NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Beau Freyler, DB – Iowa State
3.91 GPA – Kinesiology
Head Coach: Matt Campbell | Athletics Director: Jamie Pollard
Faculty Athletics Representative: Tim Day
Recipient of John H. McConnell Scholar-Athlete Award, Endowed by John H. McConnell
Described by head coach Matt Campbell as an unbelievable servant-leader, Beau Freyler has become known for his ability to inspire his team and leading by example. The Colorado Springs, Colorado, native now becomes the fifth NFF National Scholar-Athlete and the first since his teammate Charlie Kolar won the Campbell Trophy® in 2021.
Having maintained a near perfect 3.91 GPA as a kinesiology major, Freyler claimed CSC First Team Academic All-America honors in 2023, making him only the 10th player in school history to claim the honor and just the eighth to land First Team distinction. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and a two-time Academic All-Big 12 pick, Freyler has landed on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll six times. He is on pace to graduate in May 2025.
Earning Second Team AP All-Big 12 honors in 2023, Freyler recorded 107 tackles last season, making him the first Cyclone to eclipse 100 tackles in a season since 2017. Eight games into the 2024 season, his career totals include 258 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, 16 passes defended and one forced fumble.
A two-year captain, his efforts helped the Cyclones earn appearances in the 2023 Liberty Bowl and 2021 Cheez-It-Bowl. He landed All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in 2022 and 2021. Currently, the Cyclones stand tied atop the Big 12 Conference undefeated at 7-0, ranking No. 10 in the national polls.
Boasting the most community service hours among all Iowa State male student-athletes in 2023-24, Freyler claimed the Cyclone Serve Award. He spent time with underprivileged youth at Wildwood Hills Ranch, and he participated in a YSS Mentorship Program. He collected food and monetary donations for the CyCan food drive to feed the hungry, and he helped at Victory Day, which allows those with mental and physical needs to take the field at Jack Trice Stadium. He also participated in local hospital visits, Make-A-Wish fundraisers and Meals from the Heartland.
(All stats as of Oct. 23, 2024)
