Kolar brothers reunite for final run at Iowa St.
AMES, Iowa — John Kolar can't forget the one game he played in at Oklahoma State.
Late in a 2016 blowout of Southeastern Louisiana, the redshirt sophomore quarterback completed one of two passes f or ei ght yards. He rushed twice for 18 yards. Then, that was it.
For two more years, Kolar was a name on t he r oster. He sat through meetings. He practiced. He stood on the sideline.
Mason Rudolph became a superstar. Taylor Cornelius became a steady presence. Kolar was a nice in-state connection from Norman North High School.
“Things just didn't work out there,” Kolar said.
With OS U visiting No. 23 Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, a former Cowboy will stand on the opposite sideline after making a decision for his future. His younger brother will line up at tight end for the Cyclones. Their father will watch from the stands.
Sometimes, the hard times lead to something good. That's what John Kolar had to believe a year ago as he sat in front of an OSU compliance officer. Kolar was entering the NCAA transfer portal to little fanfare.
But he had no idea if what he was told was a joke or not. Either way, it became real.
He could transfer to Iowa State. He could play with his brother again.
“One thing led to another,” Kolar said as his voice trailed off. “It's a really special thing for Charlie and I.”
The brothers have been re united nearly 600 miles from home for one final season.
“It feels different when it is your brother,” Charlie Kolar said. “It's nice because we get to have that home feeling up here in Iowa.”
John has yet to see the field during a game at Iowa State, but he's become a valuable part of the team as a graduate transfer. He's provided experience and guidance for star quarterback Brock Purdy and t al ented backup Re- al Mitchell.
And John has watched Charlie become a star himself. He's developed into one of Purdy's favorite targets with 26 receptions for 398 yards and four touchdowns, two of which came last week.
The Cyclones are better with the brothers together.
“Those two have really cared about each other, they've got a great relationship and that relationship has just strengthened our core here,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said.
Five years ago, John and Charlie connected for two touchdowns in the Crosstown Clash—the annual rival ry game between Norman North and Norman. It was their first time to play together. The belief would be that one season was all the time they'd have together on a field.
John signed with OSU. Two years later, Charlie signed with Iowa State despite a late push from OSU.
The brothers have three other siblings. But they are the closest in age. They're a tightknit bunch. They pull for each other.
“I know he is my best friend,” John said. “I always want what's best for Charlie.”
Right now, what's best is being there for Charlie. John knew when he chose Iowa State, playing time would again be tough to come by. He wants to get in another game, but this was about more than throwing passes.
He' s getting a master' s degree. He's still playing the sport he loves. He's also his brother's biggest cheerleader.
“I couldn't be more happy f or hi m, couldn't be more proud of him and the success he's had,” John said. “I told him this when he started to play really well, I said, `I don't really care what mom says. I'm your No. 1 fan and I always will be, as well as your biggest supporter.'”