Iowa State running back Jayden Jackson is no longer with the Cyclones, per Cyclone Report (247Sports). 

Jackson posted “goodbye cyclones” on his Instagram story and changed his profile picture and bio on the evening of May 3. 

This follows an online controversy with On3 reporter Bill Seals, who made a tweet after Iowa State’s Spring Showcase that stated, “Iowa State was forced to rely on Jayden Jackson,” because of injuries to Iowa State’s backfield. 

Jackson responded to the tweet, stating “hm… alright.”

Jackson impressed despite being buried in the Cyclones’ depth chart headed into the showcase. During the simulated game, he broke off a 79-yard run and got more of a workload as the day went on.

On a drive led by quarterback redshirt sophomore Zane Flores, Jackson proved to be a threat in the backfield, catching three straight passes for gains.

Offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl said Jackson didn’t play much in spring and was happy to see him succeed on the biggest stage.

He was slated to play behind redshirt sophomore Cameron Pettaway, junior Salahadin Allah and redshirt sophomore Aiden Flora. 

Jackson redshirted in his true freshman season last year for the Cyclones. He didn’t get a snap in 2025.

In high school, Jackson rushed for over 8,000 yards, the 13th player in Texas high school history to cross that mark and 114 rushing touchdowns. He was a three-star recruit in the class of 2025.