Even though Iowa has struck out in the transfer portal through the early stages of the window, the program received huge news on the recruiting trail.
While the program is not in full roster rebuild mode, there is definitely a sense of urgency to add more talent to the roster before next season.
The Hawkeyes have three total meetings scheduled over the next few days, but there hasn't been any concrete momentum in signing transfers.
As the transfer portal chaos continues, the Hawkeyes at least got some good news on the recruiting front.
Dynamic scoring prospect Payton Starwalt has Iowa in her top 10
It is not very often that you come across a prospect who can light it up from anywhere on the court, but that is exactly what 2027 prospect Payton Starwalt can do.
She is coming off a historic junior season for West Albany High School in West Albany, Oregon, and even without an official offer from the Hawkeyes, she has the program in her top 10.
so grateful for it all 🙌❤️ pic.twitter.com/fgIFPBY7Gn
— Payton Starwalt (@starwalt_payton) April 7, 2026
It is baffling that Iowa has not given Starwalt an offer, and that has to change quickly with everything she can do.
Starwalt averaged 26.8 points per game on 57 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc last season. She also added 6.4 assists and a ridiculous 3.1 steals per game.
During her record-setting junior season last year, Starwalt guided the Bulldogs to an Oregon Class 5A state championship, knocking down an Oregon state record 136 three-point baskets.
Iowa currently has guard Jada Seubert as its only commit in the 2027 class, and Starwalt has to be a priority for the program. She does everything on the court, and what she brings to the table offensively makes her a dream fit for whatever program she commits to.
A Seubert-Starwalt pairing would vault Iowa back into contention and has the potential to be one of the best backcourts in all of women's college basketball.