IOWA CITY - Iowa just added another intriguing piece to its secondary puzzle, and this one comes with Big Ten roots. Former Ohio State defensive back Cody Haddad has committed to the Hawkeyes, bringing with him four full years of eligibility and a versatile skill set that fits right into Iowa’s defensive DNA.
Haddad, who didn’t see the field during his lone season in Columbus, was a highly sought-after 3-star recruit in the 2025 class. Coming out of Cleveland’s St.
Ignatius High School - a program known for producing tough, smart football players - Haddad fielded offers from major programs like Michigan State, Missouri, Indiana, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and yes, Iowa. The Hawkeyes didn’t win that recruiting battle the first time around, but they stayed in the race and cashed in this time through the portal.
There’s more than just pedigree here. Haddad’s football bloodlines run deep - his father, Drew Haddad, was a seventh-round NFL Draft pick by the Buffalo Bills back in 2000. But Cody’s game stands on its own.
According to recruiting analyst Allen Trieu, Haddad projects as a safety at the college level, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a do-it-all defender with the kind of instincts that can’t be taught.
He’s physical in the run game, comfortable in man coverage, and has the speed to close on the ball - no surprise given his track background. Trieu also noted Haddad’s ball skills, which stem from his experience playing receiver in high school.
Right now, he’s listed at 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, and while he’ll need to bulk up to thrive in Iowa’s physical system, the tools are clearly there.
What’s especially interesting is how Haddad fits into a broader trend in Iowa City this offseason. He’s now the fourth defensive back the Hawkeyes have brought in through the portal, joining Anthony Hawkins (Villanova), Tyler Brown (James Madison), and Xavier Styles (Robert Morris). It’s clear that Iowa is reloading its secondary with a mix of experience and upside.
Hawkins, for example, was an FCS second-team Freshman All-American last season and is expected to get reps at multiple spots - strong safety, free safety, and the hybrid “Cash” position that Iowa uses so effectively. Brown brings a proven track record as a starter, having held down the free safety role for all 14 games on a James Madison squad that reached the College Football Playoff. And Styles adds depth after two seasons at Robert Morris.
For Iowa, known for its disciplined, physical defense and knack for developing under-the-radar talent into NFL prospects, this group of transfers represents both a short-term boost and a long-term investment. Haddad may not have cracked the rotation at Ohio State, but in Iowa’s system - one that values versatility, intelligence, and toughness - he’s got a real shot to carve out a role.
This is a classic Iowa move: find a player with upside, grit, and the right mindset, and plug him into a development pipeline that consistently turns potential into production. The Hawkeyes didn’t get Haddad the first time, but they may have landed him at just the right moment.