Iowa

Go Iowa Awesome – Iowa Gambling Investigation, DCI Rocked By Allegations of Illegal Searches

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Go Iowa Awesome – Iowa Gambling Investigation, DCI Rocked By Allegations of Illegal Searches

For months, Iowa and Iowa State fans alike have wondered precisely why athletes from their respective universities were the subjects of a targeted sports wagering investigation — especially when the state of Iowa has been less than forthcoming on details of the investigation in the aftermath.

According to allegations made Monday and Tuesday by defense attorneys for some of the affected athletes, even agents at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) were left wondering the same question after they were misled about who was being investigated.

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Tuesday, attorney Christopher Sandy of Sandy Law Firm (representing ISU wrestler Paniro Johnson) filed a discovery motion after sworn deposition by agent Mark Ludwick that agents were told they were investigating sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, not student-athletes, before charges were then handed down anyway.

According to Sandy’s motion, former Iowa State football player Isaiah Lee was informed by agents “that the focus of DCI’s investigation was solely on online gaming operators and that no adverse or criminal consequence would be forthcoming, and thereby secured Mr. Lee’s statements regarding his online gaming activities.”

Agent Ludwick testified that he was then congratulated on securing a confession, and he subsequently told his superiors that he would not continue to participate in the investigation after realizing its true targets. Ludwick also testified that “numerous” other agents joined his refusal, according to the deposition.

Sandy’s motion comes on the heels of a separate motion filed Monday by attorney Van Plumb, who represents former ISU football players Lee and Eyioma Uwazurike, alleging that DCI agent Brian Sanger had no cause to begin the investigations and that he used “geofencing” searches to target the players without a warrant.

*A “geofence” is a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographic area; in this instance it’s used as part of a law enforcement surveillance tool to monitor internet gambling activity.

According to Plumb’s motion, Sanger sought an investigation without probable cause against any student-athletes and used a geofencing tool without a warrant and outside its authorized use to target athletes.

Both Sandy and Plumb filed motions for discovery, essentially asking the state for more documentation of the investigation. That includes the reports of gambling activity that were the alleged basis of the complaints; according to Plumb’s motion, the state has told him that no such reports exist before May 2023, when the investigation began.

ANALYSIS

This is, to put it bluntly, a bombshell.

If the allegations in either motion are true, they would represent a massive violation of the student-athletes’ privacy, and it should end the investigation immediately and permanently. Not only the integrity of the investigation but the integrity of the DCI itself has been placed in direct question by one of its own agents.

The gambling investigation has simply never passed the smell test, and the state of Iowa has done little to provide information necessary to assuage fears of misconduct — especially after an infamously vague show of “whole-hearted” support for the investigation by Iowa governor Kim Reynolds at a news conference on October 25, 2023.

“[DCI agents] did their job,” Reynolds said. “They received inquiries about an issue, and they do what they do; they responded to that, and I think they were surprised at some of the results they found. They don’t check in with me, but I support whole-heartedly the department and the decisions that were made.”

As of Tuesday, Iowa remains the only state out of 50 that has undertaken such an investigation, for reasons that Sanger testified he couldn’t remember and Reynolds would only characterize as “inquiries about an issue.”

Student-athletes are prohibited from gambling by NCAA rules, and the need for safeguards around gambling is self-evidently obvious, for numerous reasons. Similarly, “geofencing” as a technology is necessary for internet gambling, in order to ensure that bets are being made in the states where it’s legal, through a casino operating there.

This use of the technology, though, is a gross perversion of the task of regulating the casinos.

Casinos already monitor incoming wagers for signs of game-fixing, with algorithms of impossible complexity. That automated surveillance is how authorities discovered the other huge college gambling story of 2023, when Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was caught tipping bettors at casinos; that activity resulted in his immediate firing.

Meanwhile, there were no Iowa or Iowa State games ever taken off any casinos’ boards for irregular gambling, nor any bets by charged players cited by investigators as part of other fixed games.

With every update that comes from this case, it’s harder and harder to see it as anything but a hit job. Sanger, who’s already lined up for speaking arrangements on “a case study on Sports Betting Fraud,” has instead apparently created a case study on railroading athletes for “crimes” that are about as severe as sharing a Netflix password.

Blame the kids for gambling all you’d like. It’s the “adults” in charge who made this mess.

Iowa’s athletic department suffered several high-profile losses of eligibility as a result of the investigation, as did Iowa State’s. The Hawkeye football team’s most notably affected player was sixth-year DT Noah Shannon, who was found to have wagered a small amount of money on Iowa’s women’s basketball team the previous season.

Shannon was suspended indefinitely, then for the season; the NCAA then floated the possibility of allowing Shannon to have his eligibility restored late in the season before “reducing” the gambling penalty to a year of eligibility. That punishment was effectively permanent for Shannon, whose only time on the field for the Hawkeyes would be his Senior Day introduction.

All told, 15 athletes from Iowa and Iowa State were charged in the investigation. According to defense attorneys, no other university was targeted, in or out of the state of Iowa, and no female athletes were targeted either.

Iowa and Iowa State are the only FBS-level athletic programs in the state.

Iowa State wrestling head coach Kevin Dresser, who also had several athletes lose eligibility as a result of the state’s investigation, addressed the updates at an availability Tuesday, and he all but predicted large settlements from the State of Iowa to the affected athletes from both schools.

“I knew from Day 1 when my athletes called me that morning in early May, I knew this thing was a mess,” Dresser said. “I knew it was mismanaged, and I knew it was mishandled, and I’m glad it’s coming to light now. I hope all these athletes at Iowa and Iowa State take the State of Iowa to the cleaners. I hope they do.”

“There’s people in Des Moines that need to answer some questions,” Dresser continued, referring to the DCI. “If they’re going to pin it on one guy, I don’t know if I believe that; I think more people need to take responsibility. I’m glad that it came to light, I’m glad these kids are going to get some justice, and y’know, there’s going to be some checks written. Probably big checks.”

Dresser’s counterpart at Iowa, head wrestling coach Tom Brands, has a scheduled availability with the media Wednesday afternoon. His nephew Nelson Brands was one of four Iowa wrestlers who lost eligibility as a result of the controversial investigation, ending Nelson’s career before his senior season could begin.

Assuming Agent Ludwick’s sworn testimony is true, the most ethical thing the State of Iowa can do at this point is stop. Drop charges and start issuing apologies, ones with zeroes attached. And if the athletes’ rights were violated as alleged, nobody with knowledge of the plan should conduct another investigation with people’s livelihoods on the line.

That would be a good first step in the right direction.

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Iowa

Former TJ Otzelberger Assistant From UNLV Would Be Perfect for Iowa State

Published

7 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Former TJ Otzelberger Assistant From UNLV Would Be Perfect for Iowa State

Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger knew that his program was in for a busy offseason.

Before any moves were made with the roster, whether it be players entering the transfer portal or declaring for the NBA draft, Otzelberger knew that he would have five seniors who would have to be replaced on the roster.

In addition to player needs, the head coach needs to replenish his coaching staff. Two of his assistants, JR Blount and Kyle Green, were hired as head coaches. Blount is heading to the San Diego Toreros, and Green was brought back for a fourth stint with the Northern Iowa Panthers.

Both were integral parts of the team’s success, with Blount being a leader on the recruiting front and Green being an architect behind the team’s defense. Who could Otzelberger turn to as a replacement?

Tim Buckley is great option for Iowa State coaching staff

Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones mascot during a timeout against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half at T-Mobile Center. | William Purnell-Imagn Images

One person who would make a lot of sense as a candidate is Tim Buckley. Most recently, he was on staff with the Cincinnati Bearcats, but with their head coaching change of Wes Miller to Jerrod Calhoun, Buckley is back on the market.

He is someone with whom Otzelberger has familiarity, which could play a big role in the evaluation process when candidates are interviewing. The two worked together with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels from 2019-21, the position which Otzelberger held before Iowa State.

Buckley could help replace some of what Green’s departure is being lost with the defensive game plan.

“Buckley seems to have a defensive background, and he was described as being “old school” to Cyclone Alert by one source close to the Bearcat program,” wrote Alec Busse of Cyclone Report, part of the 247Sports Network (subscription required).

Familiarty, defense are biggest assets Buckley provides

Mar 26, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger speaks ahead of the Midwest regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

He also has some experience working in the Midwest. Buckley spent one campaign in 2007-08 with the Marquette Golden Eagles and worked with the Wisconsin Badgers in the mid-1990s.

Since Otzelberger took over as head coach, the Cyclones have found a ton of success recruiting in Wisconsin. Buckley can help keep the pipeline active.

He would also bring an established relationship with Otzelberger and plenty of experience. Buckley has been on different sidelines as a coach for nearly 40 years and has been a head coach previously with Rockford and the Ball State Cardinals.

A bonus: Buckley knows the Big 12 landscape after working with Cincinnati the last two seasons. That is an underrated part of his resume, as he can help give some insight into how opponents game plan against Otzelberger and his team while bringing some new ideas to the table in how Iowa State can stop them.

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Iowa

When is the NFL draft? See prospect grades for Iowa, Iowa State players.

Published

19 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

When is the NFL draft? See prospect grades for Iowa, Iowa State players.

The 2026 NFL Combine has passed, Pro Days have wrapped up, and scouts and front‑office personnel from across the league are finishing their draft boards in preparation for April’s NFL Draft.

Here’s what to know about the 2026 NFL draft.

When is the 2026 NFL draft?

The 2026 NFL draft will begin with the first round on Thursday, April 23. Rounds 2 and 3 occur the following day, and the draft will conclude on its third day with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 25.

Where is the 2026 NFL draft?

Pittsburgh — home of the Steelers — will host the 2026 NFL draft.

How to watch the 2026 NFL draft

Live coverage of the NFL draft can be found on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and the NFL Network. Coverage is also available on NFL+, ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited and Fubo TV.

Thursday, April 23: Round 1 starts at 7 p.m. CT
Friday, April 24: Round 2 and Round 3 start at 6 p.m. CT
Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7 start at 11 a.m. CT

Watch the NFL Draft on ESPN+

How are NFL draft prospects graded?

Using NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein’s grading scale, players are evaluated based on their physical traits, on-field performance and projected role. Here’s how that scale breaks down.

8: Perfect prospect
7.3-7.5: Perennial All-Pro
7.0-7.1: Pro Bowl talent
6.7-6.9: Year 1 starter
6.5-6.6: Boom-or-bust potential
6.40-6.49: Will become a good starter within two years
6.30-6.39: Will eventually be plus starter
6.20-6.29: Will eventually be an average starter
6.10-6.19: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter
6.0-6.09: Traits or talent to be above-average backup
5.80-5.99: Average backup or special-teamer
5.60-5.69: Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad
5.50-5.59: Priority undrafted free agent

For context, the highest-graded player in the year’s entire draft class was former Ohio State linebacker/defensive end Arvell Reese, who earned a rating of 7.04. Reese ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the defensive end position, clocking a 4.46, and is considered a top-five draft pick after earning All-American and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors in 2025.

Similar to high school recruiting rankings, these evaluations aren’t an exact science. They’re projections, and players can ultimately exceed or fall short of them.

For example, before becoming a multiple-time Pro Bowler, George Kittle received a 5.90 grade. Similarly, former Iowa State Cyclones football quarterback Brock Purdy was given a 5.57 rating before outperforming that projection at the NFL level.

What Iowa football players are graded ahead of the 2026 NFL draft?

Here is a breakdown of the prospect grades for Iowa football players according to NFL.com. Combine data, including 40‑yard dash and vertical jump results, is listed where available, though not all 2026 draft‑eligible players were invited to or participated in the Combine.

Gennings Dunker, offensive line: 6.24 (Will eventually be an average starter) − Fifth out of 24 guards in highest prospect grade, according to NFL.com
- 40-yard dash: 5.18 seconds (20th out of 39 offensive linemen)
- Vertical jump: 32.5″ (tied 5th out of the 40 offensive linemen)
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.63 seconds (3rd out of 12 offensive linemen)
Logan Jones, center: 6.2 (Will eventually be an average starter)− Tied fourth out of 15 centers in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 4.90 seconds (1st out of 39 offensive linemen)
- 3-cone drill: 7.46 seconds (2nd out of 14 offensive linemen)
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.53 seconds (2nd out of 12 offensive linemen)

TJ Hall, defensive back: 5.98 (Average backup or special-teamer) − 16th out of 33 defensive backs in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds (14th out of 20 cornerbacks)
- Vertical jump: 36″ (12th out of the 23 cornerbacks)
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.19 seconds (2nd out of 5 cornerbacks)
Kaden Wetjen, wide receiver: 5.98 (Average backup or special-teamer) − 21st out of 55 wide receivers in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds (tied 15th out of 34 wide receivers)
- Vertical jump: 35.5″ (13th out of 30 wide receivers)
- 3 cone drill: 6.95 seconds (3rd out of 7 wide receivers)
Beau Stephens, offensive line: 5.97 (Average backup or special-teamer) − 10th out of 24 guards in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 5.35 seconds (27th out of 39 offensive linemen)
- Vertical jump: 28″ (tied 14th out of 40 offensive linemen)
- Broad jump: 8.6″ (15th out of 40 offensive linemen)
Max Llewellyn, defensive end: 5.97 (Average backup or special-teamer) − Tied 28th out of 41 defensive ends in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 4.81 seconds (15th out of 20 defensive ends)
- Vertical jump: 32.5″ (tied 12th out of 17 defensive ends)
- Broad jump: 9.7″ (tied 10th out of 16 defensive ends)
Drew Stevens, kicker: 5.81 (Average backup or special-teamer) − Tied second out of three kickers in prospect grade.
- No specialists (kicker, punter) participated in any measurable athletic drills during the NFL Combine.

Xavier Nwankpa, safety: 5.69 (Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad) − Tied 22nd out of 28 safeties in prospect grade.
- 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds (8th out of 14 safeties)
- 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds (tied 9th out of 14 safeties)
- Vertical jump: 37.5″ (6th out of 16 safeties)
Karson Sharar, linebacker: 5.68 (Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad)− Tied 24th out of 32 linebackers in prospect grade.
- Vertical jump: 40″ (tied 2nd out of 14 linebackers)
- 40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds (5th out of 12 linebackers)
- Broad jump: 10.3″ (5th out of 14 linebackers)

Which Iowa State football player is graded ahead of the 2026 NFL draft?

Out of the more than 350 players given a draft prospect grade by NFL.com, only one Cyclone was recognized among the prospects.

Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange was rated the fifth highest out of 34 defensive tackles with a prospect grade of 6.24 (will eventually be an average starter). The 2025 All-Big 12 third-team member is the 78th highest-rated player according to NFL.com.

The Kansas City native was invited to the 2026 NFL Draft Combine and appeared in Indianapolis to interview with teams, but opted not to participate in the on‑field drills. Most mock drafts have Orange projected as a Day 2 NFL draft pick.

Last year’s starting offensive linemen, James Neal III and Jim Bonifas, were among about a dozen former Cyclones who participated in Iowa State’s Pro Day on March 24 to raise their draft profiles or improve their chances of signing as undrafted free agents.

Northern Iowa also held its pro day on March 23, while Iowa hosted its on March 26, which featured all of the aforementioned players along with former Hawkeyes such as quarterback Mark Gronowski and defensive lineman Aaron Graves, all of whom worked out in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams.

Kadyn Proctor graded as a top NFL Draft prospect

NFL.com gave former Southeast Polk football star Kadyn Proctor a 6.45 prospect grade, claiming he “Will become a good starter within two years.” Proctor tied with former Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as the 10th-highest rated prospect, according to NFL.com.

ESPN projects the former Alabama offensive lineman to be drafted with the 24th pick by the Cleveland Browns. Proctor, a native of Des Moines, is fourth among all offensive lineman prospects according to USA TODAY.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

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Iowa

Iowa High School Boys Track And Field Leaders

Published

1 day ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

Iowa High School Boys Track And Field Leaders

We are still weeks away from the state track and field meet in Iowa, but high school athletes around the state are starting to get outdoors to post times and leave marks.

High School on SI previously posted the leaders in Iowa high school track and field for the girls, so now, we head over to the boys. Just like with that one, the numbers below are from the Bound website and up-to-date as of April 3, 2026.