright future and should continue to shine in 2025.
NCAA Football: Central Florida at Iowa State
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Another name to watch to start as the second corner is Tre Bell, the transfer from Lindenwood. As of now, the staff is leaning with him as the second starter. He is a 6’2”, 205 junior who looks to be a productive player.
Jamison Patton is also likely to play significant minutes in 2025, a junior who saw action in all 14 games with one start against Kansas.
The Newcomers
Tre Bell is the highlight here, a projected starter coming in from Lindenwood. Ethan Strecker, a big 6’4” freshman from Spirit Lake, is also someone the coaches like long term. In addition to Strecker, Mason Ellens, Josh Patterson and Cyclone legacy LaMarcus Hicks II join the cornerback group as true freshman.
The Backups
Other backups to watch include Beni Ngoyi, the converted wide receiver, who is big, fast, and has great hands. With making the transition in the off-season, it could take time for him to see the field, but the staff expects him to contribute.
Ta’Shawn James is another player to watch, as he racked up 41 tackles while playing in all 14 games last season. The R-SO will play a lot of minutes again in 2025, though most likely in a backup role. Marcus Neal JR is another name to watch who played in many games as a true freshman.
2025 Outlook
This position group should be strong again in 2025.
Having Jontez Williams to take away half the field is an incredible luxury to have, and there is plenty of depth behind Williams and whoever else starts as CB2. Therein lies the biggest question, however.
Whether it’s Patton or Bell, the other corner is sure to be picked on by opposing offenses. While both seem capable, Iowa State needs to have consistent play there. Nygoi, while exciting, getting significant reps would probably be a bad sign, as he has much the least amount of experience at this position.
Iowa State has a reputation of producing good cornerbacks and safeties, and while Freyler and Verdon depart, a better season from Jeremiah Cooper will help solidify the back-end of this defense.
The ceiling for this group is very high, as they have a bonnafide star at corner and 2 other seemingly very capable options at the other corner spot.