Iowa beats out Big Ten rivals in battle for intriguing RB recruit

Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes have picked up an important recruiting win on the 2027 recruiting trail.

Keyon Thomas is a three-star running back from Indianapolis, Indiana, and he's one of the top recruits in the region. Playing high school ball for Warren Central High, Thomas rushed 168 times for 1,337 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior.

He was strongly considering the Michigan State Spartans as well as the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Cincinnati Bearcats and UConn Huskies were in the running, too.

Ultimately, though, the vibes in Iowa City were what he was looking for. He took an official visit this past weekend, and it just made sense.

“What made them right for me, I think it was just the campus itself,” Thomas told Rivals. “The people there, when you go to Iowa if you come around the campus they’re like the NFL team. I love how close-knit the fans and school are. The coaching staff are close connected."

Keyon Thomas wants to be the next great RB for the Iowa Hawkeyes