Nebraska made waves in the transfer portal this cycle, bringing in a strong group of additions that should bolster Matt Rhule’s roster heading into next season. But even with 17 portal commits already locked in, there’s one name that slipped through their fingers - former Ohio State safety Cody Haddad.
Haddad entered the portal late, just ahead of the deadline, giving programs only a narrow window to make their pitch. Nebraska showed interest, but with their transfer class already nearing capacity, it’s possible the timing just didn’t work in their favor. And in the fast-paced world of the portal, sometimes that’s all it takes.
On Wednesday night, Haddad made his decision - he’s heading to Iowa. That’s a win for the Hawkeyes and a late miss for the Huskers.
Haddad’s journey is one of those second-chance stories that college football fans have grown accustomed to in the transfer portal era. Coming out of high school as a 3-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, he had no shortage of interest.
Ohio State, Missouri, Michigan State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Iowa were all in the mix. Ultimately, he chose the Buckeyes but didn’t see the field during his time in Columbus.
Now, with a fresh start on the table, it’s Iowa that gets to cash in on that early recruiting interest. For the Hawkeyes, this isn’t just a depth move - it’s a meaningful addition to a defense that needed reinforcements.
While neither Iowa nor Nebraska cracked the top tier of portal rankings this cycle, the context matters. According to 247Sports, Iowa’s transfer class was sitting at No. 65 before Haddad’s commitment.
Nebraska, by comparison, was ranked No. 36.
That gap highlights just how much more Iowa stood to gain from a player like Haddad.
Matt Rhule has been clear about his approach - he’s not chasing stars, he’s chasing fit. And that philosophy has guided Nebraska’s portal strategy from the jump.
But even with that mindset, Haddad’s decision to go with a division rival stings a little. He was a player the Huskers clearly liked, and one who could’ve helped shore up their secondary.
For Iowa, this is a savvy pickup. Haddad brings Power Five pedigree, versatility in the defensive backfield, and a chip on his shoulder after not seeing action at Ohio State. In a Big Ten that continues to evolve with realignment and rising competition, every roster move counts.
This one could prove to be a quiet but important win for the Hawkeyes.