Imagine the shock of a college football powerhouse losing its key players one by one – it's like watching your favorite team dismantle itself mid-season! But here's the real kicker: Iowa State University's football program is facing an unprecedented rebuild after star running back Abu Sama announces he's heading to the transfer portal. And this is the part most people miss – with no returning offensive starters, the Cyclones might be in for a turbulent 2026 season. Let's dive into the details and unpack what this means for fans, beginners, and football enthusiasts alike.
First off, for those new to college sports, the transfer portal is essentially a system where athletes can switch schools without sitting out a season, often seeking better opportunities. It's a game-changer in NCAA football, allowing players to vote with their feet. Now, Abu Sama, a standout from Des Moines and a former star at Southeast Polk High School, is taking that leap. On December 31, he officially declared his intent to enter the portal, with one year of eligibility left – meaning he could still shine on a new gridiron.
Throughout his time with the Cyclones, Sama has been a force to be reckoned with. Over three seasons, he amassed an impressive 1,933 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, boasting a career average of 5.6 yards per carry. In the 2025 season alone, he hit a personal best with 732 yards and five scores on 140 attempts. One highlight came when, with starting quarterback Carson Hansen sidelined by injury, Sama exploded for a season-high 177 yards and two touchdowns on just 24 carries in a tough loss to Colorado on October 11. It's performances like these that have made him a fan favorite – but why leave now?
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Sama jumping ship because of team struggles, or is he chasing greener pastures like a bigger spotlight or stronger competition? Some folks might argue he's wise to seek out programs with more resources, while others could see it as disloyalty to a team in need. After all, loyalty in sports is a hot topic – think about it, should players stick it out through tough times, or prioritize their careers? We'll explore that more in comments!
Adding to the drama, Sama won't be the only one gone. He'll join Hansen and Dylan Lee in the portal, leaving Iowa State with a near-blank slate on offense. The top returning rusher? None other than return specialist Aiden Flora, who doubled as a receiver on special teams last year. Flora managed just four carries for 58 yards and a touchdown in 2025, proving he's versatile but not yet a workhorse back. For beginners, this means the Cyclones' ground game could start from scratch – imagine trying to build a puzzle with most pieces missing!
As Eugene Rapay, the Des Moines Register's expert on Iowa State athletics, covers this story, it's clear the implications are huge. Without key offensive talent, recruiting and team morale could take hits, potentially leading to a rough patch. Yet, some might argue this is a fresh start – a chance for new blood to rise and surprise everyone. What do you think: Is this the end of an era for Iowa State, or a bold new beginning? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you support players using the portal, or does it feel like a betrayal? And here's a controversial take: Could losing stars actually make a team stronger by forcing innovation? Let's discuss!
For more updates, you can reach Eugene at erapay@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @erapay5. Stay tuned as this story unfolds – football's unpredictable nature keeps us all on the edge of our seats.
