The Iowa Hawkeyes are making waves in the transfer portal once again, embracing the modern approach to college football roster building. This strategy has paid dividends in the past, with the successful recruitment of players like linebacker Nick Jackson and quarterback Mark Gronowski.
Now, as they gear up for the 2026 season, the Hawkeyes have scored big by adding All-American running back L.J. Phillips, formerly of the South Dakota Coyotes.
Phillips, who led the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing with an impressive 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns, is being hailed as Iowa's top transfer portal acquisition this offseason. His stats don't just jump off the page-they leap. With 6.5 yards per carry and a knack for finding the end zone, Phillips is set to make a significant impact on the Hawkeyes' offense.
In 2025, Iowa posted a solid 9-4 record, going 6-3 in the Big Ten. Now, with Phillips in the mix, they're looking to elevate their game even further.
Standing at 5-9 and weighing 225 pounds, Phillips is a powerhouse. His debut last season saw him rush for a staggering 301 yards, and he didn't stop there, racking up eight more 100-yard games.
Phillips brings not just talent but also experience, joining a backfield already brimming with potential. He'll be teaming up with Kamari Moulton, Iowa's leading rusher from last year, and promising sophomores Xavier Williams and Nathan McNeil. This trio combined for 454 yards and three touchdowns, averaging over 5.2 yards per carry, setting the stage for a formidable ground attack.
With Phillips in the fold, the Hawkeyes' running game looks poised to be a force to be reckoned with, giving Iowa a dynamic offense to rally around as they aim for another successful season.