Iowa State Football Staffers Placed Over 6,200 Bets Between 2021-23: Report

Iowa State football is in the headlines for gambling again, as the NCAA has disciplined five current or former Cyclones support staff members for violating sports gambling policies.

According to a report from ESPN, the individuals collectively placed more than 6,200 online bets totaling over $100,000 between 2021 and 2023. The wagers included various professional and collegiate games, including Iowa State men’s and women’s basketball.

The staffers involved are Jace Heacock, Chase Clark, Michael Dryer, Kyle Highland, and Mason Williams.

In a negotiated resolution finalized last week, all five acknowledged knowingly violating NCAA sports wagering bylaws. As a result, each received a one-year show-cause order effective through April 24, 2026.

If any of them are hired by another NCAA institution during that period, they’ll be required to attend an NCAA Regional Rules Seminar at their own expense and serve a two-week suspension.

Notably, Jace Heacock—son of defensive coordinator Jon Heacock—served as a graduate assistant in 2021 and 2022 before being rehired as Director of Football Analytics on April 24. He was found to have placed 787 bets totaling approximately $55,359.

Chase Clark, the former assistant director of football equipment operations, placed 2,305 bets amounting to about $18,676, including 46 bets on Iowa State basketball games.

The remaining staffers—Dryer, Highland, and Williams—each placed hundreds of bets, with totals ranging from $6,365 to $11,679. Their current roles include working in sporting goods sales or holding positions at Army and Valparaiso.

These violations were uncovered during an exhaustive investigation into sports wagering activity within campus athletic facilities. While no criminal charges have been filed, the NCAA has classified the infractions as Level II violations, which represent significant breaches that could compromise the integrity of collegiate athletics.

This latest development adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Iowa State’s athletic programs, which have faced prior allegations related to sports betting. As of now, the university’s athletic department has declined to comment on the disciplinary actions.