As the Iowa Hawkeyes get ready for spring practice, you can almost feel the buzz. Fans and analysts are all over the place with excitement and questions.
This offseason? It’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting in a long time. There are storylines everywhere—quarterback drama, big changes on defense, and a whole bunch of new faces.
The Hawkeyes brought in 16 transfers from the NCAA Transfer Portal. Out of those, three names really jump out as possible game-changers who could boost their profiles during spring ball.
So who are these guys, and what do they add? Let’s take a look.
James Madison OL Trent Wilson
The offensive line always matters, and Iowa’s no different. Even after losing Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens to the NFL, the Hawkeyes still feel good about their line.
A big reason for that? Trent Wilson from James Madison.
What Wilson Brings to the Table
Wilson isn’t just another transfer. He’s a calculated pickup for a line that coach George Barnett has basically rebuilt from the ground up.
Last year, Wilson logged 382 snaps and played both guard spots, suiting up for all 14 games on a 12-win James Madison squad. That’s a lot of experience.
He stands 6-foot-4 and tips the scales at 300 pounds. Wilson has a knack for getting leverage against interior rushers, which is pretty much textbook for Iowa linemen.
Veterans like Leighton Jones and Michael Myslinski are still around at guard, but Wilson’s aggressive style and nasty streak could shake things up.
South Dakota Running Back LJ Phillips
Iowa’s running back group is already stacked, but LJ Phillips from South Dakota brings something fresh. Kamari Moulton is back after a huge year, and sophomore Nathan McNeil is in the mix, so Phillips will have to fight for his spot.
Still, his knack for big plays might just give him an edge.
Phillips’ Explosive Potential
Phillips put up wild numbers last season. He led the Coyotes with a 92.8 offensive grade, which is no joke.
He ripped off 55 runs of 10-plus yards and 33 carries of 15 or more. His elusive rating? An eye-popping 119.1, showing just how slippery he can be.
Iowa leaned hard on the run game last year, and even though they want to air it out more, having a loaded backfield is still huge. Phillips’ ability to break off big gains could take some heat off quarterbacks Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski.
The competition at running back feels like it could be one of the best storylines this spring.
Elon DE Kamari Brown
On defense, the Hawkeyes added Kamari Brown from Elon. He might not be a household name yet, but his stats and athletic ability make him pretty intriguing.
Brown’s Defensive Impact
Brown’s numbers are hard to ignore. He racked up 66 tackles, with 16 for loss, and bagged 12 sacks last season.
He forced three fumbles and earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024. In just two years, he’s piled up 16.5 career sacks, which is wild.
At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, Brown is an athletic freak with a quick burst off the edge. His style is a bit different and gives the Hawkeyes’ defensive line something new.
With Iowa looking to rebuild its edge rush, Brown could end up being a big piece of the puzzle.
Conclusion
The Iowa Hawkeyes are heading into a crucial spring practice, and there’s a lot to keep an eye on. With 16 new faces from the NCAA Transfer Portal, the team suddenly feels a bit fresher and more competitive.
Trent Wilson, LJ Phillips, and Kamari Brown are the names that keep coming up. Wilson brings flexibility and plenty of experience to the offensive line. Phillips? He’s got that spark in the backfield that you just can’t teach.
Kamari Brown’s knack for causing chaos on defense really stands out. If these guys settle in, they might just change the trajectory of the season.
Want more details or the latest updates on Iowa’s spring practice? Check out 247Sports.
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