Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and several former Iowa State football players had huge hands in the performances of their teams.
The collection of ex-Cyclones in the NFL continues to grow, with several more added to rosters this season after having around a dozen consistently active last season. While the star-studded names like Brock Purdy, Breece Hall and David Montgomery continue to shine week after week, several others Iowa State fans will recognize are making significant impacts at the pro level too.
With that, here are a few ex-Cyclones who stood out in Week 1 of the NFL season.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers QB
Purdy and the 49ers got their rebound campaign going on the right foot, pulling out a tough 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks. The former Iowa State quarterback delivered a nice 2025 debut in the process.
Purdy finished 26-for-35 passing for 227 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also added five carries for 17 yards. Purdy’s two touchdown passes came as the game’s first and last scores, as the former Iowa State quarterback found George Kittle early and Jake Tonges late for the game-winner with 1:34 left. San Francisco will look to keep it rolling next week at New Orleans.
Breece Hall, New York Jets RB
Hall is one a few former Cyclones on the Jets, and he didn’t wait around to make an impact in Week 1.
The former Iowa State running back rushed for a game-high 107 yards on 19 carries, while also adding two catches for 38 yards in New York’s 34-32 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hall’s 33-yard reception was his splash play of the day. The Jets will look to get back on track in Week 2 against Buffalo.
Will McDonald IV, New York Jets DE
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers carved up the Jets in what was a resurgent showing, but McDonald and the Jets defense still got their shots in here and there.
The former Iowa State defensive end piled up three tackles with two sacks and three QB hits. After racking up 10.5 sacks during the 2024 season, McDonald is off to a good start in trying to repeat the same.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football: 3 former Cyclones who stood out in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season
Reporting by Dargan Southard, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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