Latrell Bankston enters transfer portal

Nov 27, 2020; Austin, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Latrell Bankston (56) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) in the second quarter during an NCAA college football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY NETWORK

One of Iowa State’s top defensive newcomers is reportedly searching for a new home for his football talents.

Defensive tackle Latrell Bankston has decided to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from The Athletic‘s Max Olson and later confirmed by Bankston on Twitter. The junior from Woodstock, Ga. will still have two years of eligibility remaining.

Bankston earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors during his one season in Ames after compiling 16 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. He will be best remembered for his sack of Sam Ehlinger on the final drive of Iowa State’s win over Texas on Black Friday, forcing Cameron Dicker’s field goal attempt, which he ultimately missed, be kicked from further back.

The former JUCO All-American chose Iowa State as part of the 2020 recruiting cycle over other schools such as Kansas State, Oregon State, Arizona, Arkansas and Maryland.

Bankston’s playing time had dipped slightly in recent weeks as he played only 11 snaps in Iowa State’s 27-21 loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and 14 snaps in the regular-season finale win over West Virginia. Those team games came immediately after he played 46 snaps in the win over Texas.

Iowa State is expected to return Isaiah Lee at the nose guard position while Josh Bailey will also have the option to return due to everyone’s eligibility being frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay tuned to CF for more on this story.

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

Follow @@JaredStansbury