The Iowa football program has traditionally had elite linebacker player under Kirk Ferentz, and that continued last season.
Even with some injuries to middle linebacker Jaden Harrell, it was a next-man-up mentality for Phil Parker's defense. Jayden Montgomery stepped in and the unit didn't skip a beat, and outside linebackers Jaxon Rexroth and Karson Sharar formed a formidable linebacking unit. Standout redshirt freshman Cam Buffington also made an immediate impact last season and is poised to lead the group this season.
With all the returning talent at linebacker, one first-year player has stolen some of the spotlight in camp.
First-year linebacker Julian Manson was labeled a 'future star' during fall camp
With Jayden Montgomery and Cam Buffington leading the charge, the Hawkeyes have multiple linebackers ready for expanded roles, including Landyn Van Kekerix, Derek Weiskopf, and Nolan DeLong, but one first-year running back has received a lot of praise throughout fall camp. Julian Manson was a highly sought-after in-state linebacker prospect from Iowa City West High School and has all the tools the program covets. Manson is the son of former Iowa quarterback and current director of player development, Jason Manson, and he is an extremely athletic and versatile prospect.
Manson starred as a linebacker and wide receiver for the Trojans last season, and is now turning heads before his first collegiate season with the Hawkeyes.
Among those who stood out today – DT Bryce Hawthorne (96) & MLB Cam Buffington. Secondary looks excellent. Spoke with Reese Morgan, longtime DL coach – and he was very complementary of freshman Julian Manson – thinks he is a future star. pic.twitter.com/Usksvs0Gca
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026
During the Big Ten Network's stop in Iowa City, Dan Revsine chatted with longtime Iowa DL coach Reese Morgan, who was widely considered one of the best amateur coaches in football before joining the Hawkeyes. Morgan was reportedly very complimentary of Manson and made a bold assertion that Manson is a "future star." That is high praise coming from one of the best in the business, but all signs point to his assessment being dead on.
Before committing to the Hawkeyes, Rivals ranked Manson as a four-star prospect and Iowa's No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class. He was a two-way star for the Trojans, racking up 867 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns, while also adding 86.5 total tackles on defense. Iowa loves recruiting legacy and in-state prospects, and Manson has all the makings of being the next great linebacker from the state of Iowa.
If Manson lives up to his immense hype, the Hawkeye defense will be even more formidable, and Parker will already have his linebacker of the future waiting in the wings. It is currently unknown how much of an impact Manson will make in his first season, but all signs point to him having some kind of role in his first season with the program.
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