Hutchinson announces he’ll return to Iowa State in 2022

Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (8) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of the game against Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.

The X-Man is back.

Xavier Hutchinson has announced he’ll return to Iowa State for the 2022 season. The two-time first-team All-Big 12 wide receiver will be taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to student-athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hutchinson, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound Jacksonville native, has solidified himself as one of the Big 12’s best pass-catchers during his two seasons in Ames. The Big 12’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2020 has caught 146 passes for 1,724 yards and nine touchdowns in 24 games as a Cyclone.

Hutchinson’s announcement comes one day after defensive end Will McDonald announced he’ll return to school for his senior season despite significant momentum behind his NFL Draft stock.

This is welcome news for an Iowa State program that’s lost three wide receivers to the transfer portal over the last several weeks. Hutchinson’s return guarantees Iowa State will enter the 2022 season with at least one proven game-breaking pass-catcher on the roster with redshirt sophomore Hunter Dekkers expected to take over behind center for Brock Purdy.

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