Malaki Ta'ase holds the LDE · Backup spot in Iowa State Cyclones’s edge room. Where he sits among the room’s front-line roles:

Malaki Ta'ase is a 6'2", 265-pound left defensive end from Mesa, Arizona, who attended Mountain View High School. Ta'ase played at Washington State before transferring to Iowa State. In 2024 at New Mexico State, he appeared in all 12 games and recorded 33 tackles, 1.5 for loss, and one sack while adding five quarterback hurries and two pass breakups, earning All-CUSA Freshman Team honors. During the 2025 season at Washington State, Ta'ase saw action in 13 games with one start, finishing with 17 tackles including four for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries.

New Mexico State2024

Washington State2025

Iowa State2026 — present