After spending the last season at Iowa Western Community College, former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, pivoting from his troubled past to reclaim his position as a future NFL star.
Dekkers, who was once seen as the next big thing for Iowa football, had his career plagued by the now-infamous gambling scandal of 2021. During his time at Iowa State from 2020 to 2022, he placed 26 bets on Iowa State athletics, which includes football and led to his dismissal from the team. Alongside other athletes, Dekkers pleaded guilty to underage gambling, which escalated the scrutiny surrounding college athletics.
Enrolling at Iowa Western Community College seems to be Dekkers’ strategic move to get back on track. During his season with the Reivers, he notched impressive stats, throwing for 3,825 yards and 32 touchdowns—stirring interest from NFL scouts. “I decided going to JUCO was the best route to continue to play football and try to get to the next level,” Dekkers shared with ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. His strong performance not only showcased his skills but solidified his drive to succeed beyond his prior setbacks.
With his eye set on the Hula Bowl, one of the premier college all-star games, excitement is brewing among fans and scouts alike. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported nearly a dozen NFL scouts visited Council Bluffs during the season to evaluate Dekkers, reinforcing the notion of his potential. He emerges as one of the interesting stories for the upcoming draft, considering the trials he has faced.
The fallout from Dekkers’ gambling charges has been nothing short of significant, prompting serious reflections on his young decisions. He admitted, "I was just a stupid kid who made a stupid decision," as quoted by The Des Moines Register, acknowledging the impact of his actions. Acknowledgment of his mistakes seems to resonate with growth and determination to advance.
Despite these challenges, Dekkers’ but strong performance during the 2024 season led to his recognition as one of the top prospects. This season capped off with Iowa Western ending with an 11-2 record, losing only the Division 1 NJCAA championship game, reinforcing Dekkers’ value as both leader and player.
While at Iowa State, Dekkers had served as backup to star quarterback Brock Purdy, and when he was finally the starter, he recorded 3,044 yards with 19 touchdowns. His abilities seem to shine brighter now as he moves on from the past turmoil.
Participation in the Hula Bowl may serve as the perfect platform to prove his readiness and determination to move beyond his tumultuous past. Dekkers, who has shown resilience throughout his collegiate career, seems poised to take this next step with vigor. Through hard work and dedication, Dekkers adds another chapter to his narrative of redemption from collegiate athlete to NFL hopeful. With the Hula Bowl approaching, all eyes will undoubtedly be on him as he showcases his skills among fellow top prospects.
From dealing with the consequences of his previous actions to taking significant steps toward reviving his football career, Hunter Dekkers is determined to transform his ambitions and demonstrate his talent on the national stage. With the support of NFL scouts and opportunities presenting themselves, Dekkers' story is one of second chances, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Fans and analysts alike await how this former Cyclone will fare as he takes another shot at the game he loves, marking him as one to watch during the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.