Iowa State earned its latest off-season commitment out of the transfer portal on Friday, officially, in Blinn College’s Matt Bess.
The 6-foot-0, 170-pounder is being brought in to compete for a spot at the cornerback position this year, a spot where Iowa State has wanted more depth in recent seasons.
“I guess it’s a great culture,” Bess said on what made the decision for him. “They’ve got a really good culture over there. The coaching staff is lovely – they all they gel well together. There’s no tension between coaches and the players love love being around the facility all the time.”
Bess was in Ames for a visit over the weekend, where he ultimately made his decision to commit to being a Cyclone.
“When I was there, I was positive the whole team was in the locker room or somewhere within the facility – they love being around,” Bess said. “Ames is lovely itself, even though it’s a small college town. I didn’t feel like I was far from home. I felt pretty content when I was there, just still in the hotel. So I just I just liked the feel and the vibe and the family culture that’s around.”
Iowa State landed Bess, despite a late attempt from Utah to get Bess on to campus for a visit to Salt Lake City.
Cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat went to Blinn to watch Bess workout, after Iowa State realized it would have scholarships to fill and started to recruit the junior college prospect.
“I got a random text from coach (Derek Hoodjer, Assistant Athletics Director for Football Player Personnel),” Bess said. “I didn’t believe it was him at first – I actually thought somebody was pranking me, so I had went on Twitter and searched up his name to make sure it was him.”
That conversation happened about a month ago, and Poteat’s visit followed after.
Things became official after Bess had seen the campus, facilities and as he pointed out, the culture, on his visit to Ames.
Bess collected eight tackles and a pass breakup during his only season with the team in 2023.
Blinn College produced former Cyclones such as former wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson and current defensive back Blake Thompson. It was also the first home of the likes of college stars Cam Newton and Dede Westbrook as well.
“I’m just ready to go play and come out there and compete for a spot,” Bess said. “That’s the only thing, I’m ready to go back already.”
Bess’ commitment brings Iowa State’s total scholarship number to 83 out of the allotted 85 spots on the roster.
