When you think of Iowa Hawkeyes Football in recent years, what comes to mind is their standout defenses and special teams. The common sentiment around Kirk Ferentz’s squads has been that a top-tier quarterback could be the missing piece to clinch the Big Ten title, given the solid foundation already in place.
Enter Jake Nawrot, the Illinois native who's making waves as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class. Thanks to some family connections, the Hawkeyes might just land their elite quarterback. Jake's father, Paul Nawrot, donned the Hawkeyes jersey as a linebacker from 1995 to 1997, giving Iowa a unique edge in this recruiting battle.
On Monday, Rivals updated their recruiting rankings, with Jake Nawrot now sitting as the 32nd best player nationally. If he finishes in the top 32, he’ll earn the prestigious 5-star recruit status. Steve Wiltfong of Rivals has already made a bold prediction, suggesting that Jake Nawrot is likely to choose Iowa.
Typically, you wouldn’t expect the Hawkeyes to be in the mix for such a high-caliber quarterback. However, the familial ties give Kirk Ferentz and his team a significant advantage.
Securing Nawrot would be a game-changer for Iowa, opening a window for the team to seriously contend in the Big Ten. While there’s still work to be done to seal the deal, landing Nawrot could transform the Hawkeyes’ future prospects.