Iowa made a major splash early in the offseason, reeling in one of the most productive backs in the country: L.J. Phillips Jr., the FCS All-American from South Dakota.
If you're wondering just how impactful this addition could be, consider this - Phillips didn’t just lead the FCS in rushing this season, he did it by nearly 100 yards. That’s not just dominance, that’s separation.
Phillips racked up a staggering 1,921 yards on 294 carries, averaging a robust 6.5 yards per touch. That kind of efficiency over that kind of volume?
It speaks to a back who can handle the workload and still deliver chunk plays. He wasn’t just padding stats against soft competition either - he tore through the Missouri Valley Football Conference, one of the toughest leagues in the FCS, home to powerhouses like North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and 2025 national runners-up Illinois State.
Phillips didn’t just lead the MVFC in rushing - he ran away with it by nearly 600 yards.
And it wasn’t just yardage. Phillips found the end zone 19 times on the ground, tying him for sixth nationally in rushing touchdowns.
He also showed he can be a factor in the passing game, hauling in 28 catches for 195 yards and a score. That kind of versatility makes him a valuable weapon in any offensive system.
When he hit the portal, Phillips drew serious attention. Programs like Penn State and Iowa were reportedly in hot pursuit, and after taking an official visit to Iowa City, he decided to roll with the Hawkeyes. It’s a big win for a program looking to revamp and reload on offense.
Phillips arrives with two years of eligibility and joins a running back room that’s still in good shape despite some offseason departures. Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr. have moved on, but the Hawkeyes still have Kamari Moulton, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil in the mix. With Phillips now in the fold, Iowa suddenly has a feature back who brings proven production, physicality, and a nose for the end zone.
For a team that has built its identity around defense and a grind-it-out offensive style, adding a player like Phillips could be a game-changer. He’s not just a transfer - he’s a tone-setter.