Iowa City is abuzz with excitement as the Hawkeyes’ incoming freshman class, consisting of 21 scholarship newcomers, has reported for workouts. While most of these freshmen are considered developmental prospects who will likely enter true competition in 2026, there are a few who have the potential to contribute on special teams this year. Additionally, there is a group of walk-ons who turned down FCS scholarships to compete at Iowa. Three scholarship freshmen, including tight end Gavin Hoffman, punter Rhys Dakin, and offensive lineman Josh Janowski, enrolled in January.
Let’s take a closer look at Iowa’s true freshman scholarship players:
Quarterback:
James Resar, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback from Jacksonville, Florida, committed to Iowa despite interest from several ACC schools. Resar completed nearly 62% of his passes for 1,582 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He also showcased his speed by running the 100-meter dash in 10.67 seconds.
Running back:
The Hawkeyes have added two very different running backs to their roster. Brevin Doll, a 6-foot, 190-pound speedster, recently won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Iowa state track meet. On the other hand, Xavier Williams, a powerful 6-foot, 230-pound back, rushed for 669 yards and eight touchdowns in just five games last season.
Wide receiver:
Reece Vander Zee, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver, chose Iowa over in-state rival Iowa State. Known for his athleticism and explosiveness, Vander Zee excelled in multiple sports in high school. KJ Parker, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver from Chicagoland, also chose Iowa over Cincinnati and Wisconsin. Both Vander Zee and Parker have the potential to see action as true freshmen.
Tight end:
The Hawkeyes have added two talented tight ends to their roster. Gavin Hoffman, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end from Kansas, caught a school-record 18 touchdown passes in high school. Michael Burt, a 6-foot-5 ½, 226-pound tight end from Nebraska, was heavily recruited by Iowa and ultimately chose the Hawkeyes over the Cornhuskers.
Offensive line:
Iowa has recruited four offensive linemen, including three from the Chicagoland area. Cody Fox, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound guard, is a well-rounded player who excelled on both sides of the ball in high school. Will Nolan, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound tackle, is an athletic and powerful prospect who was highly sought after by college programs. Bodey McCaslin, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound lineman, showcased his aggression and toughness in high school. Josh Janowski, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound interior lineman who enrolled in January, is known for his road-grading style of play.
Defensive line:
The Hawkeyes have added four defensive linemen to their roster. Joseph Anderson, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive end from St. Louis, has immense potential and is expected to put on weight once he joins the team. Chima Chineke, a 6-foot-4 ½, 240-pound defensive end from Plano, Texas, has a massive frame and impressive speed and power. Drew Campbell, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end from Iowa, comes from a family with a strong football background and brings a relentless and hard-charging style of play. Devan Kennedy, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end from Phoenix, Arizona, is raw but loaded with potential.
Linebacker:
Iowa has recruited three talented linebackers from the local area. Derek Weisskopf, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker from Williamsburg, was a standout player on both sides of the ball in high school. Cam Buffington, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker from Winfield-Mount Union, excelled in 8-man football and was a force on offense and defense. Preston Ries, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker from Monticello, was a tenacious competitor in both football and basketball.
Secondary:
The Hawkeyes have added two three-star cornerbacks to their secondary. Rashad Godfrey, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback from Florida, recorded solid stats in his senior year of high school. Jaylen Watson, a 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback from Ohio, excelled as a receiver in high school but will transition to the defensive back position at Iowa.
Punter:
Rhys Dakin, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound punter from Australia, enrolled in January and is expected to take over for the highly successful Tory Taylor. Dakin acknowledges the pressure of filling Taylor’s shoes but is determined to meet expectations.
Overall, Iowa’s incoming freshman class is filled with promising talent that will contribute to the team’s success in the coming years. The Hawkeyes have managed to recruit players with diverse skill sets, ensuring depth and versatility in their roster. With the right development and coaching, these freshmen have the potential to make a significant impact on the field for Iowa.