A coaching change at Northern Colorado continues to benefit Iowa State wrestling, with the Cyclones securing the commitment of transfer Vinny Zerban on June 16.
The rising senior was an NCAA All-American at 157 pounds in 2025, placing sixth. Zerban is a three-time NCAA qualifier, reaching the round of 12 as a redshirt freshman and going 1-2 at the NCAA Championships as a redshirt sophomore. As a junior, he was 22-7 on the year, reaching the podium at NCAAs for the first time and winning a Big 12 championship.
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Zerban is the Cyclones’ second transfer portal addition from Northern Colorado this offseason, joining 125-pound senior Stevo Poulin, who committed to Iowa State on June 13. Poulin and Zerban were able to make the late move despite the transfer portal being closed because Northern Colorado coach Troy Nickerson took a new job at Army. NCAA rules allow athletes to enter the portal for 30 days after a coaching change.
Zerban fills what could be seen as a need at 157 pounds following the transfer of Cody Chittum. Presumably, junior Paniro Johnson could have been an option after wrestling in a couple of duals at 157, but Zerban is more of a proven commodity at the weight. At a minimum, this addition gives Iowa State more flexibility across the lineup. Given the roster’s plethora of injuries last year, increased depth could help prevent that from tanking the 2025-26 season.
Zerban is one of seven NCAA All-Americans on the ISU roster next year, including Rocky Elam, Stevo Poulin, Anthony Echemendia, Yonger Bastida, as well as Evan and Jacob Frost.
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Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State wrestling adds All-American transfer Vinny Zerban