Iowa State All-American RB Breece Hall declares for 2022 NFL Draft

Reports: Cyclones’ career leader in scoring, total touchdowns and rushing touchdowns will not participate in Cheez-It Bowl vs. Clemson

Rob Gray

Dec. 18, 2021 6:44 pm

Iowa State running back Breece Hall (28) carries the ball against TCU on Nov. 26 in Ames. (Associated Press)

Iowa State two-time consensus tailback Breece Hall faced a big decision after his team’s 48-14 post-Thanksgiving win over TCU.

Saturday afternoon, Hall announced that decision in an Instagram post.

“After much praying and discussion with loved ones, I have decided to forgo my remaining eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL Draft,” Hall wrote. “While this decision has not been easy, playing in the NFL has been a lifelong dream of mine. I know that Cyclone Nation will support me and this decision. I am excited and grateful for this next step in my life.”

Hall is ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s top-rated running back for the draft.

The Cyclones face No. 19 Clemson in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29; Hall did not specify in the Instagram post if his declaration included the bowl game.

Hall is the Cyclones all-time leader in scoring with 336 points. He also owns career marks in total touchdowns (56) and rushing touchdowns (50). The latter number ranks fourth all-time in Big 12 history.

The junior from Wichita, Kan., led the conference in rushing yards per game this season (122.7) and set a new NCAA FBS record by rushing for at least one touchdown in 24 consecutive games.

Hall’s 3,941 career rushing yards ranks second in program history behind fellow consensus two-time All-American Troy Davis’s total of 4,382. Both wore the No. 28. Both have left lasting legacies at Iowa State.

“Playing for Iowa State has been nothing short of a gift,” Hall said in the Instagram post. “The last three years, this team has defined five-star culture, and I could not be more grateful to be a part of that.”