Iowa Football’s Defensive Legacy Keeps Rolling - And 2028 LB Prospect Jameer Miles Is Taking Notice
Another season, another reminder that Iowa Football under Kirk Ferentz and Phil Parker is built on a rock-solid foundation - and that foundation is defense. The Hawkeyes wrapped up the year at 9-4 overall (6-3 in Big Ten play), and once again, it was Parker’s defense that set the tone.
Now in his 13th year leading the defense, Parker continues to deliver elite results. Last season, Iowa ranked inside the top 20 nationally in nearly every major defensive category: 17th in rushing defense, 10th in passing yards allowed, 8th in scoring defense, and 9th in total defense. That’s not just consistency - that’s a defensive identity.
And that identity continues to attract top-tier talent.
One of the latest prospects to put Iowa on his radar? Jameer Miles, a standout linebacker from Illinois who just dropped his initial top-10 list of schools - and the Hawkeyes are firmly in the mix.
Miles, a 2028 recruit out of Carmel Catholic High School, is already drawing serious attention despite being early in the recruiting cycle. Ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, he’s currently Illinois’ No. 4 overall player, the No. 6 linebacker in the country, and the No. 100 overall prospect in the 2028 class.
And those numbers could climb. Fast.
Watching Miles on the field, it’s easy to see why. As a sophomore, he filled up the stat sheet: 74 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five interceptions, three sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. That’s the kind of production that jumps off the page - and the kind of versatility that fits perfectly in Iowa’s defense.
Under Parker’s guidance, Iowa has become a linebacker factory, churning out NFL-ready talent year after year. Just look at the recent alumni: Jack Campbell, Josey Jewell, Nick Niemann, Anthony Nelson, Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson - all players who thrived in the black and gold before making the leap to the pros.
Miles could be next in that line.
Of course, Iowa isn’t the only program eyeing him. Schools like Ohio State, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Indiana are also in pursuit. But if the Hawkeyes can land a commitment from Miles, it would be a major early win in the 2028 recruiting class - and another sign that top defensive talent continues to see Iowa as a place where they can grow, compete, and get to the next level.
For now, the Hawkeyes remain in the hunt. And with their defensive track record, they’ve got a compelling case to make.