AMES – The Oxford Dictionary defines a leader as “the person who leads or commands a group, organization or country.” One man on the Iowa State football roster who fits that description perfectly is Beau Freyler.
Now in his senior year, Freyler has seen the Cyclones at their lowest and highest points throughout his four seasons. In two of those seasons, he has been a team captain – not just for his fellow defensive backs – but for the team as a whole.
“The biggest thing was growing through adversity,” Freyler said. “Being able to lead through the bad times was a big thing of growth and maturity for me.”
Recruited out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Freyler had offers to play football at other high-level institutions, including Nebraska, Michigan State, Arizona and Wisconsin. In the end, Iowa State was where he decided to write the next chapter of his football career.
Deciding where to go to college is always a big decision, and even more so when deciding where to play football. Now in the last year of his collegiate career, Freyler has embraced what it means to be a Cyclone.
“It means a lot,” Freyler said. “Just embracing the culture, the community, the people. I love it here, and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else these past four years.”
When he first got to Iowa State, Freyler made a strong impact as a freshman in 2021. He played in all 13 games and recorded 41 tackles. 15 of those were in his first career start – the Cheez-it Bowl against Clemson.
That season, and as a sophomore, Freyler was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12. In his sophomore season, he played and started in 11 games and finished second on the team with 68 total tackles, a significant increase even with fewer games played.
With his stellar play in his first two seasons, a captain position awaited Freyler in his junior year.
“That title means a lot to me, and I hold it with a lot of pride,” Freyler said. “First, you have to hold yourself to a high standard. Then, hold others to that same standard.”
Now as an experienced upperclassman, a leadership role was given to him. Freyler started all 13 games and became the first Cyclone to surpass 100 tackles since 2017 with 107.
In nine of those 13 games, Freyler led the team in total tackles. In five of those games, he had 10 or more. Freyler’s production led to a Second Team All-Big 12 honor.
“Nobody has meant more to the team, and nobody has been a greater rallying point for our program than what [Freyler] has done over the course of the last four years,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said.
But to Freyler, the awards and accolades are nice, but they aren’t everything. Seeing the younger players step up into bigger roles is what he enjoys most about being a part of Iowa State football.
Specifically, the linebacker room has been the one that has needed a leader, given the number of injuries that have plagued the group and the number of young players who have had to step up.
“It’s inspiring seeing those guys take advantage of their opportunities,” Freyler said. “It inspires me to improve and get better and rally around them. I’m just really proud of those guys.”
However, Freyler and the defensive backs have proven to be the strongest part of the defense. Helping the younger players however he can, no matter the position, is what Freyler loves the most, but they can teach a thing or two themselves.
Though he is a defensive back, Freyler is one who can act as a linebacker. He can drop back or be up near the ball, which showcases his abilities.
“He’s just had this unbelievable, uncanny ability to bring his best every single day,” Campbell said. “He’s been a staple of why we have been able to grow over the last four years.”
Freyler has been everywhere on this defense in 2024. Through the first seven games of the season, he has recorded 42 tackles and two interceptions.
Being able to do those things is exactly how he has helped the defense grow and thrive. The defensive back room at Iowa State is one of the most important on the team, and Freyler has seen it grow throughout his time in Ames and has had a hand in it too.
Not only has Freyler been a bright spot in the secondary, but 14 defensive backs have recorded at least one tackle at the midway point of the 2024-25 season. Many in the room attribute the group’s success back to Freyler’s leadership.
“It all comes down to my preparation,” Freyler said. “I think I’ve grown a lot in my process.”
His quality play is the product of his leadership. With that comes a work ethic and knowing that there is a job at hand. However, a bit of fun is needed from time to time in order to build relationships and keep things light.
There are quite a few personalities among the Cyclones, and Freyler’s teammates have seen him come through away from the game.
“He brings the energy,” defensive back Jontez Williams said. “The joy, the excitement, he just brings everything. Feeding off of him is what gets us going and every time he’s up, [we’re] up.”
Balance is what it takes to be a leader. Freyler has demonstrated that time and time again. Campbell has high praise for Freyler based on those qualities.
“[Freyler] should be the head football coach here,” Campbell said. “He is one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever seen and ever witnessed. And that’s not just rah-rah, that’s who he is and how he carries himself every day. It’s really impressive.”
Campbell likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but the praise he gives to Freyler and what they have done for each other has ushered in the brightest spot in Iowa State football history.
“He’ll be one of the all-time greats that we’ve ever had,” Campbell said.
