Iowa State Center Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal

Crooks' decision reflects broader shifts in college athletics as players prioritize opportunity over loyalty

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the abstracted forms of basketball players in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Crooks' transfer decision reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics, where players increasingly prioritize their own growth and opportunities over institutional loyalty.State Center Today

Audi Crooks, Iowa State's star center and a three-time All-Big 12 selection, has announced her intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This move, while not entirely surprising, highlights the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes are increasingly treating their careers as stepping stones rather than endpoints.

Why it matters

Crooks' decision is symptomatic of the broader professionalization of college athletics, with the rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal giving players unprecedented agency in their career decisions. This shift raises questions about the long-term stability of college programs and the meaning of loyalty in the modern era of college sports.

The details

Crooks, who averaged 25.8 points per game last season, is leaving Iowa State after the Cyclones' disappointing first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament. Her teammate, Jada Williams, also entered the portal shortly after the season ended, suggesting deeper issues within the program. Crooks' comments about prioritizing mental health and supporting her teammates indicate that her decision may be as much about seeking a better environment as it is about basketball success.

  • Crooks entered the NCAA transfer portal in April 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
  • The Cyclones lost in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Audi Crooks

A three-time All-Big 12 selection and star center for the Iowa State Cyclones, who averaged 25.8 points per game last season.

Jada Williams

Crooks' teammate at Iowa State, who also entered the transfer portal shortly after the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.