Iowa State had one of its major tight end targets in the 2026 class in town over the weekend for the team’s game against Arkansas State.
Waukee tight end Evan Jacobson was in attendance Saturday in the latest trip to Ames for the four-star, in-state prospect.
“The visit was awesome,” Jacobson said. “It was good to be back in Ames and be around with coach Mouser and coach Campbell and the whole staff. And to see that Game Day atmosphere and a big time game by the tight ends – that was fun as well.”
Jacobson is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the state for the 2026 class as well as the No. 8 tight end in the class by 247 Sports.
The Cyclones have also targeted the No. 4 rated tight end in the class in Ian Premer, and feel like they’re in a great spot with both prospects.
“Me and coach Mouse talk all the time,” Jacobson said. “We’re texting almost every day I’d say. We’re on the phone a ton. We have a really good relationship and I feel really comfortable with him.”
Jacobson’s recruitment has exploded since the Cyclones became his first offer in March.
Kansas, Kansas State, Colorado, LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Missouri, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Florida State, Louisville, and Miami have all offered Jacobson since.
“It’s been a lot of fun – a blessing for sure,” Jacobson said. “I’m just playing the game I love and it’s been cool to have the success with it.”
Evan’s older brother, Michael, played basketball at Iowa State and transitioned back to football during his post-collegiate career.
Now, in his fourth year in the NFL, Michael is on the practice squad as a tight end for the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s been super cool just to see the little success he’s had,” Jacobson said. “Obviously, getting to be on a practice squad – there’s not a lot of spots in the NFL… I’ve just been able to learn a ton from him. He’s helped me out a bunch.”
Jacobson hasn’t narrowed down his list at all, but look for Iowa State to be in the mix as things go forward.
“Right now, I don’t have any kind of rankings like that, but obviously they’re a hometown program, my brothers went there, I have a really good relationship with the staff. I’ll definitely be continuing my recruitment with them.
