Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK

Iowa State Loses Highest-Ranked QB in Program History After Big 12 Championship Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 7:10 PM ET

The Iowa State Cyclones are likely still licking their wounds following Saturday's 45-19 blowout loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Big 12 title game, but things are somehow managing to get worse.

With the NCAA Transfer Portal officially open, teams across the country are beginning to see key contributors or players who they were hoping could make an impact in the future leave for greener pastures. Something that happened to Iowa State at the most important position in sports on Monday.

As revealed by 247Sports' Chris Hummer, Iowa State quarterback JJ Kohl has decided to transfer after joining the program as a four-star recruit in 2023. Kohl was a massive recruiting victory for Matt Campbell and company as the Iowa native was the highest-ranked quarterback recruit in program history, and the second-highest-ranked recruit in program history.

The 6-foot-7 signal caller didn't register a stat this season, and appeared in just one game. He departs Ames, having completed 9-of-11 passes for 23 yards, while also rushing for 32 career yards.

As a recruit, Kohl chose Iowa State over programs like Wisconsin, Iowa, Florida State and Auburn among others. He was also a member of the 2022 Elite 11 class.

It's unclear at this time what kind of market Kohl will command.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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