ISU Putnam Team Scores Highest in Iowa!

The Department of Mathematics is celebrating an exciting achievement—the Iowa MAA has announced that Iowa State University’s Putnam Exam team earned the highest team score in the entire state. Woohoo indeed!

Each year, the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition brings together thousands of the strongest undergraduate problem-solvers across North America. In the 86th Putnam Exam, more than 4,300 students from 487 institutions participated. Representing ISU were five dedicated competitors whose hard work and mathematical talent led to an outstanding performance.

ISU’s top scorer was Wyatt Eason, earning an impressive 12 points. The official team—Wyatt Eason, Connor Fundell (11 points), and Nick Smith / Preston Martens (10 points, tie)—placed 138th nationally, a strong showing in a field filled with elite competitors.

Putnam coach and Associate Professor/Hanna Fellow Jason McCullough praised the students for their dedication, and faculty echoed that excitement. “This is a great result,” wrote Steve Butler. “My congratulations to the team, as well as to their coach.”

We extend our warmest congratulations to Wyatt, Connor, Nick, Preston, and all students who represented ISU in this prestigious competition. And a big thank‑you to Jason McCullough for his excellent leadership and support.