Iowa State Cyclones Bolster Defensive Line Depth with Transfer Portal Additions
AMES – In a move to fortify their defensive line, the Iowa State football program has recently welcomed two new additions from the transfer portal. Tulsa defensive end Vontroy Malone and Yale defensive lineman Tamatoa McDonough have joined the Cyclones’ roster, bringing the total number of transfer portal signees to six this season.
Vontroy Malone, a 6-3, 240-pound redshirt junior from Lake Jackson, Texas, previously played for Tulsa, where he showcased his skills in 26 games. Malone recorded an impressive 50 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks during his tenure with the Hurricane. In 2024, he achieved career highs of 25 tackles, five for a loss, and two sacks, demonstrating his prowess on the field. Notably, Malone’s standout performance included a season-high six tackles, including a crucial sack, in a victory against bowl qualifier UTSA.
Tamatoa McDonough, a 6-5, 255-pound redshirt senior hailing from Asheville, N.C., was a formidable force on the defensive line for Yale. Over his four seasons with the Bulldogs, McDonough appeared in 28 games, amassing 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 9.5 sacks. In 2024, he emerged as a standout player in the Ivy League, finishing tied for first with 6.5 sacks and earning second team All-Ivy honors. McDonough’s exceptional season included 27 stops, eight tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles, highlighting his impact on the field. Notably, he delivered a stellar performance against league runner-up Harvard, contributing two tackles, a sack, and three quarterback hurries.
Iowa State 2025 Transfer Additions
Here is an inside look at the recent transfer additions that Iowa State has welcomed to its roster to boost its defensive line depth:
– Tre Bell – Defensive Back – 6-3, 191, Jr., Ballwin, Mo. (Parkway West/Lindenwood)
– Cannon Butler – Defensive Line – 6-6, 241, RSr., Waterloo, Iowa (Columbus/UNI)
– Chase Sowell – Wide Receiver – 6-4, 195, RJr., Humble, Texas (Atascocita/Colorado/East Carolina)
– Vontroy Malone – Defensive Line – 6-3, 240, RJr., Lake Jackson, Texas (Brazoswood/Tulsa)
– Tamatoa McDonough – Defensive Line – 6-5, 255, RSr., Asheville, N.C. (Asheville/Yale)
– Xavier Townsend – Wide Receiver – 5-11, 185, RJr., Tampa, Fla. (Berkeley/UCF)
These additions are poised to enhance the Cyclones’ defensive prowess and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season. With their experience, skill, and dedication, Malone and McDonough are set to make a lasting impact on the Iowa State football program.
