Which Iowa State Football Players to Watch When TCU Plays the Cyclones

In this week's "Know Your Foe," we look at key players from the Cyclones to watch when they take on the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday

Nov 1, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) catches a touchdown pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images | Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

The Cyclones started their season red-hot and looked like legitimate Big 12 title contenders and maybe even more. However, things have gone south for Iowa State lately. They’ve dropped their last four games, struggling defensively due to key injuries, failing to establish a consistent passing game, and performing poorly in red-zone situations.

Iowa State’s rushing attack has been stellar this season, but there’s only so much it can do with an inconsistent passing game. The Horned Frogs have also been strong against the run, which could bring a real challenge for the Cyclones.

For TCU, this is a must-win game to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 Championship. The Horned Frogs need to limit mistakes, find more consistency on offense, and focus on slowing down Iowa State’s rushing attack. Here are a few Cyclones who can make a difference on Saturday.

Iowa State Football Players to Watch

QB #3 Rocco Becht

Rocco Becht has been one of the most talented quarterbacks in the Big 12 over the past few years. Despite some recent struggles, he has usually done a solid job of protecting the football and winning games. He has developed into one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the conference.

While he isn’t the tallest player, he still has the mechanics, footwork, and mobility to make plays happen. His arm strength isn’t elite, but it’s effective enough to execute Iowa State’s offense. Becht excels on short to intermediate throws, where he shows great timing and touch. He’s an excellent decision-maker who rarely gets rattled. TCU must get to him early and apply pressure, because if he settles in, he can quickly become a problem.

Pretty ball by Iowa State QB Rocco Becht pic.twitter.com/DGbgtyRmRm

— Ross McCorkle (@Ross_McCorkle) September 27, 2025

Rocco Becht's Career Statistics	Passing Yards	Passing Touchdowns	Interceptions	Quarterback Rating	Rushing Yards	Rushing Toucdowns
2022	65	0	1	69.7	2	0
2023	3,120	23	8	150.7	63	3
2024	3,505	25	9	138.1	318	8
2025	2,119	11	7	135.3	66	8

RB #26 Carson Hansen

The Cyclones have a great rushing attack with Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III. They are a strong duo who have helped bring the offense to life. Hansen has an impressive combination of speed, size, and vision, making him an instant threat. He doesn’t shy away from contact and is capable of handling a heavy workload. His size also allows him to block effectively and catch passes out of the backfield, making him an even bigger threat. The Horned Frogs must slow him down early, or Iowa State’s run game could take over the contest.

Carson Hansen to the 🏠@CarsonHansen21

🌪️🚨🌪️ pic.twitter.com/OJhX9rdhC0

— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) December 28, 2024

Carson Hansen's Career Statistics	Carries	Yards	Touchdowns	Average
2023	22	67	0	3.0
2024	151	752	13	5.0
2025	113	613	4	5.4

WR #9 Brett Eskildsen

The young sophomore receiver has had a breakout season, leading the team in receiving yards. He has a solid combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a reliable go-to option for Rocco Becht. As the Cyclones’ number one target, he’s someone to keep an eye on for the deep ball. His speed allows him to get open quickly and create big-play opportunities.

🚨 BRETT ESKILDSEN WITH HIS FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN.

CYCLONES TAKE THE LEAD. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/BPZk6pD2oA

— 𝙄𝙤𝙬𝙖 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (@IowaStateNation) August 23, 2025

Brett Eskildsen's Career Statistics	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns	Average
2024	2	17	0	8.5
2025	22	414	3	18.8

DB #31 Marcus Neal Jr.

Neal Jr. is everything you want in a defensive back. He has size, speed, and athleticism. He plays with great physicality and has a knack for locking down receivers. TCU must be prepared, as he’s always lurking and ready to make a play. His talent and instincts make him dangerous, especially when opponents make mistakes.

Play of the Day No. 215: Cyclones breakout defensive back Marcus Neal Jr. follows the motion and comes flying in from the slot for the tackle for loss (Iowa State vs. Arizona, 2025). #POTD pic.twitter.com/c2zfLjvJgZ

— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) October 6, 2025

Marcus Neal Jr.'s Career Statistics	Solo Tackles	Total Tackles	Sacks	Pass Deflections	Interceptions	Forced Fumbles
2024	6	12	1	0	0	1
2025	36	26	1	3	1	1