Benji Makelela
6′7″ · 300 lb · Kinshasa · Capistrano Valley Christian School
Where he comes from
- Kinshasa, CA
- Capistrano Valley Christian School
- About 1,450 miles from Jack Trice Stadium
- Three-star recruit, No. 551 nationally in the 2026 class, rating 0.8874.
Where he fits
Iowa State lists 20 offensive linemen this season.
His line is 88th in the country in line yards this season (a team number, not his).
Iowa State’s week
- RecordIowa State is 3-3.
- Next gamevs Oklahoma State · Sat Oct 31
Players like him
Same class and position
News and fans
No outlet on our list has written about him by name this season.
Iowa State in the news
- Iowa State hires Jared Benko as athletics director
The Des Moines Register Oct 23 - Arizona players out for Iowa State game
Arizona Daily Star Oct 22 - Jared Benko named AD
Wide Right & Natty Lite Oct 16
Where to follow him
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Iowa State -- now graded to hold down a real starting-caliber role.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
The unit he anchors ranks 88th nationally in line yards this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Iowa State has produced 1 All-Conference offensive lineman. 1 has gone on to the NFL Draft since 2025. Jalen Travis went on to the NFL out of this room (2025).
Joined Iowa State in 2026
- 2026 Iowa State RogersYear 1 · on the roster, no stat line
- Before collegeSigned with Iowa State in 2026 as a 3-star recruit, No. 551 in the country.
His moves
- Signed with Iowa State in the 2026 class, a 3-star recruit.
His career
2026
- Signed with Iowa State3-star out of Capistrano Valley Christian School
Where he came from
From Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — one of 2 players from Democratic Republic of Congo in FBS this season.