WE GOT ANOTHER RUNNING BACK? | MORE UPDATES | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #66

Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Network: IowaStateVOCFB Length: ~52 minutes Date: May 20, 2026 (offseason episode)

A relaxed, classic offseason show covering recent roster moves in basketball and football, plus broader commentary on conference realignment drama. The hosts emphasize enjoying a “normal” summer without major chaos and provide level-headed takes on the latest developments.

1. Basketball – Jackson Kiss Flip

• Jackson Kiss decommitted from Iowa State and flipped back to UNLV.
• Main reason: He became academically eligible unexpectedly and wants immediate playing time. Iowa State had no available minutes for him this season (he was projected as a redshirt/developing piece).
• Hosts view it as mutual best interest — opens a roster spot and gives him what he wants. Not a major loss as he wasn’t a high-impact immediate contributor.
• Side chatter: UNLV fans (especially “Rebel Girl”) getting some revenge after TJ Otzelberger poached players previously.

2. Basketball – Milan Mamchilovic Draft Decision

• Extensive discussion on whether Milan returns for another college year.
• Concerns: Roster fit (lacks the playmakers/defenders like Jefferson & Lipscomb from last year), defensive limitations, inability to create his own shot consistently, and tough matchups against long/athletic wings.
• NIL/money angle: Louisville reportedly offering big money (~$6.5M). Iowa State might stretch to $2–3M but probably not enough.
• Hosts’ consensus: Very low chance (~<5%) he returns to Iowa State. Roster and scheme aren’t ideal for him as the clear #1 option. Deadline mentioned around May 26–28.

3. Football – Running Back Carousel

• Gene Jackson is gone (on-field performance + possible off-field issues).
• Another RB (Achilles injury) out for the season.
• Iowa State added a transfer from Tulane as a situational/power/goal-line depth piece.
  • Expected role: Very limited snaps behind primary backs Aiden Flora and Petaway.
  • Hosts stress the staff was likely upfront with him about expectations.
• River Peppers update: Recovering well from October Achilles tear; expected to practice in fall camp. High praise for his high school film/explosiveness.
• Overall: Not a needle-mover. The 1-2 punch of Flora/Petaway remains the focus; new addition is just insurance.

4. Jamie Pollard Comments (Tailgate Tour)

• Strong agreement with Pollard’s frustration toward the Big Ten/SEC.
• Key quote/theme: They helped create the College Sports Commission but now resist its rules. Pollard says “let them break away” — but they must leave all sports, not just football.
• Hosts break down why a football-only super league would hurt non-football sports badly (scheduling boycotts, loss of competitive depth, diluted TV interest from neutral fans).

5. Other Notes

• Positive vibes on the Tailgate Tour (fun fan/coach interactions).
• Women’s wrestling: Recent commits from William Penn (NAIA powerhouse), including a U17 world champion — exciting for the new program.
• General offseason feel: Preseason rankings, recruit chatter, no major drama.

Casual, honest, and fan-friendly. The hosts are optimistic about the football RB room depth and realistic/pessimistic on the Mamchilovic return. Strong endorsement of Pollard’s “put up or shut up” stance on conference politics.

Next Episode: Tentatively Tuesday at 7 PM Central — more offseason rankings, position group breakdowns, or schedule difficulty talk.

Great low-stakes summer episode for Cyclones fans catching up on the latest moves. Go Cyclones!

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