Former Iowa State Runner at Center of Doping Controversy After Dominating D-III Championships

NCAA anti-doping policies under fire as protest erupts at Division III track meet

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract college track and field competition, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the controversy and divided perspectives surrounding the doping allegations.A protest over alleged doping allegations casts a shadow over a college track and field championship, exposing deeper issues with fairness in NCAA athletics.Today in Birmingham

A protest erupted at the NCAA Division III 5,000-meter championship race when the winner, former Iowa State runner Seth Clevenger, was announced. Other top finishers walked off the podium, sparking a growing controversy over Clevenger's alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs and the perceived weaknesses in the NCAA's anti-doping program.

Why it matters

The Clevenger case highlights longstanding criticisms of the NCAA's anti-doping efforts, which some say are inadequate to ensure a level playing field, especially with the rise of name, image and likeness opportunities that have increased the stakes for college athletes. The protest has gone viral, drawing attention to these issues as the NCAA hosts its marquee Final Four event.

The details

Clevenger, who transferred from Iowa State to Division III Rowan University this year, won NCAA indoor titles in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, setting meet records. However, he is alleged to have used a hard-to-detect peptide called BP-157 and the banned blood-booster EPO. While Clevenger has not tested positive, evidence has emerged online that appears to show he admitted to using BP-157 and that an order for EPO was placed through his email account. The NCAA's anti-doping program has long been criticized for its lack of out-of-competition testing and investigative capabilities, unlike the more robust system overseen by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

  • In October 2025, Clevenger ran a personal-best 8K time while competing for Iowa State, prompting the school to suspend him and several other athletes 'for breaking team rules.'
  • In March 2026, Clevenger won the NCAA Division III indoor titles in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters, setting meet records.

The players

Seth Clevenger

A former Iowa State runner who transferred to Division III Rowan University and is at the center of the doping controversy after dominating the NCAA Division III indoor track championships.

Jeremy Sudbery

The head coach of the Iowa State track and field team, who suspended Clevenger and several other athletes in October 2025 for 'breaking team rules.'

Shawn Tucker

The athletic director at Rowan University, who declined to comment on the Clevenger case specifically but said all Rowan student-athletes have been eligible to compete this academic year.

Travis Tygart

The CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, who criticized the NCAA's anti-doping program for lacking a robust investigative arm and undermining fairness in college sports.

Oliver Catlin

The president of the Anti-Doping Sciences Institute, who said the Clevenger case could have broader implications if ignored and send a 'horrendous message' through the college ranks.

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What they’re saying

“In the NIL era, failing to have a robust anti-doping program doesn't just invite doping into college athletics — it undermines fairness, the very heart of the game.”

— Travis Tygart, CEO, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency

“An effective anti-doping program can't just test -- it must also investigate. Without both, cheaters game the system and clean athletes may be falsely harmed on just suspicion, not evidence.”

— Travis Tygart, CEO, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency

“There's got to be due process. You've got to protect the athletes to one degree. And, from the NCAA's perspective, you have to protect your sports environment. And based on this case, it certainly doesn't sound like that's happening.”

— Oliver Catlin, President, Anti-Doping Sciences Institute

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.