Iowa State football's offensive woes deepen as star running back Abu Sama announces his transfer to the portal. With one year of eligibility remaining, Sama's departure leaves a significant void in the team's offensive lineup.
Sama, a Des Moines native and former standout at Southeast Polk High School, had a standout career with the Cyclones. In 2025, he rushed for a career-high 732 yards and five touchdowns on 140 carries, averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. This season, he further solidified his status as a key player with a season-high 177 yards and two touchdowns against Colorado in an October loss.
However, the loss of Sama is not the only setback for the Cyclones. Carson Hansen and Dylan Lee are also expected to join him in the transfer portal, leaving the team with limited returning starters and prominent players on the offensive side of the ball.
The team's top returning rusher, Aiden Flora, who primarily handled punt returns and special teams, recorded four carries for 58 yards and a touchdown last season. While Flora will be a valuable asset, his role is expected to shift primarily to special teams, further highlighting the depth issues the team faces.
As Eugene Rapay, the Des Moines Register's Iowa State athletics reporter, noted, the Cyclones' offensive struggles are a cause for concern. With key players leaving, the team faces a challenging task in rebuilding its offensive prowess for the 2026 season.
