Iowa State’s All-American Safety Decides Where He’s Transferring

On December 14 of last year, Isheem Young shocked Cyclone fans everywhere when he shared on social media that he'd be transferring.

During his first year in Ames, Young was the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2020 when he made 50 tackles, recorded two tackles for a loss, forced three fumbles, and brought in one interception. In 2021, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native racked up 55 tackles, forced two fumbles, and snagged two picks.

Players with that type of production early on in their football careers don't usually leave the programs where they've had so much success. Young didn't let that deter him from making his decision.

As he announced yesterday via Twitter, he'll be headed south and will be a part of the 2022 Ole Miss football squad with three years of eligibility remaining.

According to 247Sports, the former Freshman All-American was also considering Texas A&M and the University of Southern California.

It's believed his decision was swayed by the fact that he knows a couple players on the Rebels' roster. His prep career took place at Philadelphia Imhotep, where he and Ole Miss defensive lineman Taleeq Robbins were teammates. Young also knows Tysheem Johnson, who is from Philadelphia.

The 5-foor-10, 201-pound sophomore will enroll in spring classes and be a part of spring practice in Oxford, Mississippi. He will likely step in and play significant time for the Rebels right away next season. Ole Miss ranked 29th in team passing efficiency defense, tied for 46th in interceptions and were 68th nationally in passing yards allowed in 2021.

When Young committed to Iowa State out of high school in January of 2019, he chose the Cyclones over programs like Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and more.

In total, Iowa State had 16 players from its 2021-2022 roster enter the transfer portal -- get a look at some of the others who are still available here.