The anticipation for the 2026 Iowa Hawkeyes football season is building. We’re less than three months out from the opener, and fans are already buzzing.
The crew at 247Sports put together a ranking of Iowa’s top-50 players for the upcoming year. This rundown highlights most starters, key rotation guys, and a few up-and-comers who might not explode onto the scene just yet but are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Let’s take a look at the top-50 Iowa players heading into the 2026 campaign.
Top Emerging Talents
50. DB Darion Jones
Darion Jones, the highest-ranked recruit in Iowa’s 2026 class, probably won’t see a ton of snaps this season. Still, he’ll bring value on special teams, and his ball skills make him a sneaky candidate in the return game.
Jones fits the secondary profile Iowa likes—athletic, with a nose for the ball.
49. DL Devan Kennedy
Devan Kennedy is shaping up as a promising defensive tackle. He’s adding size and should rotate in on the interior line this fall.
48. DB Marcello Vitti
Marcello Vitti, an early enrollee freshman, has already shown a knack for making plays in spring practice. Even though he’s not the tallest, Vitti looks like the next guy up at the CASH position because of his instincts and physicality.
Key Quarterback Prospects
47. QB Tradon Bessinger
Tradon Bessinger, a four-star quarterback from Utah, hasn’t played a college snap yet. He’ll start practicing with the Hawkeyes soon, and his arm talent and athleticism make him a name to watch for the 2027 quarterback battle.
33. QB Jeremy Hecklinski
Jeremy Hecklinski, who transferred from Wake Forest, heads into his second summer with Iowa. He can make plays off-platform and throw receivers open, but he’ll need to cut down on turnovers if he wants the starting job.
26. QB Hank Brown
Hank Brown brings experience and, for now, seems to have a slight edge over Hecklinski. His arm talent and poise in the pocket stand out, though consistency remains the key if he wants to lock down the starting spot.
Notable Transfers
46. K Eli Ozick
Eli Ozick, a transfer from North Dakota State, was a steady kicker last season. He’s likely to take over as Iowa’s primary kicker, with a reliable leg inside 50 yards and strong kickoffs.
40. DB Cody Haddad
Cody Haddad, who came over from Ohio State, was a highly recruited player in the 2025 class. He probably won’t start in the secondary just yet, but his toughness and ability to play in space could make him a contributor down the line.
25. WR Evan James
Evan James, a transfer from Furman and former FCS Freshman All-American, brings speed and playmaking to the slot receiver spot. He missed some time in the spring due to injury, but his skill set fits what offensive coordinator Tim Lester wants, and he could be a dangerous return man as well.
Top Defensive Players
43. LB Derek Weisskopf
Derek Weisskopf, a former four-star prospect, has added bulk since arriving in Iowa City. He figures to be in the linebacker rotation this season and was a standout on special teams last year.
15. DL Kenneth Merrieweather
Kenneth Merrieweather is stepping into a bigger role on the defensive line after serving as a rotation piece last year. With his length and ability to set the edge, he could become a more consistent pass rusher this fall.
10. DL Bryce Hawthorne
Bryce Hawthorne, who transferred from South Dakota State, wants to transition from pass-rush specialist to every-down tackle for Iowa. He has a knack for clogging holes and getting into the backfield, and could end up anchoring the defensive line.
Top Offensive Players
20. WR Dayton Howard
Dayton Howard, a technically sound wideout with great length, has sharpened his route running and boasts a big catch radius. He should add reliable depth to the receiver room this fall.
8. RB Kamari Moulton
Kamari Moulton is probably the most complete running back on the roster and looks set to be the feature back. He still needs to show more elusiveness and breakaway ability, but the potential is there for a big season.
2. OL Trevor Lauck
Trevor Lauck, one of the top left tackles in college football last season, could’ve jumped to an SEC school but decided to stay. His elite pass protection and technical skills make him a leader on the offensive line—and honestly, that’s huge for Iowa.
Conclusion
The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for a wild 2026 season. There’s a mix of emerging talents, key transfers, and a handful of experienced players who look ready to make some noise.
From promising freshmen to those seasoned veterans, the team feels well-rounded. They’re set to compete at a pretty high level, or at least that’s the hope.
If you want a detailed breakdown of the top-50 players, 247Sports has a comprehensive list that’s worth a look.
For more in-depth analysis and regular Iowa football updates—player rankings, recruiting news, transfer portal chatter—just check out the full article on 247Sports.
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