Multiple FCS Transfers Shining at Iowa this Spring

Head coach Kirk Ferentz rarely competes against the nation’s elite for top recruits. Instead, he finds players that perfectly fit his system and program. That philosophy has worked for almost 30 years in Iowa City.

Over the last few years, he has transferred that mentality into the transfer portal, where the Hawkeyes scour the lower levels for talent. That scouring resulted in several FCS signees during the offseason, many of whom are already impressing this summer.

WR Tony Diaz (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)

The skinny: Diaz has consistently taken first-team reps during the spring, as he has quickly emerged as a primary receiving target. While his stature won’t intimidate opponents (5-foot-11, 176-pounds, he has shown an impressive ability to make contested catches.

WR Evan James (Furman)

The skinny: Iowa’s offense is never seen as a vertical passing offense, but James brings breakaway speed that has been lacking. As a former FCS freshman All-American, James brings versatility to an offense that needed an influx of speed.

DT Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross)

The skinny: Stevenson has taken first-team reps during the spring after arriving in Iowa City as a known run-stopper. The veteran, with 32 games and 26 starts under his belt, will play an important role in the Hawkeyes’ defense this season.

RB L.J. Phillips Jr. (South Dakota)

The skinny: While Iowa returns Kamari Moulton to their backfield, Phillips will be an important part of the Hawkeyes’ running game in 2026. At 5-foot-9, 225-pounds, he is a battering ram of a back who was a first-team FCS All-American in 2025 after rushing for 1,921 yards and 19 touchdowns.

DE Kahmari Brown (Elon)

The skinny: He has rotated between first and second-team reps this spring as he adjusts to defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s complex defensive system. Even if he doesn’t start, his pass rushing talents will get him on the field early and often this fall.

S Anthony Hawkins (Villanova)

The skinny: Hawkins is in a battle for a starting spot with another transfer, Tyler Brown from James Madison. At 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, his length and ranginess gives him the versatility to line up at either safety spot, making him a valuable asset to the secondary.

DT Emmanuel Olagbaju (North Dakota)

The skinny: Currently working with the second-team defense, Olagbaju has immediately added necessary interior size to the defensive line. While he likely won’t start, he has the potential to be a key rotational piece.