The Iowa Hawkeyes are laying the groundwork for their 2027 recruiting class, and on Tuesday night, they took a meaningful step forward by extending an offer to one of the Midwest’s most intriguing young athletes.
Justin Johnson, a three-star prospect out of Evanston Township High School in Illinois, announced he’s received an offer from Iowa. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Johnson brings a blend of size, speed, and versatility that’s hard to ignore - and clearly, the Hawkeyes aren’t the only ones who’ve taken notice.
Johnson is a true two-way player at the high school level, but most projections see his future on the defensive side of the ball, likely in the secondary. And it’s not hard to see why. He’s got the length and athleticism that college coaches love in a modern defensive back, and his track and field background only adds to the profile - he’s not just fast, he’s explosive.
The offer from Iowa adds another layer to what’s already shaping up to be a competitive recruitment. Johnson currently holds 12 Division I offers, including several from within the Big Ten.
Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers, and Washington are all in pursuit, making this a true conference battle. And with Iowa now officially in the mix, the race for Johnson’s commitment just got even more interesting.
According to 247Sports, Johnson ranks as the No. 10 player in the state of Illinois - a significant distinction in a region that consistently produces high-level talent. His high school tape shows a player who can cover ground quickly, make plays on the ball, and deliver hits with authority. Whether he’s locking down receivers or breaking up passes, Johnson plays with a confidence and physicality that jumps off the screen.
For Iowa, this offer is part of a broader push to build out its 2027 class, which currently features three commits. While it’s still early in the cycle, the Hawkeyes have been aggressive in identifying and targeting prospects who fit their mold - tough, athletic, and coachable players who can develop into impact contributors. Johnson checks all those boxes.
If Iowa can land him, it would be a major win for a program that’s quietly putting together a class with plenty of upside. Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions, combined with his athletic ceiling, makes him a potential difference-maker at the next level. And in a Big Ten landscape that’s only getting more competitive, securing players like Johnson is exactly how you stay in the fight.
Bottom line: Iowa’s offer to Justin Johnson isn’t just another name on the board - it’s a calculated move for a player who could be a foundational piece of the Hawkeyes’ future.