Arland Bruce IV Avoids the NCAA Reinstatement Issue and Signs with CFL

STILLWATER – His only flash in orange came last spring during spring practice but Arland Bruce IV, who came to Oklahoma State from Iowa in the NCAA Transfer Portal last January is moving on and has signed a contract with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Bruce IV came to Oklahoma State and went through spring practice. He looked good at times and the 5-10, 193-pound slot receiver out of both Kansas City and then played his senior year in high school at Ankeny, Iowa after having committed to the Hawkeyes, was ruled ineligible for the 2023 season by the NCAA.

Bruce IV was one of the athletes at Iowa and Iowa State caught up in a gambling investigation conducted by authorities in Iowa. Multiple student-athletes including Bruce IV were accused of wagering on sports events in violation of the NCAA rules including betting on games that their team was involved in. Bruce IV was accused of betting the under in a game he played and he actually scored the touchdown in that game that pushed the total over. Bruce IV pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for the 2023 season. He could have sought reinstatement for future seasons as he had a couple of years of eligibility left. 

Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bruce IV on the run against Iowa State.

Bruce IV was kept on scholarship and was promised by head coach Mike Gundy that whether he played or not, he would remain on scholarship and be welcomed in all ways in the Cowboys football facilities. He came out two days a week and caught passes after practice from OSU quarterbacks. 

At Iowa, he had 44 career receptions for 396-yards with two touchdowns and 9.0-yards per catch average. He also ran for 112-yards on 22 carries with four rushing touchdowns. He returned punts in the 2022 season for a 6.5-yards per return average.

His scholaship now becmes available immediately for Oklahoma State to reinvest in the portal.