Iowa Adds Two In-State Football Walk-Ons

The Iowa Hawkeyes have strengthened their 2026 football recruiting class by adding in-state standouts Isaiah Oliver and Noah Daniel as preferred walk-ons. Oliver, son of former Iowa point guard Dean Oliver, excelled as a receiver, kick returner, and multi-sport athlete, turning down several FCS scholarship offers. Noah Daniel, who previously committed to South Dakota State, brings defensive strength and special teams impact with 56.5 tackles and three kick return touchdowns last season. These additions signal Iowa's focus on boosting offensive depth while maintaining defensive excellence. Meanwhile, Iowa State lost top recruit Jett Thomalla to Alabama but continues to target new quarterback and tight end prospects to bolster their top-35 class. On the national recruiting front, USC and Ohio State are competing for elite prospects, with edge rusher Kevin Ford rescheduling his visit to Ohio State and New Jersey's Luke Wafle trending toward USC.