The Iowa Hawkeyes are wasting no time building momentum for their 2027 recruiting class-and they’re doing it with a strong in-state foundation. Three homegrown talents are already on board: four-star athletes Jaxx DeJean (Odebolt) and Gavin Stecker (Bettendorf), along with three-star Braylon Bingham (Pleasantville). That’s a solid start, and the Hawkeyes are looking to keep that pipeline flowing.
Now, they’ve got their eyes set on another big piece: offensive lineman Will Slagle out of Grinnell. Slagle, a four-star prospect in the 2027 class, is set to visit Iowa on January 19.
This visit comes at a key moment. Slagle had previously committed to Iowa State, but after Matt Campbell left Ames for the head coaching job at Penn State, the door reopened-and Iowa’s stepping through it.
Slagle’s recruitment has become one of the more intriguing storylines in the early stages of the 2027 cycle. He’s got the kind of frame and physical tools that scream Big Ten trench warfare-standing 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 280 pounds. He’s the type of interior lineman who can anchor a line for years, and he fits the mold of what Iowa has traditionally developed so well: tough, technically sound, and nasty in the run game.
According to 247Sports, Slagle is currently rated as the No. 1 overall prospect in Iowa, the No. 10 interior offensive lineman nationally, and the No. 197 player in the entire 2027 class. Rivals slots him slightly differently, ranking him as the state’s No. 3 prospect, the No. 20 interior offensive lineman, and No. 316 overall. Either way, he’s a top-tier talent with a high ceiling.
This recruitment is more than just about adding another name to the commit list. For Iowa, it’s about reclaiming a top in-state player who fits their identity perfectly. Slagle has the potential to be a tone-setter on the offensive line, the kind of guy who could step in and contribute early if he chooses to don the black and gold.
The visit on January 19 could be pivotal. If Iowa can lock in Slagle, it would mark another big win in what’s shaping up to be a strong in-state haul for the 2027 class-and a statement that the Hawkeyes are staying aggressive on the trail, especially when it comes to keeping top talent close to home.