Former Oklahoma State quarterback, Zane Flores is headed to Iowa State - Could he be the starter for the Cyclones?
AMES, Iowa — Former Oklahoma State quarterback Zane Flores has committed to transfer to Iowa State.
The announcement came via Flores’ representatives, confirming his decision to join the Cyclones for the 2026 season.
This transfer marks a new chapter for the redshirt sophomore, who brings Big 12 experience to a program reeling from significant changes.
Flores, a 6-3, 215-pound signal-caller from Gretna, Nebraska, spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Cowboys.
As a highly touted recruit, ranked No. 89 in the 2023 clas, he showed flashes of potential but faced challenges in a tumultuous 2025 campaign.
In 2025, Flores appeared in games for Oklahoma State, throwing for 1,490 yards with 3 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
He started eight contests, completing passes at a rate that highlighted his arm strength but also exposed inconsistencies, particularly in decision-making under pressure.
His career stats at OSU reflect a player still developing. Over his time there, he accumulated those same totals, as limited playing time in his freshman year kept him on the sidelines.
Prior to college, Flores shone in high school, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Nebraska with 3,117 passing yards and 31 touchdowns in his senior season.
The timing of Flores’ arrival couldn’t be more pivotal for Iowa State. The Cyclones are navigating a mass exodus following the departure of longtime head coach Matt Campbell, who left for Penn State on December 8, 2025.
Campbell’s move triggered a wave of transfers, with at least 20 former Iowa State players, including star quarterback Rocco Becht, following him to Happy Valley.
This group encompasses key starters across offense and defense, decimating the roster and leaving new head coach Jimmy Rogers with the task of rebuilding quickly.
The loss of Becht, who led Iowa State to a Big 12 title game appearance in 2024, created a glaring void at quarterback.
Under Rogers, Iowa State has aggressively targeted the portal to refill the depth chart. Flores enters a quarterback room headlined by Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor, who is projected as the 2026 starter based on his proven track record.
However, Flores’ familiarity with Big 12 defenses could position him for a starting role if he outperforms expectations in spring practices. Analysts view him as a solid backup option with upside, given his starting experience, albeit in a 1-11 Oklahoma State season.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Flores has time to compete and potentially emerge as the long-term answer.
This transfer not only bolsters Iowa State’s quarterback competition but also highlights the portal’s role in program turnarounds.
As the Cyclones aim to rebound from the Campbell era’s abrupt end, Flores’ addition injects optimism.
Whether he starts or supports, his journey from Cowboy to Cyclone could be a key storyline in the 2026 Big 12 race.