Kenny Dillingham’s assertion that “recruiting is dead, retention is alive” encapsulates a growing sentiment in college football, emphasizing the importance of player development and loyalty in the transfer portal era. While retention is undeniably crucial, this perspective doesn’t necessarily diminish the importance of recruiting for every program, especially one like Iowa State. For the Cyclones, success has been built on a robust foundation of excelling at both recruiting and retaining talent.Iowa State, under Matt Campbell, has consistently punched above its weight in recruiting. They’ve mastered the art of identifying undervalued prospects who fit their specific cultural and schematic needs,
