Iowa Lands Key Defensive Line Flip in Jack Janda, a Big Ten Battle Win With Big Upside
Iowa just scored a significant late-cycle recruiting victory, flipping former Wisconsin commit Jack Janda - a 6-foot-6, 250-pound defensive lineman out of Michigan - fresh off leading his team to a state championship. And make no mistake: this is more than a recruiting win. It’s a potential long-term difference-maker for the Hawkeyes in the trenches.
From Tight End to Defensive Force
Janda’s recruitment took a turn this fall, and so did his position. Originally recruited as a tight end, his senior season opened eyes on the defensive side of the ball. Once schools got a look at him lining up in the trenches, the conversation changed - fast.
Wisconsin, who had him committed, pivoted and offered him a shot on defense. But after two visits to Iowa - one in early November and another just last week - Janda saw a clearer path in black and gold.
“When I visited, the whole coaching staff impressed me and my parents,” Janda said. “Talking with Coach Ferentz about my future at Iowa and how they’ve developed guys like me into NFL players - that really stood out. The culture, the atmosphere at Kinnick, the stability - it all just felt right.”
That stability and developmental track record have long been Iowa hallmarks, especially on defense. It’s no secret: if you’re a high-upside lineman looking to grow, Iowa is one of the best places to land. And Janda noticed.
The Coaches Behind the Flip
This wasn’t a one-man recruitment. Alongside head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive line coach Kelvin Bell, defensive coordinator Phil Parker, and general manager Tyler Barnes all played key roles in closing the deal. Parker, in particular, has deep recruiting ties in Michigan - and that presence paid off here.
Janda’s flip is a testament to Iowa’s ability to identify late-rising talent, build relationships quickly, and close strong. It’s also a reminder that the Hawkeyes remain a major player in Big Ten recruiting battles, especially when it comes to line play.
Who Else Was in the Picture?
Before his original commitment to Wisconsin, Janda had no shortage of interest. Michigan State was heavily involved and kept recruiting him into his senior year.
Illinois made a push. Stanford even got an official visit.
Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Pitt, and Michigan were also in the mix with offers on the table.
Still, once Iowa entered the picture with a defensive line vision for him - and once Janda saw the fit - the momentum shifted.
Where He Ranks and How He Projects
Janda is currently rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports with an 87 grade, still listed as a tight end. He’s ranked as the No. 19 senior in Michigan - but that ranking may not fully reflect his potential on the defensive side, where he’s just scratching the surface.
He joins Sawyer Jezierski as the second interior defensive lineman in Iowa’s 2025 class. And for a program that prides itself on building from the inside out, landing a player of Janda’s caliber - especially from a strong high school program in a key recruiting state - is a big-time addition.
Physically, he already fits the mold. Iowa’s current interior linemen like Aaron Graves (6'5", 295 lbs) and Jonah Pace (6'5", 285 lbs) set the standard, and Janda has the frame to get there. He’s already 250 pounds with room to grow - and the kind of athletic background that makes you believe he’ll fill out and thrive.
A High-Floor, High-Upside Prospect
Let’s talk about the tape. Janda was a strong tight end, but he might be an even better defensive lineman.
This was his first year playing inside full-time, and he looked like a natural. His size and motor pop immediately.
He moves well, plays with leverage, and doesn’t shy away from contact. That tight end background shows up in his coordination and footwork - traits that translate well to the defensive side.
He missed time as a junior with an injury but looked fully healthy as a senior. He’s also a multi-sport athlete, having played basketball, which speaks to his overall athleticism and body control.
At Catholic Central, he was coached up quickly on defensive line technique. He’s already playing with solid pad level - not easy for a guy his height - and understands his assignments. That’s a great foundation to build on at the college level.
“He’s really accepted the challenge,” said C.C. head coach Justin Cessante. “He’s turned into the kind of guy you expect at defensive tackle - tough, intense, mean on Friday nights.”
Cessante added that while Janda still has tight end skills, his upside as a defensive tackle is what excites college coaches the most. “He’s such a large human being,” he said. “His upside inside is really high.”
What It Means for Iowa
This is a classic Iowa move: identify a player with raw tools, a strong work ethic, and untapped potential - and then develop him into a key contributor. Janda fits the Hawkeye blueprint to a tee.
He’s a high-floor prospect who’s only going to get stronger, more refined, and more disruptive in the coming years. And considering Iowa flipped him from a Big Ten rival, it makes the win even sweeter.
Don’t be surprised if Janda becomes one of those Iowa linemen we’re talking about in a few years as a key cog in the defense - and maybe even a future pro. The foundation is there. Now it’s time to build.