Report: Iowa State running back Carson Hansen intends to enter NCAA transfer portal

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Iowa State running back Carson Hansen intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Hansen has been one of the Big 12’s best players over the last couple of seasons, earning all-conference honors. But with a coaching change in Ames, Hansen will be looking for a fresh start himself.

“Iowa State All-Big 12 running back Carson Hansen is entering the transfer portal, a source tells @CBSSports,” Zenitz said via X. “Hansen, who is heading into his senior season, has amassed 1,926 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns the past two seasons at Iowa State.”

Hansen played high school football at Lakeville (MN) Lakeville South, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 945 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

It’s another example of Matt Campbell finding a diamond in the rough. Iowa State built its program on people like Hansen, getting incredible production out of a guy just ranked inside the top 1,000 in his class.

Hansen wound up playing in 38 games at Iowa State, garnering 360 carries. He produced 1,769 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground with those touches. An additional two scores and 337 yards came out of the backfield as a pass catcher.

This past season was his best, coming just shy of 1,000 rushing yards. Hansen had to settle for a career-high 950 but saw his touchdown total dip all the way to six after previously getting 13.

Iowa State DC Jon Heacock announces retirement

Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock announced his retirement from coaching, per a statement on his social media. He coached football for 43 years.

“Well it’s the right time for this coach to hang up his whistle … 43 years,” Heacock wrote. “I’m so thankful, grateful and blessed to have worked alongside some of the finest players, support staff members and coaches in America! I’m certainly thankful and grateful that God chose me to be the defensive coordinator at Iowa State University for 10 years. Ames, Iowa State, the team, and Cyclone Nation: Man, we all did some special stuff together! Thanks to you all!”

With this news, Heacock will not join Matt Campbell and his growing staff at Penn State. Campbell left ISU for the Nittany Lions earlier this month.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report