Two of the top recruits in the state of Iowa are officially staying in-state, as Algona seniors and future Iowa State Cyclones Alex Manske and Jack Limbaugh have made their commitments to the Cyclones football program official, signing their letters of intent Wednesday morning on early signing day.
Manske and Limbaugh originally made their announcements known in quick succession in the early months of 2024.
Manske, a four-star quarterback recruit, says the biggest factor in his decision was Iowa State’s ability to develop him both as a player and a person.
The Algona quarterback selected Iowa State over the likes of Iowa, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, who also extended scholarship offers to the elite 11 finalist.
Limbaugh, the three-star edge rusher, felt the Cyclone coaching staff was very transparent with him during the whole recruiting process.
Limbaugh picked the Cyclones over competing offers from the likes of Northwestern, Duke, Iowa, and Kansas.
Limbaugh and Manske join an Iowa State program that is in the midst of their first 10 win season in program history. The Cyclones face Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday, with a chance to punch their ticket to the college football playoff. Limbaugh envisions helping the Cyclones reach the playoff in the future.
Manske attributes the current success of the Iowa State program to the culture, and Head Coach Matt Campbell’s ability to bring in the right people.
In spite of suffering a season-ending torn UCL partway through the season, Manske earned a first team all-state selection from the Iowa Football Coaches Association. According to Manske, he will enroll at Iowa State this winter as he continues the rehab process.
Limbaugh, who also earned a first team all-state selection this season from the IFCA, plans to finish the school year at Algona competing on the wresting and track teams before heading to Ames.
Limbaugh finished his final season with the Algona football program with 42.5 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, and says the most exciting part of committing to Iowa State is going to be fulfilling the dream of running out onto the field at Jack Trice Stadium.
After finishing his injury-shortened senior season with 18 touchdowns and zero interceptions, to go along with 1456 yards passing and 8 rushing scores in just seven games played, Manske says he is ready to get back to work.
