In a game staged far from home, Iowa State wide receiver Brett Eskildsen made the most of his opportunity to shine.
During the Cyclones’ Week Zero clash against Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland, the sophomore hauled in his first career touchdown, a 24-yard fade from quarterback Rocco Becht.
What followed quickly went viral: Eskildsen broke into Conor McGregor‘s trademark strut, igniting cheers from the Aviva Stadium crowd and marking one of the weekend’s most memorable college football moments.
For Eskildsen, the touchdown was more than just six points, it was a breakthrough. Entering the matchup, the wideout had appeared in 24 games, recording only two receptions and three tackles.
Wearing the No. 81 jersey, he had primarily contributed in limited offensive roles. But on this international stage, his timing was perfect.
The touchdown came at a pivotal point in the contest. Kansas State had taken the lead earlier on Avery Johnson’s electrifying 78-yard touchdown run. Yet Eskildsen‘s score shifted momentum, putting the Cyclones on top, 14-7, as the game moved into the fourth quarter.
A McGregor tribute in Dublin
The celebration itself may be remembered as much as the touchdown. Channeling Ireland‘s biggest sports star, Eskildsen walked the end zone with McGregor‘s iconic strut, drawing a roar from the Irish crowd.
In the land where McGregor built his global brand, the homage resonated instantly.
For a player without a long list of career highlights, the choice of celebration carried both humor and confidence.
College football thrives on these moments, when emerging athletes seize the spotlight and connect with fans through personality as much as performance.
By nodding to a local hero, Eskildsen elevated the importance of his play beyond the stat sheet.
The setting made the moment even more unique.
Week Zero games are designed to generate buzz before the full season kicks off, and this year’s Dublin contest served as a showcase for the sport on an international stage.
Eskildsen’s performance ensured Iowa State fans, and a wider college football audience, would remember the occasion.
A career milestone with room to grow
While Eskildsen may not have entered the season as one of Iowa State’s headline players, his touchdown in Dublin adds a new dimension to the Cyclones’ offense.
Sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht demonstrated growing trust in his receivers, and Eskildsen rewarded that faith by making a crucial play when his team needed it most.
For now, the young wideout’s touchdown and McGregor-inspired celebration serve as a defining early chapter in his college career.
As Iowa State looks ahead to the rest of the season, Eskildsen‘s emergence could provide valuable depth in the passing game. And should his role continue to expand, fans may see more highlights, and more celebrations, from the receiver who turned heads in Ireland.
This news was originally published on this post .
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