Big news for Hawkeye fans and anyone who loves college football: three Iowa legends just landed on the 2027 ballot for the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame. Former quarterback Brad Banks, defensive end Adrian Clayborn, and tight end Dallas Clark are in the running for one of the sport’s highest honors.
It’s a nod not just to their individual brilliance, but to the long, proud story of Iowa football. Let’s take a look at what made these guys such icons.
Brad Banks: A Quarterback for the Ages
Brad Banks is one of those names that still gets Hawkeye fans talking. His 2002 season was something else—he threw for 2,573 yards and 26 touchdowns, piling up 2,996 total yards of offense.
Across two seasons, Banks put up 3,155 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, plus 574 rushing yards and seven more scores. That 95-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Clark against Purdue? Still one of the longest in school history.
Award-Winning Season
In 2002, Banks racked up awards left and right. He finished second in Heisman voting, won the Davey O’Brien Award, and was named The Associated Press Player of the Year.
The Chicago Tribune Silver Football for conference MVP? He got that too. Honestly, his trophy case must be overflowing.
Dallas Clark: The Tight End Phenomenon
Dallas Clark redefined what a tight end could do at Iowa. In his last season, he was a first-team All-American, recognized by groups like the Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp, the AP, and a bunch more.
He snagged the John Mackey Award as the country’s top tight end and made first-team All-Big Ten, both from the coaches and the media. Not too shabby for a guy who made it all look effortless.
Career Highlights
Clark left Iowa ranked 17th all-time in receiving, with 1,281 yards and eight touchdowns on 81 catches—all in just two seasons at tight end. He helped put Iowa on the map for producing elite tight ends.
Even now, you’ll spot Clark hanging around the sidelines, still part of the Hawkeye family. That kind of loyalty? It’s rare.
Adrian Clayborn: The Defensive Powerhouse
Adrian Clayborn was a game-changer on defense. In 2010, he was a consensus First Team All-American and took home Orange Bowl MVP honors after notching 9 tackles and 2 sacks in the big game.
He was a finalist for both the Lombardi and Ted Hendricks awards, and made First Team All-Big Ten twice. The guy just had a knack for making plays.
Leadership and Legacy
Clayborn captained the team for two years, leading in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (20) in 2009. That leadership helped earn him the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft with Tampa Bay.
His impact on the Hawkeyes? Hard to put into words, but it’s definitely still felt.
The Road to Immortality
Seeing Banks, Clark, and Clayborn on the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot just feels right. The ballot’s stacked—80 players and nine coaches from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, plus 99 players and 39 coaches from other divisions and the NAIA.
Votes are due July 1, and the Hall of Fame class gets announced in early 2027. Guess we’ll all be waiting to see if these Hawkeyes make the final cut.
Induction Ceremony
The big induction will happen at the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas. Each honoree will also get a Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute at their school, thanks to Fidelity Investments, during the 2027 season.
It’s a well-deserved celebration for some true legends. If you ask me, it’s about time.
Want more on Iowa’s recruiting and official visit season for the class of 2027? Check out the full story on 247Sports.
Conclusion
The possible induction of Brad Banks, Dallas Clark, and Adrian Clayborn into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame feels huge for the Iowa football community. These guys had incredible careers, and their achievements really show off what Hawkeye football is all about.
We’re still waiting for the final word, but honestly, it’s hard not to look back and appreciate what these legends did for the sport. Their impact? Pretty hard to overstate.
Want more Iowa football updates or news about the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class? There’s a 50% off annual membership running right now at 247Sports. If you’re interested, just click here and you’ll be in the loop for everything Iowa football, basketball, and recruiting. Don’t say we didn’t tell you!
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