While the window for most players to enter the transfer portal has officially closed, Iowa isn’t done working the phones and watching the tape. The Hawkeyes have already landed commitments from 13 transfers this cycle, but they’re still on the hunt - particularly for defensive help. And now, they’ve got their eyes on a young prospect with Big Ten roots and NFL bloodlines.
Former Ohio State defensive back Cody Haddad is reportedly visiting Iowa as the Hawkeyes continue to evaluate portal talent who entered before the January 16 deadline. According to ESPN’s Max Olson, Haddad is lining up visits with several schools, including Iowa, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Texas A&M.
Haddad is an intriguing prospect. A three-star recruit out of St.
Ignatius High School in Cleveland, he initially committed to Wisconsin before flipping to Ohio State as part of the Buckeyes' 2025 class. While he redshirted his freshman season and didn’t see the field in Columbus, there’s still plenty to like about his potential - especially for a program like Iowa that thrives on developing defensive talent.
What makes Haddad stand out isn’t just his pedigree - though that certainly doesn’t hurt. His father, Drew Haddad, played wide receiver at the University of Buffalo before stints in the NFL with the Bills and Colts. Cody’s background, combined with his high school film, gives coaches a foundation to work from, even without college game reps.
For Iowa, this would be another move in a clear trend. The Hawkeyes have been aggressive in shoring up their defense through the portal, already adding seven defensive players this cycle. With a system that values discipline, physicality, and smart football, Iowa has a track record of turning under-the-radar prospects into impact players - especially on defense.
If Haddad does end up in Iowa City, he’ll bring three years of eligibility to the table, with the option for a fourth thanks to his redshirt year. That gives the Hawkeyes time to mold him into a contributor, whether as a depth piece early on or a future starter down the line.
The portal may be closed, but for Iowa, the work continues - and Cody Haddad could be the next piece in their defensive puzzle.