AMES – There were times last season where Iowa State football could’ve benefitted from having a consistent third target to complement Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Still, there were many instances where the dynamic duo showed that no matter how much attention opposing defenses gave them, they found a way to make a highlight-reel catch or break loose for a big play.
Advertisement
Iowa State was the only FBS-level team to have two 1,000-yard receivers last season. Higgins and Noel had similar stat lines and combined for 167 receptions, 2,377 yards and 17 touchdowns, accounting for more than 60% of the Cyclones’ production in each of those categories.
With those two chasing their NFL dreams as draft prospects, Iowa State is looking to retool its offense and develop new targets for quarterback Rocco Becht. The Cyclones added key transfers at wide receiver in Chase Sowell (East Carolina) and Xavier Townsend (UCF). But a boost from their tight ends would go a long way in 2025.
Iowa State had a large list of injuries last season. On the offensive side of the ball, the tight end group was one of the most injury-compromised, with Ben Brahmer, Tyler Moore and Cooper Alexander all sustaining major injuries.
As the Cyclones return to full-strength at that position, they are expecting big things from the experienced unit this fall.
Advertisement
More: Iowa State football: UCF transfer Xavier Townsend reconnects with Rocco Becht, Cyclones
“Thinking that room has the chance to be really, really special next year with the depth that we have,” said offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who was pleased to report that the Cyclones’ tight ends are all healthy and participating in spring football. “… All those guys are probably as big and fast as they have been.
“The benefit or the silver lining with those guys being hurt is they were able to spend a lot of time with (strength and conditioning) coach (Reid) Kagy. Those guys are pros. They had the highest GPA on the team again, so no big deal there. Those guys do everything the right way and they’re a blast to be around.”
Tight end Gabe Burkle was one of the lucky few to avoid the injury bug last season. Known for his abilities as a run blocker and contributor on special teams, he stepped into a bigger role as a redshirt sophomore as the season unfolded. While Noel and Higgins garnered a vast majority of targets, he was the Cyclones’ third-highest producer in the receiving game last year, with 26 receptions for 296 yards and a touchdown.
Advertisement
His scoring play came during the 42-41 win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. It was the first touchdown of Burkle’s career and he hopes to continue building upward.
More: Iowa State football: Cyclones’ offense shines in Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Miami
“I’ve watched a lot of film trying to pick apart my game, find areas that I need to get better on and work on them in spring ball and fall camp,” Burkle said. “All the snaps I played, all the experience that I gained just helps with confidence and helps with recognizing defenses.”
Iowa State tight end Gabe Burkle took on a larger role last season after several TEs were out with injuries. He’s hoping to produce even more in 2025.
Brahmer, a freshman All-American in 2023, will also be a key tight end to watch. He had 10 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown before going down with an undisclosed lower-body injury in the Oct. 19 win over UCF. Brahmer returned and played a few snaps during the Big 12 title game loss to Arizona State but was limited.
Advertisement
Moore and Alexander weren’t as fortunate enough to make a return. Moore sustained a season-ending knee injury in the Nov. 9 loss to Kansas. Alexander, who was expected to see solid playing time as a freshman, was sidelined after the season-opening win against North Dakota.
The Cyclones also retained Tripp Walsh, a preferred walk-on tight end who appeared in 13 games on offense and special teams last year.
“I think our (tight end) room could be one of the best rooms in the conference, one of the best in the nation,” Moore said. “I think we got a lot of guys with a lot of different skill sets that go really well together. I think we can all play on the field at once, all play on the field separately. I think we just mesh really well together on and off the field.”
They’re excited to showcase their talents this season. Until then, they’re working to hone their skills and are hopeful for better injury luck in 2025. Their on-field experience and veteran presence in the locker room will make them a key group to lean on.
Advertisement
“Collectively, that group getting healthy and coming back, we feel really strong about what that room’s got the opportunity to look like,” said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. “I guess if it’s underrated, that’s fine with us, but I think it’s got a chance to be one of the great rooms in college football next year and honestly, as good as we’ve ever been in that room to be honest.”
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football: High expectations for Cyclones veteran tight ends
