Iowa Football Secures Top Nebraska, Iowa Defensive Back Commitments for 2026

The Iowa football program has been actively building its 2026 recruiting class, adding both scholarship and preferred walk-on commitments, particularly focusing on defensive backs. Omaha North's Darion Jones, a highly rated cornerback from Nebraska, committed on a scholarship, while in-state defensive back Eli Robbins from Norwalk, Iowa, accepted a preferred walk-on offer after considering several Division I and other opportunities. Robbins is a versatile athlete who contributed significantly on defense, special teams, and offense in high school, showcasing skills that might be utilized beyond defense at Iowa. He joins fellow defensive backs Marcello Vitti and Ronnie Hill in Iowa's 2026 class, which is ranked No. 43 nationally by 247Sports. Meanwhile, Iowa State is preparing for the 2025 season with optimism, expecting a potential boost on defense from transfer Tamatoa McDonough, who led the Ivy League in sacks last year and could help improve their pass rush deficiencies. Overall, the Hawkeyes are strengthening their defensive backfield with a mix of scholarship and walk-on talent, while Iowa State looks to bolster its defensive line with experienced transfers.