Jackson did not play in a game during his true freshman season, but he shined in the “spring showcase”

Alec Busse | Cyclone Alert

Iowa State football’s roster will change after spring practices. 

Cyclone running back Jayden Jackson is no longer with the program, a source confirmed to Cyclone Alert. Jackson posted on Instagram indicating his departure from the program in recent days.

Jackson did not play in a game for the Cyclones during his true freshman season in 2025. In Iowa State’s spring showcase in late April, Jackson was one of the stars, but head coach Jimmy Rogers indicated that Jackson needed to show more to earn a sizable role with the Cyclones. 

“He did a solid job (today),” Rogers said of Jackson, who had a long run in team period. “I mean, he hasn’t done much. He’s got to consistently grow and do things off the field that are right and follow through with things and grow mentally in order to continue to get reps.”

Iowa State has fellow running backs Cameron Pettaway, Aiden Flora and Salahadin Allah projected to be higher on the depth chart entering the season. Allah and Ryver Peppers were both injured for the spring showcase.

This story is still developing.