Iowa's transfer portal strategy has been crystal clear: bolster the defense.
The Iowa program has traditionally had a strong defense under Kirk Ferentz, and with that in mind, it has been aggressively pursuing transfer portal talent to strengthen that area.
Through the first five days of the transfer portal window, the Hawkeyes have signed five players, three of whom play on the defensive side of the football.
Defensive back Anthony Hawkins (Villanova), defensive tackle Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross), and edge rusher Kahmari Brown (Elon) have all committed to the Hawkeyes, strengthening some key areas of need on the defense.
With the focus primarily on the defensive side of the football, the Hawkeyes got some great news from a potential transfer who was a staple of the Memphis Tigers secondary this season.
These 6 schools currently stand out the most for former Memphis Defensive Back Chris Bracy (@ChrisBracy_3), he tells me.
— JGPCFB (@jgpvisuals) January 6, 2026
The 6'1", 195 lb DB totaled 81 tackles, (48 solo), 9 pass deflections, 1 interception & 1 ff this past season with the Tigers.
Where should he go? pic.twitter.com/mLHHAAL1EO
According to JPG Visuals, productive defensive back Chris Bracy said the Iowa program has stood out to him early in his recruitment.
Bracy was very productive in the Memphis secondary last season, compiling 81 total tackles (48 solo, 33 assisted), nine passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.
With Koen Entringer potentially leaving the program after entering the transfer portal, Bracy makes a lot of sense for the Hawkeyes.
Bracy is a great choice to replace Entringer
The Memphis Tigers had a solid 8-5 (4-4 American) record this season, even though they finished with a 31-7 loss to NC State in the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl.
The Tigers had a top-100-ranked defense this season in all of college football, finishing the 2025 season ranked No. 60 overall.
Memphis' defense was better against the run (No. 42 overall) than the pass (T-No. 84) this season, but Bracy played a critical role for the Tigers' secondary.
Bracy ranked No. 3 on the Tigers' defense in total tackles (81), No. 1 in passes defended (9), and tied for No. 2 with one interception.
For comparison, Entringer ranked No. 3 on Iowa's defense in total tackles (73), No. 5 in passes defended (4), and did not register an interception.
Bracy is a one class below Entringer as a sophomore, and was slightly more productive last season.
If the Hawkeyes are looking for a potential replacement for Entringer, Bracy should be near the top of the list of choices.