Rob Gray

It’s broadly considered unlikely O’Rien Vance will hear his name called during the NFL Draft this week. But facing daunting odds has never slowed the former Iowa State standout linebacker’s progress in the past.

Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s Iowa State football spring game to contemplate before fall camp appears on the horizon.

Here are five things to watch as Iowa State puts a bow on spring football Saturday and prepares for the important summer strength and conditioning workouts to come.

The Iowa State women’s basketball team gained a commitment Thursday from 6-5 former Sacramento State post Isnelle Natabou.

Iowa State’s football team will take the field Saturday at roughly 10 a.m. for a spring “game” and perform drills for swaths of bundled-up Cyclone fans at Jack Trice Stadium for the first time since 2017.

Ashley Joens and David Carr were among the top award winners at the first annual Iowa State athletics red-carpet O.S.C.A.R.S event at Cy Stephens Auditorium.

The Iowa State offensive line emerged this spring bigger, stronger and smarter than ever before — and that serves as a testament to the synergy first-year offensive line coach Ryan Clanton and new strength and conditioning coach Reid Kagy have forged in a relatively short time.

Iowa State transfer linebacker Zach Lovett is intent to learn, adapt and produce accordingly — and he’s leaned on a valuable mentor in the process: former Cyclones standout O’Rien Vance.

Dallas Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb said on a Zoom call it’s unlikely Stephanie Soares’ rehabilitation will be complete before the season starts, so she’s a long-term investment. Ashley Joens will have to shine consistently when training camp begins on April 30.

It’s abundantly clear Iowa State men’s basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger has accomplished plenty in his first two seasons — and now he’ll have at least six more seasons to potentially add to his list of plaudits.

Iowa State needed help in backcourt after loss of Jaren Holmes and Gabe Kalscheur

Jirehl Brock was Iowa State’s top tailback last season before injuries ended his season; now he’s back at 90 percent and ready to lead the Cyclones.

Iowa State’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Ashley Joens enters the WNBA Draft with a “pro work ethic.”

Quarterback Hunter Dekkers leads the way in Iowa State’s program-wide quest for consistency as spring football snakes toward its midway point in advance of the April 22 spring game.

T.J. Tampa has been busy building a successful resume as an Iowa State cornerback. Now the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior is meticulously breaking it down.