We’re just 39 days away from Iowa State’s season opener against Kansas State in Ireland. To help you get ready, we’ll be rolling out a position preview every weekday for the next two weeks. We started with the quarterbacks yesterday, you can read that here. Up next, we preview the running back room.
Returners
Carson Hansen (Jr.)
Carson Hansen enters the 2025 season as Iowa State’s undisputed bellcow back after a breakout sophomore year. At 6’2 and 220 pounds, he carried the load with 151 rush attempts, totaling 752 yards and an impressive 13 rushing touchdowns on a 5.0 yards-per-carry average. He also added two receiving touchdowns on 13 catches for 88 yards, finishing with 15 total scores—among the top 30 in FBS and fifth in the Big 12. Fully healthy now, Hansen proved his consistency late, scoring in six of the final eight conference games. With the Cyclones aiming to replicate last season’s historic success, Hansen is poised to be their centerpiece in the red zone and goal line—possibly chasing the school’s single-season touchdown record of 21.
Abu Sama III (Jr.)
Abu Sama III heads into the 2025 season looking to build on his limited sophomore campaign and carve out an even bigger role in the Cyclones’ backfield. Known for his elite speed and home run hitting ability, Sama racked up several highlight-reel runs in 2024, showcasing why he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the Big 12. He rushed for 587 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 124 carries — averaging 4.7 yards per carry. His big-play ability was on full display in 2024, with five runs of 20+ yards and a career-long 77-yard touchdown that electrified the Cyclone offense. Sama also added 8 receptions for 58 yards out of the backfield. As a junior, he’s expected to complement Hansen’s power with his quickness and athleticism, giving the Cyclones a dangerous one-two punch in the run game.
Aiden Flora (R-Fr.)
Aiden Flora enters the 2025 season as one of Iowa State’s most intriguing offensive weapons, bringing versatility and athleticism to the Cyclones’ backfield and special teams. After redshirting in 2024 and seeing limited action, Flora flashed his potential in spot duty, rushing for 53 yards on 11 carries and scoring once. He will have some chances this year to impact games on special teams and in creative offensive packages for offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser. If he continues to develop and earns more touches, Flora has the skill set to become a dynamic playmaker and key contributor to Iowa State’s offense this fall.
Dylan Lee (R-Fr.)
Lee redshirted last season playing in two games, carrying the ball 11 times for 35 yards and one touchdown. He made one reception for seven yards. In his Cyclone debut against North Dakota, he had three carries for nine yards. He rushed eight times for 26 yards and scored his first career touchdown on a one-yard run against Arkansas State.
Easton Miller (R-So.)
Miller played in 13 games last year, primarily on special teams. He had two rushing attempts for seven yards against Baylor.
AJ Peterson (R-So.)
Peterson played in two games and saw action against Arkansas State and Baylor.
Additions
Ryver Peppers (Fr.)
Ryver Peppers has been one of the most interesting players in this talented running backs room this offseason. Peppers comes in as a true freshman this season and by all accounts has been a standout this offseason in spring ball and summer workouts. The 5’11, 190-pound was a three-star prospect in high school and was a top 15 player in the state of Missouri and a top 80 running back nationally. I expect him to get some run early this season.
Jayden Jackson (Fr.)
The true freshman out of Franklin High School in Franklin, Texas was a 3-star recruit by all recruiting outlets. The 5’11, 215 pound freshman rushed for over 8,000 yards in his high school career and is just the 13th player in Texas high school football to reach that mark.
Departures
Charlie Whelpley
Whelpley transferred to Southern Illinois University and did not see the field in 2024.
Season Outlook
This is a room that has some massive upside, returning talent, and major depth, which as we saw last season is always nice to have. This year the group is led by new running backs coach Jake Landry who is in his first year with the Cyclones after coming over from FCS National Champion North Dakota State, where he served as their running backs coach and offensive coordinator. The Cyclones have multiple guys capable of being an every down back in the Big 12, the question will be who will be the reliable back up to Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III.
Can the staff unlock Abu Sama III this year?
There’s no question that Abu Sama III is among the most talented running backs in college football, though his career so far has had its share of highs and lows. The Southeast Polk native burst onto the scene as a true freshman, racking up 614 yards and six touchdowns on just 84 carries — an impressive 7.3 yards per attempt. He etched his name into Iowa State history with one of the program’s greatest rushing performances, piling up 276 yards and three touchdowns in a snowy Farmageddon win over Kansas State. Sama also flashed his big-play ability at BYU, rushing for 110 yards and scoring twice on the road. With his explosiveness and knack for game-changing moments, he remains a key playmaker for the Cyclones heading into 2025.
Sama has the potential to be a star in Iowa State’s revamped offense, and he complements Carson Hansen’s power perfectly. If offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser can consistently get Sama into open space, that’s where he’s at his best — and where he can change games. We saw it last season: Sama is a dynamic open-field runner, capable of turning small creases into explosive plays. One area for improvement, is his patience and vision between the tackles; too often last year he bounced runs outside rather than trusting the interior running lanes. With another year of development, he should be better equipped to pick his spots and emerge as Iowa State’s true home-run threat out of the backfield. It would also benefit the Cyclones to utilize his speed in the passing game more often. Finding creative ways to get the ball in Sama’s hands will be crucial for an offense expected to lean heavily on its ground game and tight ends.
Can Carson Hansen build off last year’s success?
Carson Hansen established himself as one of the Big 12’s most dependable running backs during the second half of last season. Entering his junior year, the question now is whether he can continue to build off his strong sophomore campaign.
It’s hard to bet against him given the steady production he delivered as a sophomore, rushing for 752 yards and 13 touchdowns on 151 carries — with much of that success coming in the latter part of the season. Hansen also showed flashes as a receiver, adding 13 catches for 88 yards and adding two more scores out of the backfield.
Hansen might already be one of the most complete backs Iowa State has had in recent years, and the talent around him could help unlock even more of his potential in 2025. His blend of vision, power, and consistency — especially in short yardage and red zone situations — gives him a chance to emerge as one of the premier ball carriers in college football this fall.
We will have every position preview in the next two weeks right here on CycloneFanatic.com.
