Iowa Basketball Recruiting: Hawkeyes Zero In on Key 2027 Prospects in Latest Rankings Update
The 2027 recruiting cycle is heating up, and Iowa head coach Ben McCollum and his staff are making their presence felt. With 247Sports rolling out its updated rankings, several of Iowa's top targets are climbing the charts-and the Hawkeyes are right in the thick of it.
Let’s break down where Iowa’s key prospects stand and how the staff is positioning itself in this crucial class.
Cayden Daughtry - 5⭐ PG, No. 18 Overall, No. 4 at Position
Daughtry is the crown jewel of Iowa’s 2027 board-and for good reason. He’s a dynamic, high-IQ point guard with elite handles and playmaking instincts that make him one of the most sought-after players in the country. Iowa is battling heavy hitters like Michigan, Florida State, and Miami (FL) for the Florida native, but the Hawkeyes aren’t backing down.
Assistant coaches Josh Sash and Luke Barnwell have been front and center in this recruitment. The duo, along with Bryston Williams and McCollum himself, made the trip to Florida in the fall to meet with Daughtry, and Barnwell has been tracking him closely with recent live evaluations.
Daughtry’s game has drawn early comparisons to Trae Young-and while it’s always tricky to throw out superstar comps, there’s no denying his flair and floor vision are special. He’s a maestro with the ball, and Iowa is going all-in to land him.
Jaxson Davis - 4⭐ PG, No. 40 Overall, No. 11 at Position
Next up on Iowa’s point guard wish list is Illinois standout Jaxson Davis. The Gurnee Warren product was Mr. Basketball in Illinois as a sophomore, and he’s drawing interest from Big Ten rivals like Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, and Northwestern.
Iowa hosted Davis for an unofficial visit in the fall, and assistant coach Connor Wheeler is spearheading the recruitment. Davis turned heads during U16 EYBL play, averaging 15 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds while knocking down 37% from deep.
He’s not the tallest guard, but Davis plays with pace, poise, and purpose. He’s a true floor general who can break down defenses, score at all three levels, and create for others. His growing range and mid-range touch make him a tough cover, and he’s only getting better.
Donovan Davis - 4⭐ F, No. 42 Overall, No. 7 at Position
Iowa has been aggressive in its pursuit of Freedom (Wis.) forward Donovan Davis. The 6-foot-8 prospect has already made three unofficial visits to Iowa City, including two game days and a fall trip to spend more time with the team.
The Hawkeyes are in a competitive battle here, with Wisconsin, Marquette, Iowa State, and Nebraska all in the mix. Assistant coach Josh Sash is leading the charge, and McCollum has also made the trip to see Davis in action.
Davis brings a versatile skill set to the table. He can operate in the post, step out to the perimeter, and defend multiple positions.
He’s a willing role player who prides himself on doing the dirty work, but he’s also got polished footwork and a developing offensive game. His size, motor, and two-way potential make him a strong fit in Iowa’s system.
Jack Kohnen - 4⭐ G/F
Another Wisconsin prospect drawing Iowa’s attention is Slinger wing Jack Kohnen. A sharpshooter with size, Kohnen is considered one of the top perimeter threats in the class. He recently squared off against AAU teammate Donovan Davis in Milwaukee, with Iowa staff in attendance.
Kohnen is being recruited by Wisconsin, Marquette, Iowa State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, and has an offer from Indiana. He’s a smooth, confident shooter who’s hitting over 50% from beyond the arc in EYBL play. But he’s more than just a sniper-he rebounds, moves the ball well, and has the size to slide into a small-ball four role if needed.
He’s building a strong case for national rankings consideration, and Iowa is keeping a close eye on his development.
Chase Richardson - 4⭐ PG, No. 85 Overall
Richardson is another name to watch in Iowa’s point guard search. The Texas native made an unofficial visit to Iowa this fall, and the Hawkeyes have remained a consistent presence in his recruitment. Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Minnesota are also involved, but assistant coach Luke Barnwell has helped keep Iowa firmly in the mix.
Richardson is an electric playmaker with a quick first step, creative handle, and excellent vision. He plays with swagger, can whip passes with either hand, and has no problem pulling up for jumpers or attacking the rim. He brings energy and athleticism to the backcourt and fits the mold of the modern lead guard.
Jimmy McKinney Jr. - 3⭐ PG, No. 111 Overall
Don’t let the ranking fool you-McKinney Jr. has game. The St.
Louis native out of Vashon is a natural scorer with a killer pull-up game and a knack for delivering in clutch moments. He’s being recruited by St.
Louis, Northwestern, and Iowa, with assistant coach Connor Wheeler taking the lead for the Hawkeyes.
McKinney is tough, fast, and steadily developing as a playmaker. He’s got the tools to be a strong contributor in a power conference backcourt, and Iowa sees him as a potential fit in their system.
London Dada - 3⭐ F, No. 136 Overall, No. 34 at Position
A newer name on Iowa’s radar, Dada is an intriguing hybrid forward from Omaha Westside. The 6-foot-8 athlete has already made an unofficial visit to Iowa and is expected to return for an official. He’s long, fluid, and can shoot it from the wing-traits that fit the Hawkeyes’ vision for a modern stretch forward.
Creighton and Nebraska are also pushing hard for Dada, but Iowa’s staff sees real upside in his versatility and frame. He’s still developing, but the raw tools are there.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 class is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Iowa, and McCollum’s staff is making a strong early push. Whether it’s high-upside guards like Daughtry and Davis, versatile forwards like Donovan Davis and Dada, or sharpshooters like Kohnen, the Hawkeyes are casting a wide but focused net.
With multiple visits logged and evaluations ongoing, Iowa is putting itself in position to land impact players who could help shape the future of the program. The next few months will be critical-but the groundwork is being laid.