IOWA CITY, Iowa– Spring practice will be here before anyone knows it. This might be one of the most storyline-riddled offseasons in recent Hawkeye history. There’s a legitimate quarterback battle, a ton of production to replace on defense, and Iowa is hoping to continue turning the corner offensively.

Last month, Iowa added 16 transfers via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Several are expected to make immediate contributions. Of course, nothing is given in the Hawkeye football program. Kirk Ferentz and his staff aren’t ones to make promises to recruits or transfers. They present the opportunities to flourish, and it’s up to the player to seize them.

Here are three players who could really help their stock with a solid spring.

James Madison OL Trent Wilson The Hawkeyes feel confident in what they have at offensive line. Despite losing Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens to the NFL, George Barnett has completely flipped the position group. Iowa is returning left tackle Trevor Lauck and moving Kade Pieper to center. That means there are plenty of spots available on the line.

Wilson seems like an under-the-radar move by Ferentz and company. He played 382 snaps total last season and saw time at both guard spots. He appeared in all 14 games for a 12-win James Madison team and made one start. Wilson does a good job of gaining leverage on interior rushers and showed foundational tools that have traditionally transitioned well into Iowa’s line play.

The Hawkeyes have a lot of seasoned veterans—including Leighton Jones, Michael Myslinski, and others—at guard, but I wouldn’t sleep on what Wilson brings to the table. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder can wreak havoc and plays with a mean streak.

South Dakota Running Back LJ Phillips The Hawkeyes have a plethora of experience in the running back room. Kamari Moulton returns after rushing for a team-high 878 yards to go along with five touchdowns. Iowa will also have sophomore Nathan McNeil back. Despite the experience, Ferentz and General Manager Tyler Barnes have always said they’d keep an eye out for talent that could help them.

Phillips is a big-play waiting to happen. He had the highest offensive grade of the Coyotes last season at 92.8. He had 55 runs of 10 yards or more, including 33 carries of 15 yards or more. He also posted an elusive rating of 119.1 this past season.

Iowa’s running game was the cornerstone of its offense last season. They’ll want to throw the ball more this upcoming season, but having a wide variety of backs who can do different things would help ease the pressure that Hank Brown or Jeremy Hecklinski will face.

The South Dakota product will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. There’s no question that he was one of the best players at the FCS level last season, and the competition between Moulton, McNeil, Xavier Williams, and Phillips should be one of the more fun things to watch.

Elon DE Kamari Brown This one is a bit of a reach, but it’s hard not to love what Brown brings to the table. He posted 66 tackles, including 16 for loss, and 12 sacks this past season, along with forcing three fumbles. In 2024, he was a Freshman All-American. He also tied the career sack record at 16.5 in just two seasons.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder is an athletic freak with great burst off the edge. Iowa lost Max Llewellyn, Ethan Hurkett, and other edge rushers after the bowl win over Vanderbilt. The Hawkeyes are going to need new players to step up at the position, and Brown brings a different sort of style to the versatile position group.

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