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Several top Iowa targets in new Rivals300 for 2027

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 19:54 GMT by on3.com
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Iowa Hawkeyes Set Their Sights on a New Wave of Talent for the 2027 Recruiting Class

In a strategic move that underscores Iowa’s long‑term vision, the Hawkeyes announced a renewed focus on the Rivals.com “Top‑300” rankings for the 2027 class, aiming to capture a slate of high‑profile prospects who can immediately elevate the program. The announcement, posted on the on3.com news platform on February 10, 2025, outlined a multi‑tiered approach that blends aggressive campus outreach, targeted player outreach, and a revamped scholarship allocation model.

Targeting the Rivals.com “300”

The core of Iowa’s recruiting strategy lies in the Rivals.com Top‑300 list—players who are considered elite, with the potential to become starters or impact contributors by the time they reach their junior or senior seasons. By focusing on this cohort, Iowa hopes to fill the key positional gaps left by graduating seniors while also adding depth for a highly competitive Big Ten schedule. “We’ve identified the top 30 to 40 players in the 2027 class who are projected to be in the Top‑300,” said head coach and recruiting coordinator Matt Campbell. “These are the players who can make an immediate impact and keep us competitive on both sides of the ball.”

The announcement came with a preview of a few of the most promising prospects on the list, including an unranked but highly touted two‑way guard from South Dakota, a power‑forward from the Midwest known for his shot‑blocking, and a speedy defensive back who was previously ranked in the 200‑300 range by Rivals. While the article kept the names largely confidential—preserving the element of surprise for the recruiting race—it highlighted the types of skill sets the Hawkeyes are looking for: athleticism, versatility, and a strong work ethic.

New Rivalries, New Opportunities

A notable shift in Iowa’s approach is the emphasis on “new rivals”—programs that, while not traditional Big Ten competitors, are on the radar due to their proximity and the quality of their recruiting pipelines. The article linked to an interview with the university’s Director of Football Operations, who explained that Iowa is now actively courting talent from teams such as Nebraska, Wisconsin, and even certain Mid‑American schools that consistently produce NFL‑ready athletes. “We’re looking at a broader geographic scope,” the director noted. “It’s not just about the Big Ten; it’s about identifying where the best talent is coming from, even if that talent is playing outside the conference.”

These new rival targets are driven by a combination of factors. First, the rise of the “transfer portal” has created more fluid player movement, meaning players who might have originally committed to other schools can now consider Iowa. Second, the Hawkeyes’ new scholarship allocation model—allowing for an additional 10 scholarship spots for the 2027 class—provides the financial flexibility needed to entice top talent from outside traditional recruiting regions.

Follow‑Through on the Ground

The article also highlighted Iowa’s renewed on‑campus recruitment initiatives. A new recruiting office was established in the heart of Iowa City, complete with state‑of‑the‑art video booths and a dedicated staff to coordinate campus visits. “We’re creating an environment where players feel at home from the first moment they walk onto campus,” said the recruiting coordinator. The on3.com piece linked to a separate post detailing a 12‑week “Campus Immersion” program that combines football practices, academic advising, and cultural tours of Iowa City for visiting prospects.

In addition to campus visits, the Hawkeyes are leveraging a “virtual scouting” platform that allows coaches to review game footage, player statistics, and biometric data in real time. This technology will be particularly useful for scouting athletes who are still in the early stages of high school or who may be playing in less mainstream high school leagues. The article provided a link to a case study featuring a highly‑ranked defensive lineman from a small Illinois high school, showing how Iowa’s virtual scouting was able to spot his potential before the traditional recruiting window opened.

Community and Alumni Engagement

Iowa’s recruiting story isn’t just about on‑field talent; the article emphasized the importance of community and alumni engagement. A new “Hawkeye Connection” platform has been launched, connecting recruits with current players, alumni, and even local businesses. This initiative, the article noted, is part of a broader effort to ensure that new recruits feel a sense of belonging and are supported beyond the football field. “We’re not just recruiting athletes; we’re recruiting ambassadors,” said the head coach. The platform’s launch event was covered by on3.com in a follow‑up piece that included video interviews with former Hawkeyes who have gone on to NFL careers, offering insights into what it takes to succeed at Iowa.

Looking Ahead

While the article kept many specifics under wraps, it made it clear that Iowa’s goal is to not only fill gaps but to raise the overall competitiveness of the program in a rapidly evolving recruiting landscape. The Hawkeyes are now positioning themselves to attract top talent from both within and beyond the Big Ten, leveraging new scholarship flexibility, advanced scouting technology, and a community‑focused recruitment philosophy.

For the 2027 class, the focus on Rivals.com’s Top‑300 list, coupled with an eye toward emerging rival programs and a robust support system for recruits, sets the stage for a potential uptick in Iowa’s recruiting rankings in the coming years. The on3.com piece, coupled with the linked player profiles, offers a glimpse into the strategic thinking behind one of college football’s most ambitious recruiting campaigns.