Spring is in the air, and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement for Iowa football fans. The buzz around the 2026 team just got a little louder with a new commitment that's sure to stir up some anticipation.
Meet Jake Thies, a promising three-star defensive back from Oak Park, Illinois, who’s decided to don the black and gold of the Hawkeyes. Announcing his commitment on Saturday morning via X, Thies chose Iowa over a slew of Division I offers, including those from Illinois, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Northwestern.
Standing at 6-foot and weighing 185 pounds, Thies hails from Fenwick High School and has been turning heads with his versatile play. His stock skyrocketed following a standout performance in last season's State Championship game, where he racked up 18 tackles and snagged an interception. And he didn’t stop there-Thies also contributed 161 yards of total offense and two touchdowns, showcasing his knack for being a game-changer.
Thies is the fourth recruit to join Iowa's 2027 class, alongside fellow three-star talents Gevin Stecker, Jaxx DeJean, and Braylon Bingham. It's still early days, but head coach Kirk Ferentz and his team are piecing together a class that’s shaping up to be something special as they gear up for another thrilling season of Hawkeye football.
With Thies on board, the future looks bright for Iowa, and fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.