The Iowa State Cyclones are dealing with a kicking emergency, and it forced them into using an offensive lineman for kickoff duties on Saturday.
The Cyclones were already down to third-string kicker Chase Smith for Saturday’s game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Co. due to a series of injuries. Smith then came up limping on a kickoff in the first half and was unable to continue.
That forced the Cyclones to turn to their fourth-string kicker in the form of freshman offensive lineman Chase Rhodes. Rhodes, who stands 6’8″ and 310 pounds, had previous experience as a punter in high school.
6' 8" 310lb offensive lineman kicking off for Iowa State (and almost got the tackle) pic.twitter.com/2ItWJC2NLN
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 11, 2025
Rhodes did not unleash the greatest kickoff in the world, though it did make it just beyond the opposing 20-yard line. A good return wound up setting the Buffs up near midfield.
Believe it or not, this was Rhodes’ collegiate debut. He redshirted last season and had yet to see the field in 2025 until he was needed for kickoff duties. Presumably, he will not get the opportunity to try any extra points or field goals.
We have occasionally seen emergency kickers feature in NFL games before, but they are usually not offensive linemen. The sight of a 300-pound freshman taking kickoffs is not a sight that anyone who witnessed it is likely to forget anytime soon.
