Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer gave fans quite a scare this weekend after collapsing on the field following a brutal hit to the head and neck area during the Cyclones’ game against Arizona State.
The frightening moment unfolded shortly after Brahmer took a hard tackle from the side. As he tried to make his way back toward the sideline, he suddenly stumbled and collapsed to the turf. Medical staff immediately rushed to his side as players from both teams took a knee in concern.
For several tense minutes, Brahmer lay motionless while trainers tended to him. He was eventually placed on a cart and taken off the field for further evaluation at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Thankfully, officials later confirmed that Brahmer was discharged after precautionary tests.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Oh my 😳
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) November 1, 2025
Keith Abney ll lays a clean hard hit.
Iowa State's player got up initally to walk but then collapsed to the field.
Prayers up for Benjamin Brahmer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bPChzmXxJ7
Before leaving the field, Brahmer managed to give a reassuring thumbs-up to the crowd — a moment that drew loud cheers and sighs of relief from fans and teammates alike.
After the game, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said the early feedback on Brahmer’s condition was positive. “They took him to the hospital as a precaution,” Campbell told reporters. “It looks like everything’s going to be alright… Ben is as tough as they come, and if I know him, he’ll be back better than ever.”
Now in his third season with the Cyclones, Brahmer has been a consistent force on the field. The former Freshman All-America and two-time Big 12 Honorable Mention has 29 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns this season. Against Arizona State, he caught three passes for 48 yards and scored once before the injury.
Iowa State ultimately fell 24-19 to the Sun Devils, dropping to 5-4 on the season and 2-4 in conference play — but for Cyclones fans, the biggest win of the day was seeing Brahmer give that thumbs-up on his way off the field.