I heard the reason is because ND, Ohio St and Iowa, are successful at developing players and then getting drafted in the NFL. I guess ISU doesn't currently put enough players in the NFL. Chances are best with these three.
Nice article on why he chose the good guys.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/football-recruiting/2021/09/22/iowa-state-football-recruiting-hunter-deyo-lewis-central-defensive-tackle-council-bluffs-iowa/8333831002/
If CMC/Tom Manning don't come up with a better game plan, and we don't eliminate turnovers, and Kirk Ferentz and Co are still at the helm, it will be difficult for ISU to break the streak.
Interesting article at Heartland College Sports regarding Big XII expansion and $$$. New-Look Big 12 Revenue Reportedly Just Shy of Current Revenue (heartlandcollegesports.com)