Completed Event: Football versus #17 Kansas State on August 23, 2025 , Win , 24, to, 21
Final
Football
24
#17 Kansas State
21
Iowa State University Athletics
Football
Collins, Shawn
Shawn Collins
- Title:
- Quality Control/Defensive Pass Game
- Email:
- scoll1@iastate.edu
- Phone:
- 515-294-6721
Shawn Collins is in his third season as quality control for the defensive pass game for the Iowa State football program.
The 2024 Cyclone squad rewrote the record books with an 11-3 season, the first double-digit win season in program history. The Cyclones reached the Big 12 Championship game and went on to win the Pop-Tarts Bowl with a win over Miami.
The Iowa State defense allowed just 22.9 points in 2024 and pitched the first conference road game shutout since 1971 when it blanked Houston. ISU's pass defense was stout, intercepting 15 passes and leading the nation allowing just 165.6 passing yards per game. ISU is one of just six teams nationally with 15 or more interceptions in each of the last two seasons.
Five Cyclone defensive backs earned All-Big 12 recognition from the league's coaches, including Malik Verdon and Jontez Williams on the All-Big 12 Second Team.
In his first season with the program, Iowa State returned to the Liberty Bowl thanks in part to a strong defensive unit. The Cyclone defense ranked among the top three in scoring defense (third, 22.8), total defense (second, 363.2), and rushing defense (second, 134.2), while also ranking among the top-half of the league in passing defense (sixth, 228.9).
Iowa State finished 10th nationally with 16 interceptions. Cornerback T.J. Tampa earned All-Big 12 and All-American honors, while Cooper and fellow safety Beau Freyler were also All-Big 12.
Collins joined the Cyclones after stints as a defensive graduate assistant at Wisconsin (2022) and an assistant coach at his alma mater, Mount Union (2016-21).
As an assistant at Mount Union, the South Elgin, Illinois, native coached multiple positions on both sides of the ball, including running backs, outside linebackers and tight ends. He also assisted with special teams.
While on the staff at Mount Union, the Raiders won the national championship in 2017 and were runner-up in 2018.
Collins was a defensive back for the Raiders from 2012-15, posted a 58-2 record and won national championships in 2012 and 2015.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology. Collins also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2019.
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