Recruiting battles in college football are rarely straightforward-especially when you're trying to lure top-tier talent out of a rival Big Ten state. That’s exactly the challenge Iowa is taking on as it sets its sights on one of Michigan’s most intriguing two-way athletes in the 2027 class: Gideon Gash.
Right now, Iowa has three verbal commitments in the 2027 cycle, including two four-star prospects. Momentum is building, and the Hawkeyes are hoping to keep it rolling by extending an offer to Gash, a rising star out of Detroit Catholic Central.
Gash announced the Iowa offer via social media following what he called a great conversation with Iowa assistant coach Seth Wallace. The Hawkeyes are clearly serious about bringing him into the fold, and it’s easy to see why.
At 6'0", Gash brings versatility and athleticism to the table. He lines up at both defensive back and wide receiver for the Shamrocks and doesn’t stop there-he’s also a contributor on the basketball court and the lacrosse field. That multi-sport background speaks volumes about his athletic ceiling and competitive drive.
On the gridiron, Gash has been steadily climbing the recruiting rankings. Rivals lists him as a four-star prospect, the No. 7 overall player in Michigan, the No. 28 safety in the country, and No. 265 nationally.
Another outlet has him pegged as the No. 34 cornerback and the No. 304 overall recruit in the 2027 class. No matter how you slice it, he’s a top-tier talent.
But here’s the catch: Gash is a Michigan native, and his ties to the state run deep. He’s got two older brothers on the Michigan State roster, and with his brother Samson recently committing to the Spartans, East Lansing is starting to feel like a family tradition. That makes Iowa’s pursuit even more ambitious-and potentially more rewarding if they can pull it off.
Still, Iowa has a few cards to play. Under Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have built a reputation for developing NFL-ready talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Combine that with the program’s coaching stability and track record of player development, and you’ve got a compelling pitch for a young athlete looking to take the next step.
Gash’s senior season will be pivotal-not just for his development, but for his recruitment. If Iowa can stay in the mix and continue building that relationship, they might just have a shot at flipping the script and pulling a major win out of Michigan.
For now, the Hawkeyes are in the hunt. And in the high-stakes world of Big Ten recruiting, that’s where it all begins.