Iowa Targets Rising In-State Star With Rare Two-Sport Potential

As Iowa Football builds momentum on the recruiting trail, Kirk Ferentz is eyeing a rising Texas standout whose talents extend well beyond the gridiron.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are picking up serious steam on the recruiting trail, and the early signs for the 2027 class suggest they’re building something with real staying power.

It all kicked off when in-state linebacker Gavin Stecker gave his verbal commitment, becoming the first pledge of Iowa’s 2027 recruiting cycle. A four-star prospect out of Bettendorf, Stecker’s decision gave Iowa an early anchor - and a strong one at that. His commitment sent a clear message: Iowa’s not waiting around to make its mark in this class.

Since then, the Hawkeyes have been busy. Offers have gone out to several key targets, including a pair of rising running backs out of Texas - SaRod Baker and Jeremiah Dent - both three-star talents with upside. It’s clear Iowa’s staff is casting a wide net early, and they’re not afraid to go deep into talent-rich territory to find the right fits.

But one of the most intriguing moves came just recently, when Iowa extended an offer to Bryant Robinson, a multi-sport standout from Frisco Lone Star High School in Texas. Robinson isn’t just a football player - he’s a legitimate two-sport athlete, starring on both the gridiron and the hardwood.

And he’s not just dabbling, either. He’s a three-star prospect in both sports, and he’s already drawing serious attention from some of the nation’s top programs.

Robinson announced his Iowa offer on social media, and it didn’t take long for fans to start buzzing. The 6-foot athlete has already pulled in offers from Clemson, LSU, and Oklahoma - programs that don’t throw out scholarships lightly. Some of those schools are even open to letting him play both football and basketball at the next level, which speaks volumes about his athleticism and versatility.

On the football field, Robinson has already made a name for himself as a sophomore. In 2024, he was named Texas District 5-5A Division I Newcomer of the Year after racking up 21 tackles and defending 10 passes as a cornerback. That kind of production - especially in a state like Texas, where high school football is practically its own religion - is no small feat.

According to 247Sports, Robinson currently ranks as the No. 61 overall prospect in Texas, the No. 43 cornerback nationally, and the No. 431 player in the entire 2027 class. Those numbers tell part of the story, but the tape and the raw athletic profile fill in the rest. He’s twitchy, instinctive, and has the kind of ball skills that can’t be taught.

For Iowa, this is the kind of player that fits perfectly into what defensive coordinator Phil Parker looks for. Parker has built a reputation - and a resume - on developing defensive backs who play with discipline, physicality, and a chip on their shoulder. Robinson has all the tools to thrive in that system, and if he ends up in Iowa City, he could be the next in a long line of Hawkeye DBs to make a name for themselves on Saturdays.

It’s still early, but Iowa’s showing they’re not just waiting for talent to come to them - they’re going out and finding athletes who can elevate the program. And if the early returns from the 2027 class are any indication, the Hawkeyes are laying the groundwork for another strong cycle.