Iowa Adds Two Preferred Walk-Ons to 2026 Class, Including Legacy Safety Eli Kampman
With spring practice just a few months out, Iowa football continues to quietly build out its 2026 roster - and on Wednesday, the program added a pair of preferred walk-ons who bring both talent and intriguing storylines to the mix.
The Hawkeyes now have 24 signees in their incoming class, including six preferred walk-ons. Five of those walk-ons hail from the state of Iowa, reinforcing the program’s long-standing tradition of developing in-state talent.
The latest additions? Solon’s Eli Kampman and Missouri native Matty McLaughlin.
Let’s break down what each brings to the table.
Eli Kampman: A Familiar Name, A New Position
If the last name rings a bell, it should. Eli Kampman is the son of former Hawkeye standout Aaron Kampman, who suited up in black and gold from 1998 to 2001 under both Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz before carving out a solid NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. Now, his son is set to carve his own path in Iowa City.
Eli starred at quarterback for Solon High School, leading his team to the Class 3A state semifinals in an impressive 11-1 campaign. He completed 61% of his passes (145-for-236) for 2,230 yards and 29 touchdowns, while tossing 12 interceptions.
But his impact wasn’t limited to the offensive side. Kampman also made his presence felt on defense, tallying 27 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions.
Despite his success under center, Iowa is bringing him in as a safety - a move that speaks to both his athleticism and versatility. It’s not uncommon for high school quarterbacks to transition to the defensive backfield in college, especially when they bring high football IQ and physical tools to the table.
Kampman fits that mold. He’s instinctive, competitive, and has the kind of frame that could blossom in Iowa’s developmental system.
And while legacy status doesn’t guarantee anything in the Big Ten, it’s hard to ignore the added motivation that comes from following in a parent’s footsteps - especially when that parent left a lasting mark on the program.
Matty McLaughlin: A Specialist with Options
The other addition, Matty McLaughlin, comes from De Smet Jesuit High School in Missouri and will join the Hawkeyes as a long snapper - a position that rarely gets headlines but is absolutely critical to special teams consistency.
McLaughlin committed back on January 16, just two days after receiving an offer from Iowa’s new special teams coordinator, Chris Polizzi. He had a strong list of suitors, with offers from programs like Vanderbilt, Iowa State, Kansas State, Air Force, Nebraska, and Louisville. That kind of attention for a specialist says a lot about his reliability and technique.
He’ll join sophomore Ike Speltz in Iowa’s long snapper room, with veteran Bryant Worrell having used up his final year of eligibility last season. The transition from high school to Big Ten special teams play is no small leap, but McLaughlin appears well-equipped to handle it.
Looking Ahead to Fall
With these two additions, Iowa’s 2026 incoming class now includes 40 players - 24 signees and 16 transfers. It’s a group that blends homegrown toughness with out-of-state skill, and it’s shaping up to be another classic Kirk Ferentz-style roster: built on development, depth, and a few under-the-radar names who could eventually become household ones.
The countdown to the season opener on September 5 against Northern Illinois is officially on. And while Kampman and McLaughlin may not be the headliners just yet, they’re the kind of foundational pieces that often end up playing pivotal roles down the line - especially in a program that prides itself on turning walk-ons into contributors.
For now, they’ll get to work - in the weight room, in the film room, and soon enough, on the practice field - as Iowa gears up for what’s shaping up to be a fascinating 2026 campaign.