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Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger, point guard Tamin Lipsey and forward Milan Momcilovic spoke to media members Tuesday previewing their team’s upcoming Cy-Hawk game set for Thursday (6:30 p.m. FS1).

No. 18 ISU hopes hard lessons learned will lead to first win at Iowa in 18 years

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) drives to the basket as Iowa State Cyclones guard Arianna Jackson (2) guards her during the third quarter of a Fort Myers Tip-Off Island Division game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. AMES — Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly heard the buzz, looked at his phone’s screen, and smiled. A timely text had arrived from former Cyclone and Cedar Rapids Washington star Stacy Frese shortly after No. 18 ISU suffered a 76-36 loss a day after Thanksgiving to third-ranked South Carolina — and it put the setback in perspective.  “(She) basically reminded me there was a game that she played in that we scored nine points in a half,” said Fennelly, whose team (8-2) will face another challenging task in Wednesday’s 8 p.m. (FS1) Cy-Hawk game at No. 21 Iowa. “And, you know, that team turned out pretty well.”  Frese helped guide the 1998-99 Cyclones to the Elite Eight and also played in the Sweet 16 the following season. Fennelly said she’s one of his most frequent texters, offering encouragement after tough losses and kudos after big wins.  “Every time, what she says kind of makes sense — and she’s lived it,” said Fennelly, whose team hasn’t won at Carver-Hawkeye Arena since 2006. “She’s lived the good and the bad, and luckily for her, most of it was good, and luckily for us, when she was here, most of it was good.”  The “bad” outcome against South Carolina last month produced a vigorous response from the Cyclones, who have won the next three games by an average of 33 points. So ISU will enter Wednesday’s matchup against the Hawkeyes (8-1) with restored confidence, but the Cyclones still know what they’re up against.  “Definitely a tough environment,” ISU sophomore guard Arianna Jackson said. “It’s a tough game. It’s an in-state game, so there’s gonna be a lot of excitement. Just got to go in there prepared and ready to go.” googletag.defineSlot('/7103/SMG_CycloneFanatic/300x250_1a/sports/ncaa/main', [[300,250],[300,600]], 'usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a');  The Cyclones led Iowa, 55-54, early in the fourth quarter in last season’s Cy-Hawk game before Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin took over to secure a 67-58 outcome. But ISU’s young team matured significantly in that setback and eventually defied the odds by producing the program’s third straight 20-plus win season. “We learned we had a lot of fight as a team,” said sophomore forward Addy Brown who notched 14 points and 12 rebounds in that game. “Going into it, we didn’t have a lot of experience and our point guard (Emily Ryan) wasn’t playing. All the hype was around them, so it was a really fun game just to see what we were made of.”  The Cyclones are largely made of the same stuff this season, as the nucleus of that team returned. And they’ll have to bring even more “fight” to Carver-Hawkeye this time— a place they haven’t won since eight months before the first iPhone debuted.  “It’s fun, it’s all part of it, and it would be big for us (to win),” Fennelly said. “Our team’s played a really, really difficult schedule, and we still have some tough ones ahead of us, but hopefully we’re a little more ready for this than we were earlier in the year.”  So the South Carolina game’s relegated to rear view-mirror status, even as its lessons helped ISU navigate the route forward.  “You can be humbled quickly, and that was a very humbling experience for all of us,” Fennelly said. “But the thing I try to tell all of our players is, it’s one game, it’s 40 minutes, (and) they’re gonna shut the scoreboard off. I (tell the team), ‘Learn the lessons, leave the event.’ If you lost a game and you were embarrassed, then take your medicine and move on, but that should not dictate how hard you work, how you view your teammates, how you treat people. If they take away your self-respect and your will — now you’ve got a problem. But if it’s just, hey, you can’t rebound, you can’t score, you can’t guard? That’s what practice is for.”

MONDAY MUSINGS: The portal opens, Kenny Dillingham & Cy-Hawk week

Iowa State Cyclones quarterback JJ Kohl (10) passes the ball in the University’s Spring Football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK It’s Monday Musings, on a Tuesday. On a typical column like this, I’d dive deeper into Saturday’s football game and what happened around the Big 12 (and probably tell you about what a guy named Cam Skattebo did that week, but I think we all saw it). But with Monday being the opening day of transfer portal season, I wanted to call an audible and talk about that, in what this column will probably look like over the 36-ish weeks where there isn’t an Iowa State football game. Let’s muse. The first round of portal departures Iowa State had seven departures to the portal on Monday. That number may seem like a lot, but it lines up with many programs across the country at the FBS level. I’ll dive in to the pair of bigger departures the Cyclones had, and be sure to bookmark this page – 2024 CycloneFanatic Transfer Portal Tracker – to keep up with each and every move. Redshirt freshman quarterback J.J. Kohl – Kohl was a four-star prospect out of high school, joining the Cyclones out of Ankeny in the 2023 recruiting class. googletag.defineSlot('/7103/SMG_CycloneFanatic/300x250_1a/sports/ncaa/main', [[300,250],[300,600]], 'usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a'); If you go and look at Iowa State’s 247 Sports page, Kohl is the second highest rated prospect of all-time for the program, trailing only Allen Lazard. Interestingly, also appearing in the top 8 are former Cyclone Hunter Dekkers and 2025 quarterback signee Alex Manske. Recruiting rankings don’t mean everything, or anything in some cases. But this move was expected. Kohl played just two snaps – both on run plays – during garbage time this season while Connor Moberly earned the backup spot. It’s also a product of Iowa State’s in-state recruiting. The Cyclones have landed the top rated quarterback in the state in each of the past three classes – they weren’t all going to see the field. It’s a ‘good problem’ to have and it will be interesting to see where Kohl ends up. True freshman offensive lineman A.J. Burton – This one is similar to Kohl, but in different ways. Burton didn’t play this season for the Cyclones, much like all of the true freshmen that signed as offensive linemen in the 2024 recruiting class. Coach Ryan Clanton’s resume (prior to Iowa State) speaks for itself. He spent four years at a lower level program and finished with 19 all-conference linemen in the past. It’s evident he values developing talent over time, and it just didn’t work out here. I would also point to the 105-man roster limit. Coach Matt Campbell has mentioned in press conferences how unfortunate the rule is. Not to mention that Iowa State – which typically had taken in around 10 preferred walk-ons in past classes – only signed one this cycle in Southeast Polk’s Sam Zelenovich. Someone asked me if I thought NIL had anything to do with it, and I just have a hard time believing that someone would make an offer good enough to draw a player away from a program that hasn’t seen the field at that spot – it’s happened before though. Kenny Dillingham’s unique approach to the portal I know that he’s fresh on everyone’s minds, but what Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham is doing with the transfer portal right now is different than anything I’ve ever seen a coach do. In Dillingham’s mind, it’s unfair to players that enter the portal to have to wait until after the playoff games. He’s encouraging players to enter the portal early on if they’re going to, in order to find the right place and have more options, which includes staying with their current team. Kenny Dillingham’s perspective on ASU players who are entering the transfer portal: “Our guys have the opportunity to stay on our football team, and they’re like, ‘We’ll go in (the portal) at the end,’ and I go, ‘No, that’s not fair to you to go in after our run is over. I want… pic.twitter.com/5HW1JbxQ6l — Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) December 9, 2024 On top of it, Dillingham is quote-tweeting each of the prospects that announce they are going to the portal with kind words about them. He’s a different mind, and it’s really cool to see in today’s era of CFB. One of the best teammates and most physical players we have on our team!! Absolute joy to coach!!!! Fired up to keep coaching you thru the bowl/playoff! https://t.co/dajhij2GHG — Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) December 9, 2024 Someone will be getting a DUDE! And a good person! https://t.co/CC9hTly1IG — Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) December 10, 2024 The Cy-Hawk games We’ll get around to hoops around the Big 12 in the coming days, but before that, it’s Cy-Hawk week. The women’s teams kick it off Wednesday with a top 25 matchup, before Iowa State’s highest ranked basketball team ever (ok, tied for the highest) tests that mark in the rivalry game on Thursday. What happened the last time Iowa State was ranked No. 3 in the country? The 1956-57 Cyclones were downed by Missouri in their only game that week. The men will try to prevent that from happening by become the first Iowa State basketball team since 2014 to win at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The women will try to win there for the first time since 2006 – and they came damn close to beating Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes last year. The week concludes with Swimming & Diving on Friday night. If the Cyclones can win two of the three matchups, they will clinch the overall Cy-Hawk Series win. It’s another big week. Let’s rock.

A.J. Burton enters transfer portal

Iowa State offensive lineman A.J. Burton is entering the transfer portal, according to a report from Farrell Portal (@FarrellPortal on Twitter/X). The 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman signed with Iowa State as part of the 2024 recruiting class, and spent one year in the program before entering the portal. Out of high school, Burton chose the Cyclones over offers to Washington State, Indiana, Colorado, Colorado State, and Charlotte. He will have all four years of eligibility remaining. Keep up with all of the additions and departures from the portal with CycloneFanatic’s transfer portal tracker.

Trevon Howard enters transfer portal

Iowa State Cyclones’ defensive back Trevon Howard (25) takes down Northern Iowa Panthers running back Tye Edwards (2) during the first quarter in the season-opening game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK Iowa State defensive back Trevon Howard has officially entered the transfer portal, becoming the sixth Cyclone to do so on Monday, the day the portal opens. Howard spent the last three seasons in Ames after choosing the Cyclones out of IMG Academy. He suffered a season-ending injury that ended his 2023 season, and had four tackles in the four games he appeared in for the team this season. Howard will have two years of eligibility remaining. Keep up with all of the transfer portal updates with our CycloneFanatic Transfer Portal Tracker.

CFTV: Bill Fennelly, Addy Brown & Arianna Jackson preview top 25 Cy-Hawk game

Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly, forward Addy Brown and guard Arianna Jackson spoke to media members Monday to preview the upcoming Cy-Hawk game set for Wednesday (8 p.m. Fox Sports 1).

Trent Jones II enters transfer portal

Dec 29, 2023; Memphis, TN, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive linemen Trent Jones II (89) reacts with defensive linemen Tyler Onyedim (11) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports Iowa State edge rusher Trent Jones II has officially entered the transfer portal, the redshirt junior announced Monday. I am officially in the transfer portal pic.twitter.com/TCJBvm86Xq — Trent Jones II (@tj9ine) December 9, 2024 Jones II began his career in Ames as a walk-on, leaving as a scholarship player after four years with the program. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native recorded six tackles, including a tackle for loss in his final season with the Cyclones. He will have one year of eligibility remaining. googletag.defineSlot('/7103/SMG_CycloneFanatic/300x250_1a/sports/ncaa/main', [[300,250],[300,600]], 'usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a'); Keep up with all of the transfer portal additions and departures with Cyclone Fanatic’s Transfer Portal Tracker.

RECRUITING: Lindenwood cornerback Tre Bell to visit Cyclones this week

Iowa State transfer portal prospect Tre Bell on the field during a game for Lindenwood. Photo Courtesy Lindenwood Athletics // Don Adams Jr. The college football transfer portal opened nationally on Monday, and Iowa State already has a visitor secured for the weekend. Lindenwood cornerback Tre Bell will be on campus Wednesday-Friday checking out Ames and the program at Iowa State. “They’ve just been talking about how they see me and how they like my film… stuff like that,” Bell said of his conversations with Iowa State. “We’ll really probably get into more detail when I get up there.” The 6-foot-3, 191-pound cornerback secured 24 tackles, 6 pass breakups and an interception last season for the Lions. The long cornerback already has offers from Missouri State and Bowling Green, and has been reached out to by Kent State and Ole Miss. “I’m looking for a school that matches or exceeds the culture I experienced at Lindenwood,” Bell said. “Iowa State has already showed a lot of love this week reaching out to my dad showing how much they cared.” Bell is a fast prospect at the cornerback spot, and said that he ran a 4.4 40-yard dash two years ago when he last ran one. googletag.defineSlot('/7103/SMG_CycloneFanatic/300x250_1a/sports/ncaa/main', [[300,250],[300,600]], 'usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('usmg_ad_main_ncaa_sports_300x250_1a'); The St. Louis native has lived in the area his whole life and hopes to find a new home, which could end up being in Ames. “I’m also really trying to get away from home – I’m from St. Louis,” Bell said. “I’ve lived here my whole life, so I’m trying to see something new.” We will have more updates as portal season continues, and you can read more by following our Transfer Portal Tracker.

Quarterback J.J. Kohl enters transfer portal

Iowa State Cyclones’ quarterback JJ Kohl (10) runs with the ball around Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (11) during the third quarter in the season-opening game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK Former four star recruit and Iowa State quarterback J.J. Kohl will enter the transfer portal, according to a report from 247 Sports’ Chris Hummer. The Ankeny native spent two seasons in Ames, securing his redshirt during his freshman year. Kohl was 9-11 passing during his freshman season and rushed for 32 yards during his time on the field. This year, as a redshirt freshman, Kohl was on the field for only two snaps – both runs – throughout Iowa State’s 13 games. Kohl was rated as a top 10 quarterback prospect in the country before arriving in Ames, and spent time at the Elite 11 camp during his prep days, as well. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Shackford, Knobloch & Robinson Jr. enter transfer portal

Three members of the 2024 Iowa State football team announced Monday that they would enter the transfer portal, and search for a new home in 2025. Ryan Robinson Jr., a defensive back that transferred to Iowa State after spending his freshman year at LSU will transfer as a redshirt freshman. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Keegan Shackford, a kickoff specialist who spent the last four seasons in Ames, has entered the portal looking for a new spot for his graduate year. Drake Knobloch, a longsnapper who spent the last three seasons in Ames, enters the portal with two seasons of eligibility remaining. We will have more updates as portal season goes on with our CycloneFanatic transfer portal tracker, which you can find here.