Iowa State football coach Jimmy Rogers has his first commit since arriving in Ames.
Malcolm Watkins, who originally committed to Washington State, is flipping to Iowa State and following Rogers to join the Cyclones, he confirmed to the Register. Watkins is a three-star athlete in the class of 2026, according to 247 Sports.
“I believe coach Rogers is a good coach,” Watkins told the Register. “They wanted me to come with, so I took the opportunity to play higher-level football and really display what I do.”
The Bakersfield, California, native also had offers from San Diego State, Fresno State, Oregon State, California, Nevada, San Jose State, UNLV and Sacramento State.
During his senior season at Frontier High School, he recorded 46 receptions for 768 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had eight carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. As a defensive back, he had 27 tackles and three pass breakups.
“A real ball player,” Watkins said of what fans can expect from him. “Someone that will make plays and is a game-changer. I don’t really talk too much. People are just going to have to see.”
As of Dec. 15, the Cyclones still have 10 other scholarship commits and four preferred walk-ons remaining in Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class after Matt Campbell’s departure. Some former signees have flipped to Penn State, while others have reopened their recruiting processes.
Iowa State football 2026 commitments
As of Dec. 15
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football lands 3-star 2026 commit Malcolm Watkins
Reporting by Eugene Rapay, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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