Iowa’s linebacker room already looks loaded, but one first-year name has started to separate himself from the pack in fall camp: Julian Manson.
The Hawkeyes have plenty of familiar talent back in the mix. Jayden Montgomery is set to play a bigger role after stepping in last season when middle linebacker Jaden Harrell dealt with injuries.
Cam Buffington, a standout redshirt freshman, is also in position to lead the group. Add in names like Landyn Van Kekerix, Derek Weiskopf and Nolan DeLong, and there’s no shortage of options for Phil Parker’s defense.
Still, Manson has become one of the most talked-about players in camp.
A highly regarded in-state prospect out of Iowa City West High School, Manson arrived with a reputation for athleticism and versatility. He’s also carrying a familiar football name. He is the son of former Iowa quarterback and current director of player development Jason Manson, and he spent last season starring on both sides of the ball for the Trojans as a linebacker and wide receiver.
That two-way skill set showed up in his high school numbers. Before signing with Iowa, Rivals had Manson as a four-star prospect and the Hawkeyes’ No. 3 overall recruit in the 2026 class.
On offense, he posted 867 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he piled up 86.5 total tackles.
The praise he’s drawing now has been strong enough to turn heads. During the Big Ten Network’s stop in Iowa City, longtime Iowa defensive line coach Reese Morgan was asked about Manson and didn’t hold back, calling him a “future star.” Dave Revsine also noted that Morgan was very complimentary of the freshman after watching camp.
That kind of label means something coming from Morgan, and it adds to the buzz around Manson as Iowa continues sorting out its linebacker depth. The Hawkeyes have long built a reputation for elite play at the position under Kirk Ferentz, and that has continued with the group returning this season.
What Manson’s role will be right away is still unclear. But the early signs suggest he won’t be waiting long to make his presence felt. The possibility of him carving out some kind of role in year one is very much on the table, and if he keeps flashing the way he has in camp, Iowa may already have its linebacker of the future in the wings.
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