As winter winds down and college football programs gear up for spring workouts, Iowa is already laying the groundwork for its future-well into the future. The Hawkeyes have never been a program that casts a wide net when it comes to recruiting, especially at offensive skill positions. Instead, they’ve built their identity on precision: identifying the right players who fit their system and culture, and then developing them with care.
That approach has paid off, particularly in the trenches and at tight end, where Iowa has become something of a factory. The 2026 recruiting class is a reflection of that philosophy, with three of the team’s seven four-star commits anchoring the offensive line.
But while the 2027 class is still in its infancy with just three early pledges, the Hawkeyes aren’t waiting around. They’re already pushing into the 2028 cycle-and they’ve got their eyes on one of the most intriguing young receivers in the country.
Enter Maximus Curry.
Yes, the name sounds like it belongs on a movie poster, but the sophomore wideout from Battle Ground Academy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is starting to back it up with production and potential. Iowa extended an offer to Curry as part of its early push into the 2028 class, joining a growing list of Power Four programs that have already taken notice.
Curry announced his Iowa offer on social media, and it’s clear the Hawkeyes are making a strong impression. According to Hawk Central, Curry mentioned that Iowa is “pretty high” on his list, crediting the coaching staff for their consistent and genuine recruitment. That’s no small thing in a landscape where attention can be fleeting and relationships matter more than ever.
Standing out in a crowded field won’t be easy. Curry already holds offers from Clemson, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Purdue, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, among others. That list is only going to grow as more coaches dive into his film and see the numbers he put up this past season.
And those numbers? They’re eye-popping.
In just 14 games as a sophomore, Curry racked up 1,404 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns for Battle Ground Academy. That kind of production, especially at his age, is what gets recruiters moving-and fast.
He’s not ranked yet in the 2028 class, but that’s a formality. With his size, speed, and route-running polish, he’s already playing like a prospect well beyond his years.
There’s also a bit of a connection here. Battle Ground Academy is the same high school that produced former Iowa quarterback C.J.
Beathard. That’s not to say it gives the Hawkeyes a major edge, but it doesn’t hurt when a school has already seen one of its own go on to play in Iowa City and make it to the NFL.
For Curry, the decision won’t come down to the biggest name or flashiest brand. He’s said he’s looking for a program that can develop him and build a strong relationship-a place where he feels seen and supported.
That’s where Iowa has a real shot. The Hawkeyes have built their success on development, especially with players who might not be five-star headliners on signing day but turn into NFL-caliber talent by the time they leave.
Make no mistake: Iowa will have to fend off some heavy hitters to land Curry. But they’re in the race early, and they’re doing the right things to stay in it. For a program that prides itself on identifying and nurturing talent before the rest of the country catches on, Maximus Curry could be the next big find.